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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Make your mark for patients The Gene Therapy Vector Core group is seeking a Scientist II in Upstream Process Development and Bioprocess Analytics team to support genetic medicine projects and AAV ...

Make your mark for patients The Gene Therapy Vector Core group is seeking a Scientist II in Upstream Process Development and Bioprocess Analytics team to support genetic medicine projects and AAV ...

Process Engineer II

Framingham, MA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

OR a Master's degree with a minimum of 1+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, process engineering, or process development. * Familiarity with upstream and/or downstream bioprocess ...

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Upstream Process Development information

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Boston, MA is $28.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.58 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of Upstream Process Development, senior roles such as Director or Vice President can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills in biopharmaceutical or biotech industries. High compensation is often associated with managerial responsibilities, strategic decision-making, and overseeing large teams or projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Upstream Process Development, and why are they important?

Success in Upstream Process Development requires a strong background in biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often with an advanced degree and experience in cell culture or fermentation techniques. Familiarity with bioreactors, process control systems, and analytical instrumentation, as well as knowledge of cGMP regulations, is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for optimizing processes and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure efficient development of scalable production processes, maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance.

What are common upstream jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, bioprocess engineer, and fermentation scientist. These positions focus on developing and optimizing the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, often requiring knowledge of cell culture, bioreactor operation, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process analytical technology, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

In upstream process development, senior roles such as Process Development Managers, Principal Scientists, and Regulatory Affairs Directors often have salaries exceeding $100,000. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive industry experience, and expertise in bioprocessing, quality control, or regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Upstream Process Development vs Downstream Process Development?

AspectUpstream Process DevelopmentDownstream Process Development
FocusDevelopment of cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processesPurification, filtration, and formulation of bioproducts
Skills & CredentialsBioprocess engineering, molecular biology, biochemistryBioprocessing, chromatography, analytical chemistry
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioreactors, pilot plantsPurification facilities, labs, quality control
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturingBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing

Upstream Process Development focuses on creating and optimizing cell culture and fermentation processes to produce bioproducts. In contrast, Downstream Process Development involves purifying and finishing these products. Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and require similar scientific backgrounds, but they specialize in different stages of bioprocessing.

What is upstream process development?

Upstream process development involves designing and optimizing the initial stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation, to produce target biological products. It requires knowledge of bioprocessing, cell biology, and often involves working with bioreactors and process control systems to ensure consistent, high-quality output.

What are some common challenges faced in upstream process development and how do teams typically address them?

One of the main challenges in upstream process development is optimizing cell culture conditions to consistently achieve high yields and product quality. Teams often encounter variability in biological systems and must troubleshoot issues such as contamination, scale-up inconsistencies, or nutrient limitations. Collaboration with analytical, downstream, and quality teams is essential to identify root causes and implement solutions. Regular data review meetings, cross-functional problem-solving, and continuous process improvement are standard practices to ensure robust upstream processes.
What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development jobs in Boston, MA? For Upstream Process Development jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,916 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Principal Scientist, Drug Substance Process Development & Manufacturing (mAB development focus)

Principal Scientist, Drug Substance Process Development & Manufacturing (mAB development focus)

Generate Biomedicines

Somerville, MA • Hybrid

Other

Posted yesterday


Job description

The Role: 

We are seeking a Principal Scientist, DS Process Development & Manufacturing, to join our growing Drug Substance group at Generate:Biomedicines. This role will support monoclonal antibody (mAb) drug substance development with a strong MS&T focus, bridging process development, scale-up, tech transfer, and GMP manufacturing execution. The position offers broad exposure across upstream and downstream operations, CDMO management, and quality systems.

Here's how you will contribute:

  • Support Drug Substance process development and manufacturing activities (e.g., upstream expression, purification, UF/DF, viral clearance)
  • Design and execute scale-up, process characterization, and PPQ-enabling studies
  • Own tech transfer and support GMP campaigns at CDMO (person-in-plant support as needed)
  • Review and/or author GMP documentation including batch records, change controls, deviations and CAPAs
  • Provide technical leadership for GMP manufacturing, including troubleshooting and data-driven decision making
  • Partner cross-functionally across CMC, QA, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to drive program execution
  • Drive continuous process improvement and process robustness initiatives
  • Leverage AI-driven tools for knowledge management and data analysis to enable efficient and scalable CMC workflows

The Ideal Candidate will have:

  • PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field with relevant industry experience in biologics manufacturing
  • 5-8 years of industry experience in Drug Substance process development and/or GMP manufacturing in a biotech/pharma setting
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to analyze complex technical data
  • Excellent communication and strong technical writing skills
  • Experience working with CDMOs, supporting tech transfer, and regulatory submissions
  • Hands-on experience with GMP documentation (eg: executed Batch Records) and quality systems (deviations, change control, CAPA)
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programs and collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams.
  • Familiarity of regulatory issues pertaining to the manufacture of biologics, process validation, QbD principles and industry trends

Nice to Have (Optional)

  • Experience supporting BLA/IND submissions.
  • Exposure to accelerated development environments for early to late-stage program transitions

Location: This role is based out of Somerville, MA with flexibility for hybrid work (1-2 days a week in the office).

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative biologics at a company transforming medicine through Generative Biology. At Generate Biomedicines, you'll work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to support the delivery of high-quality Drug Substance for clinical programs. You'll gain or broaden your exposure to late-stage CMC activities, collaborate with leading CDMOs, and play a key role in ensuring robust documentation and data integrity for products that matter to patients.

About Generate Biomedicines

We are a clinical-stage generative biology company pioneering the AI revolution in drug design and development. We are advancing a new approach to drug creation-one grounded in the ability to design proteins with defined biological intent. By integrating machine learning with large-scale experimentation, this approach aims to reduce the uncertainty, time, and cost associated with developing protein-based medicines.

Founded in 2018, we are advancing a growing pipeline of clinical and preclinical programs across multiple disease areas and protein modalities. By unifying computational design and clinical development within a single operating model, we translate this approach into clinical-stage programs and are leading a shift from traditional drug discovery toward systematic drug generation.

At Generate:Biomedicines, we collaborate across disciplines in new ways to invent and innovate. We bring diverse perspectives to a shared goal of delivering better medicines to patients in need, faster, guided by our values and leadership behaviors.

Generate:Biomedicines is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Generate:Biomedicines does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Generate:Biomedicines or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Company's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Generate:Biomedicines and the Company will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

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