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

This role requires extensive cross-functional collaboration with Process Development, Manufacturing ... Strong understanding of upstream, downstream, fill-finish, or related manufacturing processes.

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 ยท 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 ...

Global Head of Drug Substance

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$251K - $307K/yr

Broad experience across the full process development cycle, including synthetic route scouting, salt selection, upstream and downstream process optimization, and evaluation of process alternatives ...

Global Head of Drug Substance

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$251K - $307K/yr

Broad experience across the full process development cycle, including synthetic route scouting, salt selection, upstream and downstream process optimization, and evaluation of process alternatives ...

Global Head of Drug Substance

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$251K - $307K/yr

Broad experience across the full process development cycle, including synthetic route scouting, salt selection, upstream and downstream process optimization, and evaluation of process alternatives ...

Showing results 41-60

Upstream Process Development information

See Boston, MA salary details

$20

$28

$40

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in upstream process development?

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 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 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 are common upstream process development jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, process engineer, and bioprocess development specialist. These positions focus on optimizing cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processes to improve product yield and quality, often requiring knowledge of bioreactor operation, cell biology, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process modeling, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What is an upstream process development job?

An upstream process development job involves designing, optimizing, and scaling the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation processes. Professionals in this role typically work with bioreactors, laboratory equipment, and process analytical tools to improve yield and quality of biological products. Strong knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering is essential, along with adherence to regulatory standards.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,916 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Fermentation Sr. Scientist

Boston Institute of Biotechnology

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

$110 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

About the Job Position Summary

Sr. Scientists at BIB are highly motivated individuals who work as supervisor/project leads for one or more relevant projects, and mentor the involved junior scientists or associates. Through significantly contributing to the operation of BIB and to defining the direction of growth of BIB, the Sr. Scientists at BIB are among the core members who significantly influence the performance and growth of BIB.

Bilingual required (Mandarin Chinese)

Must be able to travel to biomanufacturing site in Shanghai, CN

Responsibilities
  • As a Fermentation Scientist, provide technical expertise and leadership in planning, designing, and conducting microbial fermentation experiments, analyzing data and documenting results towards development and optimization upstream processes and/or achieving goals for cross functional development teams
  • Provide technical expertise and leadership in the technological innovative efforts of the relevant project teams
  • Supervise setup, operation, and routine maintenance of fermenters. Monitor processes to ensure consistency and reliability
  • Work independently, analyze and interpret experimental data, and present/document experimental results at meetings. Provide reports and prepare scientific presentations as needed. Write/revise batch records and technical reports
  • Collaborate with colleagues overseas, on one or multiple projects.
  • Play a lead role in maintaining group awareness of relevant scientific literature and new technologies. Participate in/lead the evaluations of new technologies and their potential applications and business impacts. Maintain substantial knowledge of stateโ€‘ofโ€‘theโ€‘art principles and theories and contribute knowledge base through literature review, conferences attendance and publication
  • Provide technical coaching (matrix management) of and motivate junior staff members to high performance by providing mentoring, training, and appropriate supervision in process development activities
  • Participate in management in terms of resource planning, project management, etc.
  • Troubleshoot equipment and processes
  • Ensure and promote safe environmental and laboratory practices
Qualifications
  • Ph.D./MS/BS degrees in biology, biochemistry, biomedical/biochemical engineering, or related fields
  • Ph.D. with โ‰ฅ5 years or Masterโ€™s with โ‰ฅ8 years or Bachelorโ€™s with โ‰ฅ10 years of experience in upstream bioprocess related process development, scaleโ€‘up and tech transfer to cGMP manufacturing facility in biotechnology, pharmaceutical or related environment
  • Excellent knowledge and experience in microbial fermentation process development, process scaleโ€‘up, scaleโ€‘down, and tech transfer. Experience in designโ€‘ofโ€‘experiment and excellent ability to analyze and interpret data collected
  • Good knowledge/experience of cGMP working environment
  • Strong technical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the good ability to develop creative solutions to challenging problems
  • Proven strong ability to work in a fastโ€‘paced environment with demonstrated capacity to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands
  • Strong teamwork/collaboration spirits and good ability to communicate appropriately and effectively
  • Proactive attitude to learn new technologies and manage changes in process development and process scaleโ€‘up
  • Client focused, results oriented, and science and innovation driven with good financial awareness
  • Advanced written skills
  • Attention to detail, and the ability to multitask
  • Proficient with the use of MS Office software (MS Excel, MS Word, MS Powerpoint) and statistical DOE software including JMP, Minitab, Design Expert etc)
  • Flexible and results oriented
  • Willing to work overseas in Shanghai for 1-2 month durations

Salary Range: $110,000 โ€“ $130,000

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