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

Adecco

Research Associate I

Framingham, MA

$35 - $44/hr

Key ResponsibilitiesUpstream Cell Culture & Process Development * Plan and execute experiments to optimize upstream cell culture processes across multiple scales (shake flasks, AMBR systems, 3L/10L ...

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Upstream Process Development information

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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, 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 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 refers to the optimization and scaling of biological production processes that occur before product harvesting. This primarily involves the cultivation of cells or microorganisms to produce a desired product, such as a protein or antibody, in bioreactors. Scientists in this field work on improving cell lines, culture media, and fermentation conditions to maximize yield and quality. Upstream process development is a critical early phase in biomanufacturing, laying the foundation for downstream processing and overall production efficiency.

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.
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Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Boston, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 41% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,916 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Biologics Drug Product Process Development Scientist (Contract)

Biologics Drug Product Process Development Scientist (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Boston, MA

$55 - $60/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Vertex is seeking a Scientist to join our Process Development team to support the development and manufacturing of biologics drug products for our growing pipeline. The Vertex Process Development team offers a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment with a tremendous impact on our programs and for our patients. Our team focuses on bringing together the best process design, scale-up and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to enable the successful implementation of Biologics, Cell and Genetic therapeutics.  

The successful candidate will support the development and manufacturing of biologics drug products. The responsibilities include formulation development, primary container development, fill-finish process development, and technology transfer of manufacturing processes to CDMOs to support our clinical pipeline.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Support drug product development, process transfer, and scale-up activities.
  • Assess molecule developability and determine formulation screening strategies for biologics, ADCs and other biologics modalities.
  • Develop robust fill-finish manufacturing processes for liquid and lyophilized drug products in vials, pre-filled syringes and other novel primary packaging formats.
  • Establish preclinical and clinical dose preparation and administration protocols for drug products.
  • Analyze and trend stability data to understand product degradation pathways and inform development strategy.
  • Author and/or review technical protocols, reports, and documentaiton to support development activities and technology transfer.
  • Perform wet-lab activities as needed to support program objectives.
  • Located on-site at our Boston Seaport location.

Required Education:

  • Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, with 3-5 years of industry experience, or equivalent years of education and experience; a PhD with 1-2 years of industry experience, or equivalent years of education and experience.
  • Direct industry experience in biologics drug product development.

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Hands-on experience in formulation development for recombinant proteins, including antibodies, ADCs, and fusion proteins.
  • Experience developing stable, high-concentration liquid formulations and dosage forms for biologics.
  • Experience developing aseptic fill-finish manufacturing processes for biologic drug products in vial, pre-filled syringe, and cartridge formats.
  • Experience using analytical techniques to characterize physical and chemical properties of biologics.
  • Knowledge of cGMPs and regulatory guidelines for biologics.
  • Familiarity with biologics upstream and downstream processes.
  • Strong data analysis, technical writing, and scientific communication skills

Contract Length: 6 months with the chance to extend 


$55/hr. - $60/hr.


Monday - Friday


This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements

By applying for this position, you agree to the Atrium Terms and Conditions and you direct Atrium to share your application materials, which may include your CV/Resume, email address or phone number, with Vertex. For more information on how Vertex handles your personal data related to your job application, please see Vertex’s Careers Privacy Notice.   Agreeing to the Atrium Terms and Conditions, includes permission to use the email address and mobile phone number you provide during the application process or throughout the duration of your prospective or actual employment to notify you of job openings, profiles, articles, news, and other employment-related information, as well as to notify you of special promotions or additional products and services offered by us or our affiliates and partners

(collectively, “Atrium Alerts”). Atrium Alerts may be sent by email, phone, or text message. Your personal information will be safely stored within the Atrium & Vertex databases. Atrium does not sell your personal information to third parties. Text message and data rates may apply. To OPT OUT of text messaging or to modify your communication preferences for Atrium Alerts at any time, please contact Atrium at privacyadministrator@atriumstaff.com.

If you do not agree with the Atrium Terms and Conditions, you can still complete your application for this position by emailing your resume to our team at tempstaffing@vrtx.com. Please include the job title in the subject of your email.

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