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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 ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

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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All JobsUpstream Process Development JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs in Boston, MA

Upstream Process Development information

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$28

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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 job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Boston, MA 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:
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 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,916 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Engineer, Biologics Purification, Upstream/Downstream/Tech Transfer - Remote (JP15407)

Engineer, Biologics Purification, Upstream/Downstream/Tech Transfer - Remote (JP15407)

3 Key Consulting

Cambridge, MA • On-site, Remote

$34 - $37/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Engineer, Biologics Purification, Upstream/Downstream/Tech Transfer - Remote (JP15407)
Location: Cambridge MA, Remote
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: Drug Substance Technology Engineering Group
Duration: 1+ years with possible extensions and/or conversion to permanent
Posting Date: 5/21/2026
Pay Rate: $34 - $37/hour W2
Notes: Remote (Any TZ - Local to Cambridge, MA is highly preferred.
3 Key Consulting is hiring an Engineer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Job Description:
Seeking a Process Development Engineer to join the Drug Substance Technology Engineering team at our client Cambridge site. Providing strong process engineering/ technology transfer support of human therapeutic drug substance products in clinical development through commercial production. Our mission is to translate developmental processes to commercial reality for patients through scientific expertise and engineering innovation. Knowledge of processes/equipment; scale-up factors, process deviations, quality attributes. GMP experience is a plus.
The Engineer will apply upstream and downstream process engineering knowledge in support of technology transfer and clinical/commercial drug substance manufacturing in both stainless and single-use formats. Will partner with manufacturing, quality, analytical, and bench scientists to support a highly dynamic technology transfer.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under guidance of senior staff, the Engineer will perform the following:
  • Transfer processes for drug substance manufacturing and translate process improvements from the laboratory into manufacturing facilities
  • Provide technical support for successful scale-up, transfer of process technology, and for clinical and/or commercial manufacturing operation. Experience is technical report writing an expectation.
  • Assist in troubleshooting clinical and commercial runs
  • Execute data trending and statistical process analysis
  • Support technical direction for process-related deviations, CAPAs, and change controls
  • Identify and support process-related operational excellence opportunities
  • Represent process development and collaborates with other functions such as Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory.
  • Experience related to Process characterization for manufacturing of biologics highly preferred. This includes technical support for authoring and review of process characterization reports.

Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree and 2 years of Engineering or Operations experience
Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of Engineering or Operations experience
Associate’s degree and 7 years of Engineering or Operations experience
High school diploma / GED and 8 years of Engineering or Operations experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master’s Degree in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering
  • 2+ years of Process Engineering experience preferably related to downstream/ purification of commercial cGMP manufacturing facilities
  • Background in biologics technology transfer into commercial facilities, new product introductions (NPIs)
  • Biologics purification process knowledge: Knowledge of upstream ( cell culture/bioreactor operations) or purification processes (chromatography, viral filtration/inactivation, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, and final fill. )/ equipment; scale-up factors, process deviations, quality attributes
  • Strong analytical capability, troubleshooting, and problem solving
  • Independently motivated with ability to multi-task and work in teams, especially if remote or hybrid.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with technical writing and presentation experience. Experience in PC documentation, report reviews and technical writing preferred.
     
Top Must Have Skills:
  • Cell culture experience, Purification /downstream experience, process characterization experience
  • Nice to have:
    Monoclonal antibodies or mAbs 
    manufacturing or on floor support 

Day to Day Responsibilities:
Assist senior staff in technical writing, process tech transfer, data monitoring
Red Flags:
No experience, not enough experience in biopharma or biotech, no experience in cell culture/upstream, purification/downstream or technical report writing
Interview process:
Teams interview. Screening 30 minute Microsoft team's interview with me. Second round- Team's interview 30 minute each approximately with 3 other team members.
We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to resumes@3keyconsulting.com.  If you decide that you’re not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.