1

Upstream Process Development Jobs in Lowell, 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 ...

Global Head of Drug Substance

Cambridge, MA · 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 · 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 ...

Process Validation Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Process Engineer -- Upstream / Downstream / Clean Utilities (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement ... Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is ...

Showing results 21-40

Upstream Process Development information

See Lowell, MA salary details

$18

$26

$37

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Lowell, MA is $26.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.37 and $27.64 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 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 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 Lowell, MA?

For Upstream Process Development jobs in Lowell, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Lowell, MA are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near Lowell, MA with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Lowell, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,696 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Senior Engineer II, mRNA Process Development

Crispr Therapeutics

Boston, MA

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Company Overview

Founded over a decade ago,CRISPR Therapeuticsis a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. The Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY(exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world's first CRISPR-based therapy, approved for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia.CRISPR Therapeuticsis advancing a broad and diversified pipeline across hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular, autoimmune, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company continues to expand its leadership in gene editing through the development of SyNTase editing, a novel and proprietary gene-editing platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate and expand its impact,CRISPR Therapeuticshas established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, includingVertex Pharmaceuticals.CRISPR Therapeutics AGis headquartered inZug,Switzerland, with its wholly-ownedU.S.subsidiary,CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based inBoston, MassachusettsandSan Francisco,California.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Engineer II to join our Non-viral delivery technical development team. In this role, you will lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of robust manufacturing processes for our gene editing mRNA therapeutics. You will bridge the gap between research innovation and clinical development, utilizing your deep technical expertise in nucleic acid chemistry, enzymatic reactions, and purification methodologies. As a senior member of the team, you will drive technical strategy, mentor junior staff, and collaborate closely with research innovation, analytical development, and manufacturing operations to advance our pipeline.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of upstream and downstream unit operations for mRNA drug substance.
  • Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical analysis to systematically evaluate process parameters, improve yields, and ensure consistent product quality attributes.
  • Drive the tech transfer of developed processes to internal clinical manufacturing teams or external CDMOs.
  • Author clear, comprehensive technical reports, Standard Operating Procedures, batch records, and tech transfer documentation.
  • Provide on-the-floor technical support and troubleshooting during scale-up and GMP manufacturing runs.
  • Partner with analytical development to correlate process changes with mRNA quality attributes.
  • Mentor, coach, and guide research associates and engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing laboratory culture.
  • Represent the technical development function in cross-functional project teams and present data to senior leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline with 2-4.5+ years of industry experience; OR Non PhD and 10-12 years of relevant experience
  • Core mRNA Expertise: Hands-on, deep expertise in in vitro transcription (IVT) kinetics, plasmid DNA linearization.
  • Downstream Purification: Extensive experience with purification techniques including Tangential Flow Filtration and various chromatography modes (e.g., Affinity, IEX, RP-HPLC).
  • Equipment Proficiency: Experience operating automated chromatography systems (e.g., AKTA Avant/Pure) and filtration skids.
  • Data Analysis: Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) for DoE design and data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with mRNA-LNP formulation.
  • Familiarity with GMP regulations, Quality by Design principles, and preparing regulatory filing documentation.
  • Prior experience managing or directly mentoring junior researchers.

Competency

  • Collaborative - Openness, One Team
  • Undaunted - Fearless, Can-do attitude
  • Results Orientation - Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit - Proactive. Ownership mindset.

Due to the nature of their work, our manufacturing and lab-based positions are located fully on-site.

Senior Engineer II: Base pay range of $140,000 to $150,000+ bonus, equity and benefits

The range provided is CRISPR Therapeutics' reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, training, skills, and abilities.

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

To view our Privacy Statement, please click the following link: http://www.crisprtx.com/about-us/privacy-policy