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

Adecco

Research Associate I

Framingham, MA · On-site

$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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All JobsUpstream Process Development JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs in Lowell, MA

Upstream Process Development information

See Lowell, MA salary details

$18

$26

$37

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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, 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.
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:
Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Lowell, MA as of June 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.
Process Engineer - Biotech Downstream/Tech-Transfer (JP14390)

Process Engineer - Biotech Downstream/Tech-Transfer (JP14390)

3 Key Consulting

Cambridge, MA • On-site, Remote

$36 - $41/hr

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title:Process Engineer - Biotech Downstream/Tech-Transfer (JP14390)
Location:Cambridge, MA. 02138 / Hybrid or Remote
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit:Internal and External PE
Duration:1+ years (with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent)
Rate: $36 - $41/ hour W2 with benefits
Posting Date:08/14/2025
Notes:This position can be Hybrid or Remote. Standard Business hours.
Local to Cambridge MA or Thousand Oaks CA would be nice but not necessary.
3 Key Consulting is hiring anEngineerfor a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Ideal candidate: 3+ years of industry experience, comfortable presenting. Biologics/ drug substance purification experience required (Chromatography, filtration, UFDF unit ops) Knowledge of purification processes/equipment; scale-up factors, process deviations, quality attributes. GMP experience is a huge plus.
Job Description:
Seeking a Process Development Engineer to join the Drug Substance Technology Engineering team at our Cambridge site. Providing strong process engineering/ technology transfer support of human therapeutic 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.
The Engineer will apply 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 purification 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
  • 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
Top Must Have Skills: Downstream Process, Tech Transfer, Scale-up
Basic Qualifications:
Master degree OR Bachelor degree and 2 years of experience OR Associate degree and 6 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 8 years of experience
Red Flags:
Predominant Upstream, Analytical or Drug Product experience
Interview process:
1on1 teams and Panel interview.
We invite qualified candidates to sendyour resume toresumes@3keyconsulting.com. Ifyou decide that you're not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our websitewww.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to sharethis opportunity withanyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

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