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Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive ... scientists and engineers building Numat's current and next-generation products. The work is ...

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive ... scientists and engineers building Numat's current and next-generation products. The work is ...

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Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$19

$34

$51

How much do associate downstream process development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate downstream process development scientist in Chicago, IL is $34.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $42.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist?

An Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist is a professional who works in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, focusing on developing and optimizing processes that purify biological products, such as proteins or antibodies, after they have been produced by cells. Their work is crucial for ensuring the final product meets quality and safety standards before it is used in research or clinical applications. They typically perform laboratory experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with other scientists and engineers to improve yield and efficiency. This role is often entry-level or early-career, providing hands-on experience in process development and technical troubleshooting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist, and why are they important?

To excel as an Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist, you need a solid understanding of biochemistry, chemical engineering, and downstream purification techniques, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a life science or engineering discipline. Familiarity with chromatographic systems (such as AKTA), filtration equipment, and analytical tools, as well as knowledge of GMP/GLP regulations, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you navigate complex experiments and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure efficient process optimization, compliance with regulatory standards, and successful development of biopharmaceutical products.

What is the difference between Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist vs Associate Upstream Process Development Scientist?

AspectAssociate Downstream Process Development ScientistAssociate Upstream Process Development Scientist
Primary FocusPurification and recovery of bioproductsCell culture and fermentation processes
Required SkillsProtein purification, chromatography, filtrationCell culture, bioreactor operation, media preparation
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, bioreactor labs
Common CertificationsBiotech or bioprocessing certificationsBiotech or bioprocessing certifications

Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical development, focusing on different stages of the production process. The Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist specializes in purification techniques, while the Associate Upstream Process Development Scientist concentrates on cell growth and fermentation. Understanding these distinctions helps candidates target their skills and career paths effectively.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist, and how can they be addressed?

Associate Downstream Process Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing purification processes, troubleshooting equipment performance, and ensuring batch-to-batch consistency. These challenges can be addressed by maintaining meticulous documentation, collaborating closely with upstream and analytical teams, and staying current with best practices in chromatography and filtration. Proactively seeking feedback from experienced colleagues and participating in cross-functional meetings can also help in identifying solutions and improving process efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist job openings:

R&D Process Development Engineer

Numat

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Summary
Title: R&D Process Development Engineer
Location: Chicago, IL
Compensation: Competitive salary and equity package
Benefits include: Family Health, Dental, Vision; Flexible PTO, FSA Benefits, 401K Savings Plan, Paid Parental Leave, and Long-term Disability Insurance
Reports to: R&D Director
The Company
Numat is a global leader in the field of precision chemistries. Numat's solutions are changing the way industries around the world capture and separate hazardous chemicals that negatively impact human health and the environment.
Numat has been at the forefront of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) research and production for over a decade, and is the first company to successfully commercialize MOFs. The company's world-class platform integrates MOFs into existing products and processes, merging chemistry innovation with manufacturing at industrial scale.
Through bold and transformative chemistry, Numat helps its global customers and partners make meaningful progress toward their net zero and innovation objectives. Be a part of something bigger, join our team.
Position Overview
This is an early-career R&D role for an engineer who wants to learn how new materials become real products - by owning problems and solving them. You'll join our development group, working across both of our technology areas - fabrics and adsorbents - alongside the scientists and engineers building Numat's current and next-generation products.
The work is experimental at its core. You'll design and run experiments and DOEs that reduce product and process variability, work out how process settings and raw-material variation drive each product's critical quality attributes (CQAs), and help carry our technology from lab and pilot scale toward robust, repeatable processes ready for commercial production.
You'll work hands-on with our pilot and process equipment. Expect to design experiments, run the equipment, interpret the data, and build the technology transfer packages that carry your findings forward.
Responsibilities
You will work on a varied set of instrumentation/projects and have a diverse set of responsibilities including:
Design and run experiments that move the technology forward
  • Plan, design, and execute experiments and DOEs that reduce product and process variability across fabrics and adsorbents.
  • Develop and mature our processes from lab and pilot scale toward robust, repeatable commercial production; contribute to demonstration runs and process-capability assessment.
  • Identify sources of variation, form and test hypotheses, and drive corrective and improvement actions.
  • Analyze the data and turn it into clear conclusions - including how process settings and raw-material variation drive each product's critical quality attributes (CQAs): the few measurable properties that determine whether the product performs.
  • Help define and hold the process windows and specifications that keep output consistent.
  • Document processes and findings so they transfer cleanly out of R&D and into manufacturing.

Run the pilot line equipment
  • Support running Numat's pilot processing equipment - the pilot spunbond and pilot meltblown nonwoven lines and the lamination machine - including setup, development runs, changeovers, and routine adjustments.
  • Support producing in-house nonwoven and laminated material on this equipment for current- and next-generation development.
  • Cut, prepare, and condition swatches and test articles to defined, repeatable methods.
  • Run our in-house performance proxy test; capture, record, and report results cleanly.
  • Perform small-scale lamination property testing, and prepare and support material for pilot and external production runs.

Manage samples, data, and inventory
  • Prepare, document, and ship samples to external testing partners, and receive and reconcile samples coming back from external trials.
  • Build and improve the workflows, data capture, and methods that make the group's development work faster and more repeatable.
  • Enter test and run data accurately and on time so the engineers and technologists work from clean information.

Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in chemical, materials, or mechanical engineering, or a related physical science; recent graduate or early-career (~0-5 years).
  • R&D experience highly preferred - an internship, co-op, or industry role in a research & development or product/process development environment, where you designed experiments and learned from the results.
  • Demonstrated self-direction - clear evidence you've owned something end to end (an internship or capstone project, something you built, a problem you chased without being told to).
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a working foundation in statistics, DOE, or data analysis.
  • Genuine interest in hands-on experimental work - comfortable on the floor around process equipment, not only at a desk.
  • A clear communicator who documents and organizes work well, with good judgment about when to decide and when to ask.
  • Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Exposure to any of: nonwovens, textiles, membranes, lamination, or coating; or particle/granulation, chemical synthesis, or adsorbent materials.
  • Familiarity with DOE / data-analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP, Python).
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to external production and testing partners.

Work Authorization
This position is not eligible for immigration support now or in the future (including filing employment-based visa petitions or permanent residence sponsorship).
NOTE: NO AGENCIES
Numat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or an unfavorable discharge from military service. We at Numat are committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.