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Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Clarksburg, MD

Develop downstream (purification) processes, under the supervision of a project lead scientist, for ... Coordinate with project management to ensure development milestones and study deliverables are met ...

... processes to manufacturing. BPE is also responsible for producing development drug substance ... Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) in scientific, engineering or related field.

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Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist information

See Clarksburg, MD salary details

$19

$34

$51

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate downstream process development scientist in Clarksburg, MD is $34.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.51 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Clarksburg, MD?

The most popular types of Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Clarksburg, MD are:

What cities near Clarksburg, MD are hiring for Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs?

Cities near Clarksburg, MD with the most Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist job openings in Clarksburg, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 84% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $72,216 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Sr. Scientist (Downstream Process Development)

Kelly Services

Gaithersburg, MD

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Kelly Government Solutions is a strategic supplier and business partner to the federal government and its key suppliers.  Through our partnership with the National Institutes of Health, Kelly Government Solutions offers administrative, IT, engineering, scientific, and healthcare professionals the opportunity to work with the leading medical research center in the world.  We have an opening for a Senior Scientist (Downstream Process Development) to work on-site at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Gaithersburg, MD.
This is a long-term contract position which offers:
-    Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit package
-    Optional health, vision, and dental plans
-    Paid leave as well as 11 paid federal holidays and 401K plan.  
-    Access to NIH’s unparalleled resources and niche scientific initiatives
KEY TASKS
(1) Oversee the development of downstream processes for clinical candidates and the process of tech transfer for clinical material generation
(2) Provide project support to develop downstream process methods that meet the product quality and recovery characteristics to guarantee successful production of clinical material.
(3) Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in guiding purification strategies for new vaccine or therapeutic mAb candidates 
(4) Work with regulatory team to support IND submissions and other requests. 
(5) Oversee viral clearance strategies in relevant downstream processes and direct the viral clearance validation efforts 
(6) Plan and oversee downstream processes for toxicology lot material production. 
(7) Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure timely and scale-appropriate Technology Transfer is achieved
(8) Write/edit/review tech transfer documents to support downstream process Master Batch Record authoring.
(9) Serve as SME in downstream troubleshooting and facility fit calculations. 
(10) Serve as the Center’s downstream SME in external collaborations for clinical development projects
(11) Work to troubleshoot and improve downstream methods during the development cycle. This includes efforts in designing optimization studies (DOE with JMP) and streamlining efforts to ensure timely development schedules
REQUIREMENTS
(1) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field
(2) Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with recombinant protein purification development for GMP clinical-phase products
PLEASE APPLY ONLINE
When you apply, please know a Kelly Government Solutions Recruiter will review your resume and will contact you directly, if your skills and experience match the requirements of this position; a full job description can be made available at that time.
Due to the high volume of inquiries, we regret that we cannot accept phone calls. Even if you aren’t contacted for this position, you are still part of our talent network.  All Kelly recruiters have access to your profile, which expands your opportunities even further.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, short-term disability, and a transportation spending account. In addition, this position offers employees the ability to earn up to 160 hours of paid time off annually and eleven paid holidays per benefit year. We also offer a generous defined 401(k) contribution to help you save for retirement. Visit https://www.mykelly.us/us-mykelly/perks/ for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
#government
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Government Solutions?

Looking to connect with premier government agencies or the top 25 federal government contractors? Kelly Government Solutions partners with these organizations to create expert talent solutions that solve the world’s most critical challenges. We offer a variety of full-time, project (SOW), seasonal, and surge support opportunities in science, engineering, technology, professional, and administrative support roles. Our experts will connect you to the opportunity that fits your schedule and interests and handle the details of transferring and processing all levels of security clearances. It’s just another way we make the job search work for you.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.