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Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

... Development. * Applies knowledge of process and utility systems to make recommendations to improve ... Knowledge of upstream and/or downstream process equipment and associated utility systems.

New

... Development. * Applies knowledge of process and utility systems to make recommendations to improve ... Knowledge of upstream and/or downstream process equipment and associated utility systems.

New

Biologist (50849)

Gaithersburg, MD Β· On-site

$92K - $102K/yr

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$19

$34

$51

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

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate downstream process development scientist in Silver Spring, MD is $34.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.56 and $42.74 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 Silver Spring, MD?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,427 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Process Development Associate II (Downstream) *PC 415

Gaithersburg, MD β€’ On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform downstream operations independently or with minimal supervision.

  • Prepare materials such as buffers, packed columns, and filters to support downstream activities.

  • Execute experiments designed by senior team members and document results thoroughly.


Job description

Your Role:
This position is primarily responsible for performing routine tasks related to the development of site-specific products and/or processes with limited supervision. This position will also support the technical needs of the department as they relate to site specific products and/or processes. Duties and level of responsibility will be based on previous experience and demonstrated ability to provide consistent results.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Responsible to perform downstream operations independently or with minimal supervision.
  • Responsible for preparing necessary materials (buffer, packed columns, filters) in support of downstream activities.
  • Execute experiments, with minimal supervision, designed by senior team members.
  • Responsible for the proper use of equipment and perform cleaning of the equipment as required.
  • Maintain complete and detailed lab notebooks and other documentation.
  • Contribute to evaluation and implementation of process improvements (process troubleshooting, evaluating new methods, techniques).
  • Participate in department and team meetings and reports on status.
  • Assist and may independently execute assays to characterize processes such as (ELISA, qPCR, ddPCR, Flow Cytometry, SDS-page, Western Blot, Total protein and DNA,etc...).
  • Complete Purchase Order requests and restock supplies as needed to maintain inventory of critical reagents and materials, may be required to work cross-functionally.
  • Train junior team members in all aspects of current responsibilities, with direction from senior team members.
  • May assist in the development of manufacturing documentation with limited scope, and full oversight from senior team members.
  • As needed, support and perform necessary operations to manufacture materials needed for commercial and collaborator evaluation and pre-clinical studies, including assembly and sterilization of single-use materials.
  • Assist on projects of moderate scope, with execution of pre-defined test variables supervised.
  • Perform necessary operations to maintain laboratory infrastructure.
  • Carry out tasks in support of on-going experiments and runs in PD.

Requirements:
  • Degree in the life sciences with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Scientific understanding of protein purification technologies and ability to learn and explore new approaches to improve existent processes. Understand and apply scale-up principles and strategies.
  • Experienced in protein and/or viral particle purification methods that include cell culture supernatant harvest and clarification, column/membrane chromatography (AEX, CEX, affinity, HIC, mixed-mode, and SEC), filtration technologies (UF/DF, Dead-end, etc.)
  • Experience with operating AKTA Systems or similar chromatography systems.
  • Prepare solutions required for production
  • Perform lab-scale and/or pilot-scale experiments to support process development and optimization of different unit operations (filtration, chromatography)
  • Interact with upstream and analytical functional teams to determine appropriate method for protein purification
  • Actively engage in scientific and technical discussions
  • Draft and execute SOPs, BPRs
  • Superb documentation and organizational skills, often providing summaries and generating development reports
  • Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products
  • Experience with late-stage product development as well as the statistical design of experiments is a plus
  • Experience with upstream techniques and performing analytical assays is a plus
  • Experience with QbD and JMP software is a plus

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; use hands or finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The employee is required to stand; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must have ability to handle more than one task at a time and must work at a rapid pace while maintaining attention to detail.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This job is performed in a temperature-controlled facility without exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Generally, this job is performed in a sanitized laboratory setting and routinely uses standard medical and research equipment such as centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, microscopes, incubators, pipettes and computers. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to blood, viruses (e.g., HIV-1), bacteria, body fluids and/or other tissues which may be infectious and have the potential to cause disease. Employees entering and leaving the laboratory must wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment such as scrubs, coveralls, masks, face shield, glasses and gloves. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The hiring range for this position is expected to fall between $42.99/hr - $50.60/hr, reflecting the range candidates can reasonably expect to be considered for at time of offer, based on factors such as experience, internal equity, and qualifications.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of considerations, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, specialization, skills, abilities, and training. The above range represents the Company's good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition to your salary, the Company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan. All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Certain positions may also be eligible for additional compensation such as bonuses or commissions.
Miltenyi Biotec is an EO Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
Miltenyi Biotec, Inc. participates in E-Verify.
The Company will provide reasonable accommodations to candidates and employees, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company, in accordance with applicable law.
Are you ready to start revolutionizing biomedical research? When you join Miltenyi Biotec, you join a family that is passionate about making a real impact - one breakthrough at a time. For over 30 years, we have played a pivotal role in the design, development, manufacture, and integration of products for sample preparation, cell separation, cell analysis, imaging, and cell culture needs. These developments have led to cutting-edge cell and gene therapies - transformative methods that mobilize the body's own cells and genetic blueprint to tackle diseases such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Today, our more than 18,000 solutions play a vital role in paving the way for the medicine of tomorrow.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.