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Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, 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 ...

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Associate Downstream Process Development Scientist information

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$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.

Biologist (50849)

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position Objective: Provide services as a Biologist in support of the overall functions of the Vaccine Production Program (VPP), Vaccine Research Center (VRC) within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Develop downstream (purification) processes, under the supervision of a project lead scientist, for recombinant proteins, virus vaccines, and virus-like particles (VLP) that may be used as clinical candidates.
  • Work collaboratively within the purification group to design, develop and optimize chromatography and filtration step unit operations to support process development of clinical trial vaccine candidates and mAb products.
  • Purify research-phase recombinant proteins, virus vaccines and/or virus-like particles in support of other groups or external collaborators.
  • Work to prepare necessary materials (buffers, packed columns, etc.) in support of downstream process activities.
  • Support technology transfer of processes to Lab’s Pilot Plant for manufacture of clinical product through document generation and on-site support.
  • Write and review technical protocols and reports.
  • Analyze and compile data, present at various group/department meetings.
  • Coordinate with project management to ensure development milestones and study deliverables are met in a timely manner
  • Work with VPP Data Science and Automation (DSA) group to create platform data analysis/visualization packages using Tableau or equivalent software
  • Support mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) program by designing and executing process development studies for mRNA-lipid nanoparticle encapsulation
    • Serve as SME with operation and optimization of microfluidic systems, e.g. Precision NanoSystem, Inc Ignite and Blaze, and/or Knauer NanoScaler Impingement Jet Mixers
    • Perform scale down and scale-up operations to support tech transfer to manufacturing and/or troubleshooting

Basic Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
  • 1-2 yr experience in recombinant protein purification development for GMP clinical-phase products.
  • Familiarity with computer software including word processing and data evaluation.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
  • Must be a team player who can effectively work with members from cross-functional departments.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff.
  • Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.   

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.