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Downstream Process Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role OverviewThe Principal Engineer, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development, will be a key ... In collaboration with the Senior Leaders, CMC Project Manager, Project Leader, and other technical ...

This role will partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, Quality, and MSAT teams to analyze downstream purification process data, identify trends, optimize manufacturing performance, and ...

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Downstream Process Development Manager information

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$75K

$96.4K

$171.5K

How much do downstream process development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for downstream process development manager in the United States is $96,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $96,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a downstream process development manager?

A Downstream Process Development Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the development and optimization of downstream processes in biomanufacturing, particularly the purification and recovery of biological products after fermentation or cell culture. They lead teams in designing, scaling up, and validating processes such as filtration and chromatography to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance. These managers collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage timelines, and troubleshoot technical challenges to streamline production. Their role is critical in ensuring the efficiency and safety of biologic drug manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a downstream process development manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Downstream Process Development Manager, you need a solid background in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, often with an advanced degree and industry experience in bioprocessing. Expertise in chromatography systems, filtration technologies, and statistical process control tools, along with familiarity with GMP regulations, is critical. Strong leadership, project management, and cross-functional communication skills help drive innovation and team performance. These competencies ensure efficient process development, regulatory compliance, and successful scale-up of biomanufacturing operations.

What are common challenges faced by downstream process development managers, and how can they be addressed?

Downstream Process Development Managers often encounter challenges such as optimizing purification processes for yield and purity, scaling up from lab to production, and troubleshooting process deviations. Addressing these issues requires strong collaboration with upstream teams, analytical departments, and manufacturing. Staying current with emerging technologies, maintaining robust documentation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are key to successfully overcoming these hurdles and ensuring efficient process transfer to manufacturing.

What cities are hiring for Downstream Process Development Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Downstream Process Development Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Downstream Process Development jobs?

The most popular types of Downstream Process Development jobs are:

What states have the most Downstream Process Development Manager jobs?

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Infographic showing various Downstream Process Development Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,440 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Sr. Research Associate, Process Development Downstream

Tustin, CA • On-site

Avid Bioservices
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$72K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description
Looking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life-saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes.
Your Role:
The Senior Research Associate, Process Development Downstream will provide laboratory support for Process Development by leading in the downstream process and/or method development. The Senior Research Associate may be assigned various tasks within the department and outside the department as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and/or technical lead for downstream process development and purification of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and related biologics. Responsibilities include buffer formulation and preparation, chromatography process development and optimization, filtration development, and routine process execution.
  • Lead downstream process development studies, including chromatography screening, process optimization, and scale-up activities to support client programs from early development through commercialization.
  • Perform and oversee in-process and routine analytical testing to support downstream development activities, including protein concentration determination (A280), HPLC-based assays, and other relevant analytical methods.
  • Independently execute downstream unit operations using chromatography systems, filtration equipment, and associated process analytical tools with minimal supervision.
  • Support process scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing operations by developing robust buffer preparation strategies and downstream processing workflows suitable for pilot and GMP manufacturing environments.
  • Compile, analyze, interpret, and present experimental data. Author technical reports, development summaries, protocols, and client-facing documentation, and present findings during internal project reviews and client meetings.
  • Lead troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process performance, robustness, productivity, and scalability.
  • Contribute to the evaluation, implementation, and validation of emerging technologies, process analytics, laboratory automation platforms, and process intensification strategies to improve development efficiency.
  • Experience with laboratory automation, process intensification, process analytical technologies (PAT), high-throughput process development, and data analytics is highly desirable.
  • Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance across downstream process development activities.
  • Perform other duties and project-related responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 3-4 years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience, or a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
  • Candidates should possess a strong understanding of downstream processing principles, experimental design, data analysis, and bioprocess development methodologies.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This role is a full-time onsite position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday unless otherwise stated by Supervisor. The employee must also have the ability to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary.
Compensation:
We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
The compensation range for this role is $72,800 - $91,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Who you are:
  • You have a "bring it on!" team player approach and an unshakable positive attitude, always ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
  • Your written and verbal skills are out of this world, and you communicate with clarity and confidence.
  • You have exceptional multitasking skills and an unparalleled attention to detail that ensure the smooth running of everything.
  • You are a master at building relationships, capable of establishing connections with anyone, be it team members, clients, vendors, or suppliers.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 25 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting. Your visual acuity, including close, distance, and color vision, will be essential in navigating through the diverse day-to-day demands of this position.