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Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

... developed process to GMP manufacturing. A Scientist is a mid-level individual with understanding of cell/molecular biology and previous experience in either upstream or downstream biopharmaceutical ...

Development Scientist

Malvern, PA · On-site

$76K - $88K/yr

Establishes Manufacturing processes and Quality Control (QC) procedures for new products ... Immunoassay development and manufacturing experience * Technical problem-solving skills and ...

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Downstream Process Development Scientist information

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process development scientist in Philadelphia, PA is $39.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $46.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a downstream process development scientist?

To thrive as a Downstream Process Development Scientist, you need expertise in biochemistry, chemical engineering, and purification techniques, typically supported by a relevant science degree or higher. Experience with protein chromatography systems, filtration equipment, and data analysis software is highly valued, along with familiarity with GMP and regulatory requirements. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication are key soft skills for this position. These competencies are crucial for optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring the successful scale-up of biologic products in a collaborative environment.

What typical challenges might a downstream process development scientist encounter in their daily work?

Downstream Process Development Scientists often face challenges related to optimizing purification processes to achieve high yield and product purity, while maintaining efficiency and scalability. They may need to troubleshoot issues with chromatography, filtration, or product stability, sometimes under tight timelines. Working closely with cross-functional teams—including upstream development, quality control, and manufacturing—is common for resolving complex technical problems. Adaptability and continuous learning are important, as methods and equipment may evolve based on project needs and technological advancements.

What is a downstream process development scientist?

A Downstream Process Development Scientist is responsible for developing and optimizing processes to purify biological products, such as proteins, antibodies, or vaccines, after they are produced in upstream bioprocessing. They work with techniques like filtration, chromatography, and centrifugation to refine and scale up purification methods for manufacturing. Their role involves ensuring product quality, improving yields, and troubleshooting any processing challenges. Scientists in this field collaborate with cross-functional teams, including upstream development, analytical sciences, and manufacturing, to ensure efficient and scalable bioprocesses.

What are the most commonly searched types of Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Philadelphia, PA? The most popular types of Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
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Infographic showing various Downstream Process Development Scientist job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $81,151 per year, or $39 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Viral Downstream Process Development

Dispatch Bio

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

The role:

The Principal Scientist will serve as the downstream processing expert working closely with CDMOs to generate lentivirus and adenovirus products.  Reporting into the Senior Director of Process Development, this individual will also be responsible for building out the internal downstream purification capabilities within process development to support scale up and scale down.

Key responsibilities:

  • Oversee planning and execution of tech transfers, development and scale up of viral products being manufactured at CDMOs
  • Serve as the downstream subject matter expert on both internal and external (CDMO, equipment suppliers, etc.) teams
  • Build out internal downstream capabilities by identifying/procuring scale down models for process development
  • Design and execute studies to identify critical process parameters and optimize process setpoints across the clarification, Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF), chromatography and sterile filtration steps
  • Responsibility for execution, data review, analysis, and maintaining accurate and detailed lab notebooks
  • Author and review technical documents, including but not limited batch records, SOPs and development reports and process-specific sections of regulatory documents.
  • Represent the company externally at meetings (professional associations, with regulatory bodies, etc.)
  • Work cross-functionally with analytical development, research and development, program management to advance clinical programs

Required experience & skills: 

  • MS or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or related discipline
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience with downstream purification process development in the biopharma industry
  • Experience directly managing a team
  • Technical experience with downstream unit operations including clarification, TFF, chromatography, sterile filtration and formulation
  • Experience with scale up and scale down of purification processes
  • An understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements for biopharmaceuticals
  • Strong organizational & problem-solving skills, with the proven ability to collaborate in a dynamic team environment
  • Strong scientific reasoning, problem-solving, and applied statistics skills, including the ability to break down complex problems into manageable hypotheses
  • Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and data analysis/presentation software such as JMP and/or GraphPad
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and planning skills, strong work ethic and the desire to work in a flexible and fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Preferred experience & skills: 

  • Experience with Quality by Design (QbD) approach to drug development including risk assessments, Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical methods
  • Experience drafting CMC sections for INDs
  • Experience with technology transfers to external manufacturing facilities

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