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Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role OverviewThe Principal Engineer, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development, will be a key ... The successful candidate will drive scientific excellence in scaling automation capabilities from ...

... Process Science & Validation Team. The Lu-SBP team leads and supports the development of new ... Summary: Performs downstream process development experiments and supporting activities, which ...

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process development scientist in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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Infographic showing various Downstream Process Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Advisor, Downstream Process Development - Viral Vectors

Eli Lilly and Company

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work-but it's work worth doing. If you're driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.
The Downstream Process Development team is seeking a highly motivated scientist to drive innovation in viral vector purification. The successful candidate will lead platform development to advance DSP capabilities for recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy products, supporting programs from early development through GMP manufacturing and regulatory submission; collaborating with Analytical Development, CMC Regulatory, and MFG to deliver robust, scalable and efficient manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and execute downstream process development experiments for AAV purification, including affinity capture, ion-exchange chromatography, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, viral filtration, and ultracentrifugation
  • Develop and implement novel AAV purification strategies; establish DSP operating principles and process understanding across diverse serotypes.
  • Develop and apply mechanistic chromatography models to predict column performance, guide operating condition selection, and accelerate scale-up decisions, enabling rapid initiation of new gene therapy programs.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream process development, analytical development, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and successful clinical manufacturing.
  • Present experimental findings at internal team meetings, cross-functional reviews, and external conferences; contribute to scientific publications and patent applications as appropriate.
  • Author and review technical documents including process descriptions, batch records, process characterization reports, and CMC sections of IND/BLA filings.
  • Mentor junior scientists, encouraging a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

Basic Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience in downstream process development for biologics or gene therapy products, OR M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Extensive hands-on experience with various protein purification techniques: chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, HIC) and membrane-based separations (UF/DF, depth filtration).
  • Proficiency in statistical design of experiments (JMP, Minitab) and data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with recombinant AAV or other viral vector purification (lentivirus, adenovirus).
  • Experience with automation platforms for HTP process screening
  • Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis, model implementation, and automation scripting
  • Knowledge of machine learning / multivariate analysis applied to bioprocess data
  • Strong understanding of viral vector biology, expression systems, and analytical methods used for viral vector characterization.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present complex scientific information.
  • Adaptability in a fast-paced environment

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$138,000 - $202,400
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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About Eli Lilly

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Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876