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Downstream Process Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

The Scientist/Engineer will be responsible for supporting or leading the development of various downstream separation processes involving crystallization, membrane or adsorption technologies ...

Baker Hughes

Sales Sr. Advisor

Chicago, IL

Are you passionate about driving process technology excellence in downstream refining? Do you enjoy ... Training and professional development opportunities * Financial and retirement benefits * Life ...

Baker Hughes Company

Sales Sr. Advisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Are you passionate about driving process technology excellence in downstream refining? Do you enjoy ... Training and professional development opportunities * Financial and retirement benefits * Life ...

Baker Hughes

Sales Sr. Advisor

Chicago, IL

Are you passionate about driving process technology excellence in downstream refining? Do you enjoy ... Training and professional development opportunities * Financial and retirement benefits * Life ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$88K - $121K/yr

The Scientist/Engineer will be responsible for leading the discovery and development of various downstream separation processes including depth filtration, membrane filtration, and liquid/solids ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Develop and test hypotheses to improve understanding of downstream strategies, yield, purity, and ... Apply understanding of regulatory expectations to process development strategies, contribute to ...

Johnsonelectric

Line Technician

Vandalia, IL

$16 - $20/hr

Champion a "stop and fix" mindset to prevent defects from continuing downstream. Process ... Advanced Technical Development Over time, support advanced tasks such as programming adjustments ...

Brindley Engineering

Associate Process Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... downstream engineering disciplines, develop equipment specifications, compile scope of work ... Knowledge of P&ID development, heat and material balances, hydraulic and equipment sizing ...

Marsh LLC

Enterprise Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$71.25 - $91.75/hr

... downstream process dependencies across core servicing, transaction, and operational workflows ... Manage the development of supporting application components, interface/design of systems as well as ...

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Downstream Process Development information

See Illinois salary details

$18

$32

$47

How much do downstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process development in Illinois is $32.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.78 and $40.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Downstream Process Development position, and why are they important?

To excel in Downstream Process Development, you generally need a strong background in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related life sciences field, often with experience in bioprocessing or purification technologies. Familiarity with chromatography systems, filtration equipment, process analytical technology (PAT), and relevant software such as DeltaV or Unicorn is frequently required, along with knowledge of GMP and regulatory standards. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and cross-functional communication skills help professionals succeed in dynamic team environments. These competencies are crucial for developing efficient, scalable purification processes that ensure high product quality and support organizational goals.

What is a Downstream Process Development job?

A Downstream Process Development job involves optimizing and scaling purification processes for biologics, such as proteins, antibodies, or gene therapies. Scientists and engineers in this role develop efficient methods for isolation, purification, and formulation of therapeutic products while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance. Key activities include chromatography, filtration, and process analytics to improve yield, purity, and consistency. This role is critical in biotech and pharmaceutical industries to ensure safe and effective drug production for clinical and commercial use.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone in Downstream Process Development?

Professionals in Downstream Process Development are typically responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling up purification processes for biopharmaceutical products. Their day-to-day work may involve conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, troubleshooting technical issues, and documenting process changes in accordance with regulatory standards. They also frequently collaborate with upstream processing, analytical, and quality teams to ensure seamless transfer and integration of processes. The role often includes participating in project meetings, contributing to process validation efforts, and supporting technology transfer to manufacturing teams, making it both technically challenging and collaborative.

What are the most commonly searched types of Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois? For Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Downstream Process Development jobs in Illinois are:
Downstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process Development job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,890 per year, or $32.6 per hour.
Separations Scientist, Process Development - Decatur, IL

Separations Scientist, Process Development - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Separations Scientist, Process Development - Decatur, IL
ADM Research & Development
This is an exempt level position.
ADM has an opening for a Separations Scientist, Process Development at our Corporate Research Center located in Decatur, IL!
Job Responsibilities
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a mindset to seek opportunities and implement changes. This individual has an opportunity to grow as a recognized technical expert in the field of separation processes within ADM Process Development Group at the Research & Development Center - Decatur. This is a chance to work with cutting-edge analytical tools with focus on delivering benefits to ADM's existing processes as well as novel products in development.
The Scientist/Engineer will be responsible for supporting or leading the development of various downstream separation processes involving crystallization, membrane or adsorption technologies, depending on previous experience. This will include supporting production troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts as well as developing new process from bench to pilot demonstration and potentially to commercial scale production. 
The candidate will be expected to work with diverse technical project teams towards the timely completion of project goals which will require building strong relations with various groups including plant operations, business development and R&D.  A B.S. Degree in a technical field (chemistry, chemical engineering, biological engineering) with a strong knowledge of chemistry and crystallization fundamentals is required. An advanced degree, Ph.D. or Master's Degree in a technical field (chemistry or chemical engineering preferred), ideally in separations process development, is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications and Key Roles
  • A B.S. Degree in a technical field (chemistry, chemical engineering, biological engineering) with 10+ years of industrial separations experience.
  • A Ph.D. Degree in a technical field (chemistry, chemical engineering, biological engineering preferred) or a Master's Degree in a technical field (chemistry or chemical engineering preferred), ideally with 10+ years of separations process development experience is preferred.
  • Firm understanding of chemistry and underlying thermodynamics and kinetics of separations processes.
  • Execute bench/kilo laboratory experimentation to design and optimize separations processes.
  • Experience using Process Analytical Tools on a lab scale systems.
  • Process development may be directed to either benchtop or pilot scale processes.
  • Work closely with Operations on troubleshooting and participate in optimization of existing processes.
Requirements
  • The candidate should thrive in the collaborative environment of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Strong knowledge of standard chemistry laboratory techniques.
  • Laboratory skills, an awareness of analytical methods, and a commitment to safety.
  • Support both troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Support or lead diverse technical projects teams to evaluate, develop and transfer processes to production, depending on experience.
  • Build strong relationships with plant operations and business units.
  • Design and run experiments including the selection of sampling procedures, analytical methods and some routine analytical analysis.
  • Train and potentially supervise other scientists, engineers and technicians.
  • Design, set up, operate, and maintain lab and pilot separations equipment.
  • Maintain housekeeping and observe safety standards in lab and pilot plant.
  • Consolidate, interpret, and present data/conclusions/recommendations in both written and oral formats.
  • Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE), Multivariate Analysis, and statistics preferred.
  • Technical background with various lab equipment and instrumentation e.g. NMR, GC, HPLC, IR, UV, RI, etc
  • Willing to learn project management skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Able to function within matrix project management environment
  • Ability to travel up to 20% of time
Physical requirements
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to handle moderately heavy tools and materials, e.g. pipe wrenches, five gallon buckets, and hand-carting 55 gallon drums
  • Ability to work in a commercial plant environment to support operations as needed.
Competencies
  • Communication, curiosity, adaptability, integrity, mechanical aptitude, problem solving, independent judgment, teamwork, dependability, persistent, patient, detail focused, and commitment to safety.

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:105535BR

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