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Downstream Process Development 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 ...

Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream/downstream process development, formulation, and quality teams to support CMC development. * Analyze and interpret complex data, provide scientific ...

Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream/downstream process development, formulation, and quality teams to support CMC development. * Analyze and interpret complex data, provide scientific ...

Process Engineer -- Upstream / Downstream / Clean Utilities (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement ... Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is ...

This Scientist position will closely work with Molecular Biology, Downstream, Analytical and Technical development partners to ensure end-to-end process alignment, support comparability strategy and ...

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Downstream Process Development information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$19

$33

$49

How much do downstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process development in Philadelphia, PA is $33.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $41.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is downstream process development?

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 does someone in downstream process development do?

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 key skills and qualifications needed for downstream process development?

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.

Infographic showing various Downstream Process Development job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,697 per year, or $34 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Viral Downstream Process Development

Dispatch Bio

Philadelphia, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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.ย  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:ย 

  • 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:ย 

  • 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

ย