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Downstream Process Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary: Performs downstream process development experiments and supporting activities, which enable both early and late-stage manufacturing process design for therapeutic monoclonal antibody ...

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How much do downstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process development in the United States is $33.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $41.35 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.

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Infographic showing various Downstream Process Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,060 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Advisor, Downstream Process Development - Viral Vectors

Boston, MA

Eli Lilly and Company
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 hours ago


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

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream process development, analytical development, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and successful clinical manufacturing


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th 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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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