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Downstream Process Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Our leading CDMO client is eager to hire an Aseptic Downstream Process Development SME for their Indianapolis site. This is a full-time role directly with the client - an outstanding opportunity to ...

Bioprocess Engineer

South Bend, IN · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Collaborate cross-functionally to refine and optimize enzyme fermentation and downstream processing (DSP) workflows to improve yield and scalability. * Hands-on operation of core bioprocessing ...

Bioprocess Engineer

South Bend, IN · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Collaborate cross-functionally to refine and optimize enzyme fermentation and downstream processing (DSP) workflows to improve yield and scalability. * Hands-on operation of core bioprocessing ...

Automation Technician

La Porte, IN · On-site

$38K/yr

Detail oriented, with record keeping practices that easily allow for determining process changes to downstream results. * Participate in cross-functional team for the purpose of preventing or ...

Detail oriented, with record keeping practices that easily allow for determining process changes to downstream results. * Participate in cross-functional team for the purpose of preventing or ...

Detail oriented, with record keeping practices that easily allow for determining process changes to downstream results. * Participate in cross-functional team for the purpose of preventing or ...

The Process Technician is responsible for the setup, monitoring, and optimization of plastic ... Set up and operate secondary or downstream equipment as needed. * Perform routine preventive ...

The Process Technician is responsible for the setup, monitoring, and optimization of plastic ... Set up and operate secondary or downstream equipment as needed. * Perform routine preventive ...

The Process Technician is responsible for the setup, monitoring, and optimization of plastic ... Set up and operate secondary or downstream equipment as needed. * Perform routine preventive ...

Postdoctoral Fellow

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

The primary goal of the lab is to characterize the role of nuclear pore complex machinery in mediating HIV-1 nuclear entry and subsequent downstream process that leads to productive viral gene ...

We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team ...

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Downstream Process information

See Indiana salary details

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How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in Indiana is $23.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in downstream process roles within biomanufacturing?

Professionals in downstream process roles often encounter challenges such as optimizing purification steps to maximize yield and product purity while minimizing costs and processing time. They must also troubleshoot issues related to equipment performance, scalability, and regulatory compliance, especially when transitioning from lab-scale to large-scale production. Collaboration with upstream teams, quality assurance, and engineering is critical to address these challenges and ensure a smooth workflow. Staying current with technological advances and regulatory requirements also plays a significant role in day-to-day success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Downstream Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Downstream Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or biochemical engineering, knowledge of purification techniques, and typically a relevant degree. Familiarity with process control systems, chromatography, filtration technologies, and GMP compliance, as well as certifications like Six Sigma, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex production challenges. These skills ensure efficient, high-quality product recovery and compliance with industry standards in biomanufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Downstream Process vs Upstream Process?

AspectDownstream ProcessUpstream Process
PurposePurifies and isolates the target product from the mixtureProduces the initial product, such as cell culture or fermentation
ActivitiesFiltration, chromatography, centrifugation, purificationCell growth, fermentation, media preparation
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioprocessing facilitiesBioreactors, fermentation tanks, labs
Required SkillsBioprocessing techniques, chromatography, filtrationMicrobiology, cell culture, fermentation technology

Downstream Process focuses on purifying the product, while Upstream Process involves producing the raw material. Both are essential steps in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, often working sequentially to ensure high-quality product output.

What is a Downstream Process in biotechnology?

A Downstream Process refers to the series of steps involved in the purification and recovery of biological products, such as proteins, enzymes, or antibodies, after they have been produced by microorganisms or cells during fermentation or cell culture. It typically includes cell separation, product isolation, purification, and polishing to achieve the desired product quality and purity. Downstream processing is crucial for ensuring that biopharmaceutical products meet regulatory and safety standards before they reach the market.
What are popular job titles related to Downstream Process jobs in Indiana? For Downstream Process jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Downstream Process jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Downstream Process job openings:
Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 42% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,833 per year, or $23.5 per hour.
Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Elanco

Indianapolis, IN

$87K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!

Your Role: Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Elanco is seeking a Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development to lead purification process development for biologic drug substances, with a focus on monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and mammalian cell culture-derived biologics.

This role will support programs from bench and pilot scale through process scale-up, technology transfer, process characterization, GMP manufacturing implementation, clinical material production, and CMC/regulatory filing support.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience developing and optimizing downstream purification processes, including chromatography and filtration-based unit operations such as Protein A or affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, polishing steps, viral clearance or viral inactivation, depth filtration, UF/DF, TFF, and scale-down model development.

You will partner closely with R&D, TS/MS, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external CDMOs to ensure successful process transfer, implementation, and commercialization. This role requires strong technical judgment, clear communication, and the ability to lead cross-functional work in a fast-paced biologics development environment.

Your Responsibilities
  • Lead downstream process development for early- and late-stage biologic programs, including monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and other biologic modalities.

  • Develop and optimize purification processes using phase-appropriate strategies, QbD principles, and process characterization approaches.

  • Design and execute bench- and pilot-scale studies, including scale-down model development, process scale-up, and manufacturing support.

  • Support risk assessments, control strategy development, stage-gate reviews, and technical decision-making for biologic drug substance programs.

  • Author and review technical reports, process development documents, tech transfer packages, and CMC source documents for regulatory submissions.

  • Support responses to CMC questions from regulatory agencies.

  • Partner with R&D, TS/MS, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Launch Teams, and external CDMOs to ensure successful tech transfer, clinical material production, and commercialization.

  • Serve as a downstream process development subject matter expert for internal teams, manufacturing sites, and external partners.

What You Need to Succeed
  • MSc or PhD in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered.

  • PhD with 7+ years or MSc with 12+ years of experience in downstream biologics process development, preferably with mammalian cell culture-derived biologic products.

  • Hands-on experience developing and optimizing downstream purification processes for biologic drug substances, including monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, or other protein-based biologic modalities.

  • Experience supporting late-stage development, process scale-up, technology transfer, and implementation into GMP manufacturing.

  • Experience contributing to CMC/regulatory filing activities, including technical reports, source documents, process descriptions, tech transfer documents, or responses to regulatory agency questions.

  • Strong understanding of downstream unit operations such as chromatography, filtration, UF/DF, TFF, polishing steps, viral clearance or viral inactivation, process characterization, and scale-down model development.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge
  • Strong understanding of GMP, Quality by Design, process characterization, control strategy development, and risk assessment principles.

  • Demonstrated success developing, scaling, transferring, or commercializing biologics, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, or other complex biological products.

  • Experience working with internal manufacturing teams, TS/MS, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Launch Teams, and external CDMOs.

  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional technical teams.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and communicate complex technical information through clear writing and presentations.

  • Experience with AI/ML applications in process development is a plus.

  • Animal health experience is advantageous but not required.

Additional Information:

  • Travel: 10-20% (domestic and international)
  • Location: Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Don't meet every single requirement?Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

Multiple relocation packages

Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)

8-week parental leave

9 Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus offering

Flexible work arrangements

Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against jobrelated criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against jobrelated criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.


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