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Downstream Process Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Valspec

Validation Engineer (CQV)

Rockville, MD

This role will focus on downstream process systems and requires strong hands-on field execution, system troubleshooting, and automation verification experience in a GMP-regulated environment. Key ...

Quality Agents, LLC

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in biotech or pharmaceutical process engineering, with a focus on upstream, downstream or cell therapy operations. Key Responsibilities Support the ...

Quality Agents

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in biotech or pharmaceutical process engineering, with a focus on upstream, downstream or cell therapy operations. Key Responsibilities Support the ...

Quality Agents, LLC

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in biotech or pharmaceutical process engineering, with a focus on upstream, downstream or cell therapy operations. Key Responsibilities • Support the ...

GAP SOLUTIONS INC

Biologist (50849)

Gaithersburg, MD

Develop downstream (purification) processes, under the supervision of a project lead scientist, for recombinant proteins, virus vaccines, and virus-like particles (VLP) that may be used as clinical ...

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Downstream Process information

See Washington salary details

$15

$27

$40

How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in Washington is $27.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $31.88 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 Washington? For Downstream Process jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Downstream Process jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Downstream Process jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Downstream Process jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Downstream Process job openings:
Downstream Process jobs near you

Staff Scientist- Downstream Process

ABL, Inc.

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

ABL, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to embracing diverse backgrounds. ABL, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. For more information click here.
Job Title
Staff Scientist- Downstream Process
Location
Rockville, MD 20850 US (Primary)
Job Type
Full-time
Funding available in current budget
115000
Exemption Type
Exempt
Career Level
Experienced (Non-Manager)
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Description
PURPOSE OF JOB
Serving as a project leader in Downstream Process Development, the Staff Scientist will collaborate on anddrive the planning, execution, and management of assigned purification activities. Working with external clients, R&D, Quality Control/Quality Assurance and Manufacturing, the Staff Scientist is expected to provide expertise and scientific knowledge for design, development, optimization, and manufacturing of protein and virus products. The incumbent will participate in downstream experiment design and execute the downstream process screening, optimization, scale-up, characterization, and stability studies for proteins and viral vectors to meet client specified end points.
The incumbent in this position is expected to have a strong understanding of the principals involved in protein and viral vector purification and extensive hands-on experience in downstream process development. This position involves developing scalable downstream purification processes for GMP production, optimizing process performance for yield and purity, and adapting existing procedures to meet regulatory requirements for the manufacture of protein and viral products intended for human injection. The successful candidate is expected to carry out the work with minimal guidance. This position is expected to interact with other departments involved in technology transfer, GMP manufacturing, product testing and quality assurance for product release.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • This is a hands-on laboratory role requiring active participation in experimental execution and process development activities.
  • Perform downstream process development studies and generate high-quality data under minimal supervision.
  • Service as a downstream technical expert for client projects.
  • Generate, manage, and maintain critical data in a highly organized manner in the form of notebook, protocol and SOP.
  • Generate, interpret, and document experimental results in the form of technical reports, study summaries, and client-facing documentation.
  • Responsible for laboratory maintenance, material ordering, inventory control, and preparation of experiments.
  • Stay current with scientific and technical literature and leverage emerging knowledge to solve complex technical problems and improve process performance.
  • Formulate and establish process design and performance objectives in consultation with other functions, including Research and Manufacturing, as well as contractors, suppliers, and customers.
  • Provide expertise and troubleshooting for all in-house developed processes.

Job Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Ph.D. in life science discipline with 2+ years of downstream experience; or MS degree in with 5+ years of experience; or BS degree in biochemistry/chemistry with 10+ years of experience in downstream process development.
  • Highly proficient in chromatography, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and filtration.
  • Experience in the development, purification, or characterization of viral vectors and/or protein-based biologics.
  • Strong attention to detail with a track record of executing experimental work with a high level of accuracy and reliability. Exhibits neatness, accuracy, consistency and promptness in work habits.
  • Proven ability to independently execute experimental work and deliver accurate results under minimal supervision, within tight timelines and defined budget requirements for internal and external client projects.

PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with cGMP manufacturing under cGMP /cGLP compliance is a plus.
  • Experience with standard analytical techniques including HPLC, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and cell-based assays.
  • Advanced computer and presentation skills using MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical information across cross-functional teams.
  • Task & Team-oriented, analytical, organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated & ability to multitask.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • No supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Meet all the requirements of our Company Occupational Health program as directed by the Occupational Health Consultant. Employment is contingent upon favorable background, reference and pre-employment physical including drug screen.
  • Able to lift up to 35 lbs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Office
  • Laboratory
  • cGMP suite
  • Remote work

Travel Expectation
None
ABL, Inc. participates in E-Verify, an Internet-based system of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration, that allows us to determine an employee's eligibility to work in the United States.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  • Candidate must meet all the requirements of our Company Occupational Health program as directed by the Occupational Health Consultant to include pre-employment physical and drug screen.
  • Candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining background and experience as it relates to the position requirements and salary history/requirements. Please note that "negotiable" is neither salary nor requirements. Salary commensurate with experience.

ABL, Inc. does not accept nor respond to unsolicited resumes from vendors, including recruitment agencies and search firms. Approved recruiting agencies must obtain prior approval from ABL, Inc. Human Resources in order to submit resumes to ABL, Inc. for consideration.

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