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Downstream Process Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Valspec

Process Validation Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Process Engineer -- Upstream / Downstream / Clean Utilities (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement: Valspec consultant placed onsite at a major biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in the Raleigh-Durham ...

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Downstream Process information

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$13

$24

$35

How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in Philadelphia, PA is $24.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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?

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?

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.
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Downstream Process jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,785 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Viral Downstream Process Development

Dispatch Bio

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Posted 28 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.  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: 

  • 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: 

  • 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

 

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