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Downstream Process Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Downstream Process information

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How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 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 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.

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 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 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 cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Downstream Process jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Downstream Process job openings:

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.

Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Johnson & Johnson

Spring House, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Johnson & Johnson rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 113 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, andsolutions are personal.Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.Learn more at jnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Biotherapeutics R&D

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description:

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal.

Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more atjnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson,

we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

We are searching for the best talent for aSenior Scientist, Downstream Process Development to be in Spring House, PA.

Purpose:

The Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development will lead development, optimization, and characterization of scalable purification processes for Lentiviral In-vivo therapeutic modalities, including biologics,and next-generation genetic medicines. This role will provide scientific leadership from early-stage development through clinical-stage readiness, withfocuson purification platform strategy, process robustness, scale-up, and implementation of advanced downstream technologies.

You will be responsible for:

  • Lead development and optimization of downstream purification processes for lentiviral in vivo LV therapeutic products.

  • Design and oversee chromatography, filtration, UF/DF, and formulation studies to improve product quality, yield, robustness, and manufacturability.

  • Utilize advanced filtration technologies, including Ambr TFF, for high-throughput process screening, optimization, and scale-down model development.

  • Oversee operation and troubleshooting of downstream equipment, including AKTA systems, TFF systems, and chromatography skids.

  • Apply Process Analytical Technology, online monitoring, and digital bioprocessing tools to strengthen downstream process understanding.

  • Use JMP,MiniTab, Python, Spotfire, or similar platforms for multivariate data analysis, process modeling, and technical decision-making.

  • Lead process characterization, scale-up, and platform development activities to support clinical manufacturing readiness.

  • Evaluate emerging purification technologies and drive continuous improvement to enhance process robustness and development efficiency.

  • Collaborate closely with analytical, formulation, upstream, modeling, automation, MSAT, and translational sciences teams.

  • Mentor junior scientists and provide scientific leadership across programs and cross-functional workstreams.

  • Prepare technical reports, development strategies, scientific presentations, and regulatory documentation.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 1-3 years of relevant industry experience; ORa BS or MS with 4-6 years of relevant experience.

  • Extensive experience in downstream process development for biologics, cell therapy, gene therapy, or related viral vector modalities.

  • Hands-on experience with chromatography, clarification, depth filtration, UF/DF, sterile filtration, and process scale-up.

  • Experienceoperatingand/or leading studies using AKTA chromatography systems, TFF platforms, and Ambr TFF systems.

  • Strong understanding of downstream process control strategies, process analytics, and process characterization principles.

  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, interpret, and communicate complex studies.

  • Proven scientific leadership, mentoring, and project management experience.

Preferred:

  • Experience with high-throughput purification screening, Ambr TFF workflows, and scale-down model qualification.

  • Familiarity with PAT tools, automation, digital bioprocessing, and advanced data analytics platforms.

  • Track recordof scientific publications, presentations, patents, technology innovation, or cross-functional platform impact.

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.


Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants' needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, external applicants please contact us via https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers . internal employees contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Analytical Reasoning, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC), Coaching, Consulting, Critical Thinking, Drug Discovery Development, Emerging Technologies, Molecular Diagnostics, Pharmacogenetics, Pharmacovigilance, Process Improvements, Quality Assurance (QA), Relationship Building, Research Documents, Scientific Research, Technologically Savvy

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