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Downstream Process Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Axle

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

Oversee the development of downstream processes for VRC clinical candidates and the process tech transfer to the VCMP for clinical material generation for the VRC - 1 * Provide project support to ...

Axle

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

Oversee the development of downstream processes for VRC clinical candidates and the process tech transfer to the VCMP for clinical material generation for the VRC -- 1 * Provide project support to ...

Axle

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

Oversee the development of downstream processes for VRC clinical candidates and the process tech transfer to the VCMP for clinical material generation for the VRC - 1 * Provide project support to ...

Catalyx

Automation SME

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

This role ensures automation solutions are reliable, compliant, secure, and aligned with industry standards while supporting upstream and downstream process performance. The SME works closely with ...

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Downstream Process information

See Washington, DC salary details

$15

$27

$40

How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in Washington, DC 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?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Downstream Process jobs in Washington, DC?

For Downstream Process jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Downstream Process jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Downstream Process jobs in Washington, DC are:

Downstream Process jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,123 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Sr. Scientist (Downstream Process Development)

Kelly Services

Gaithersburg, MD

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Kelly Government Solutions is a strategic supplier and business partner to the federal government and its key suppliers.  Through our partnership with the National Institutes of Health, Kelly Government Solutions offers administrative, IT, engineering, scientific, and healthcare professionals the opportunity to work with the leading medical research center in the world.  We have an opening for a Senior Scientist (Downstream Process Development) to work on-site at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Gaithersburg, MD.
This is a long-term contract position which offers:
-    Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit package
-    Optional health, vision, and dental plans
-    Paid leave as well as 11 paid federal holidays and 401K plan.  
-    Access to NIH’s unparalleled resources and niche scientific initiatives
KEY TASKS
(1) Oversee the development of downstream processes for clinical candidates and the process of tech transfer for clinical material generation
(2) Provide project support to develop downstream process methods that meet the product quality and recovery characteristics to guarantee successful production of clinical material.
(3) Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in guiding purification strategies for new vaccine or therapeutic mAb candidates 
(4) Work with regulatory team to support IND submissions and other requests. 
(5) Oversee viral clearance strategies in relevant downstream processes and direct the viral clearance validation efforts 
(6) Plan and oversee downstream processes for toxicology lot material production. 
(7) Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure timely and scale-appropriate Technology Transfer is achieved
(8) Write/edit/review tech transfer documents to support downstream process Master Batch Record authoring.
(9) Serve as SME in downstream troubleshooting and facility fit calculations. 
(10) Serve as the Center’s downstream SME in external collaborations for clinical development projects
(11) Work to troubleshoot and improve downstream methods during the development cycle. This includes efforts in designing optimization studies (DOE with JMP) and streamlining efforts to ensure timely development schedules
REQUIREMENTS
(1) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field
(2) Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with recombinant protein purification development for GMP clinical-phase products
PLEASE APPLY ONLINE
When you apply, please know a Kelly Government Solutions Recruiter will review your resume and will contact you directly, if your skills and experience match the requirements of this position; a full job description can be made available at that time.
Due to the high volume of inquiries, we regret that we cannot accept phone calls. Even if you aren’t contacted for this position, you are still part of our talent network.  All Kelly recruiters have access to your profile, which expands your opportunities even further.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, short-term disability, and a transportation spending account. In addition, this position offers employees the ability to earn up to 160 hours of paid time off annually and eleven paid holidays per benefit year. We also offer a generous defined 401(k) contribution to help you save for retirement. Visit https://www.mykelly.us/us-mykelly/perks/ for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
#government
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Government Solutions?

Looking to connect with premier government agencies or the top 25 federal government contractors? Kelly Government Solutions partners with these organizations to create expert talent solutions that solve the world’s most critical challenges. We offer a variety of full-time, project (SOW), seasonal, and surge support opportunities in science, engineering, technology, professional, and administrative support roles. Our experts will connect you to the opportunity that fits your schedule and interests and handle the details of transferring and processing all levels of security clearances. It’s just another way we make the job search work for you.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.