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Downstream Process Jobs in Watertown, MA (NOW HIRING)

Managed Staffing

Purification Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$44 - $46/hr

Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (40 hrs/week Position Summary Seeking an early-career Biologist / Purification Scientist to join the Downstream Process Development team in Boston, MA. This role will ...

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How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in Watertown, MA is $26.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $30.58 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 job categories do people searching Downstream Process jobs in Watertown, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Downstream Process jobs in Watertown, MA are:

What cities near Watertown, MA are hiring for Downstream Process jobs?

Cities near Watertown, MA with the most Downstream Process job openings:

Downstream Process jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in Watertown, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,814 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

DOWNSTREAM PROCESS DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST

MyGradJob

Billerica, MA

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Description

MilliporeSigma is the North American life science brand of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany - a leading science and technology company. It offers a broad range of innovative products and services to biotech and pharmaceutical drug therapies businesses. Through dedicated collaboration with the scientific and engineering communities, and as one of the top three R&D investors in the life science tools industry, the brand serves as a strategic partner to customers and helps advance the promise of life science.

Job Description
  • Design fit-for-purpose purification experiments according to the stage of development
  • Ensure scientific evaluation of impact of deviations to Downstream validation studies
  • Compile and analyze experimental data to generate process knowledge and decide on next steps
  • Write development and validation reports and ensure their timely delivery
  • Prepare and present project updates to global project team and to upper management
  • Ensure a continuous improvement within Downstream process development activities
  • Represent & promote E2E and Biodevelopment activities (presentations, congresses, events)
  • Technical lead on the overall projects (supervises Downstream processes development and implementation of new methods and services)
  • Technical leader for equipment, technologies for Downstream process development
  • Responsible for activities ranging from protein purification, filtration, biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins: -
  • Execute routine protein purification with affinity, size exclusion, ion exchange, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography using AKTA systems (Unicorn software)
  • Perform analyses including but not limited to SDS-PAGE, SE-HPLC, LAL, host cell-DNA, host cell protein, as necessary
  • To develop, validate and transfer robust analytical methods required for successful drug development and manufacturing.
  • To support follow-up and troubleshooting on analytical methods.
  • Provide expertise and insight to guide development of appropriate purification methods
  • Develop novel purification processes as well as using standard methods to purify proteins from the mg to gram scale. Processes will be multiple steps and must provide necessary clearance of viruses, endotoxin, and host cell proteins and DNA.
  • Perform, develop and optimize robust, efficient, scalable strategies for improving process performance. Activities will include small-scale studies and pilot scale purification studies.
  • Apply DOE methods to purification activities
Qualifications
  • Engineering/Master degree (PhD preferred) in biotechnology with 5+ years in the biopharmaceutical industry
  • Solid and proven theoretical basis and hands-on experience in protein purification and analytical characterization
  • Hands-on experience with purification unit operations including filtration, chromatography, TFF, UF/DF, AKTA, UNICORN and HPLC systems.
  • Strong hands-on experience in troubleshooting and routine instrument maintenance.
  • Experienced in protein purification via affinity, hydrophobic interaction (HIC), ion exchange (IEX), size exclusion (SEC) and mixed-mode chromatography
  • Knowledge and skills in biochemical characterization of proteins including analytical and biophysical
  • Proven track record in Purification Process Development is necessary with emphasis on chromatographic separations and excellent understanding of and experience with chromatographic resin screening and process optimization.  Experience with scale-up and GMP manufacturing is desirable.
  • Solid and proven working knowledge of DOE. Ability to critically analyze data using statistical tools and to compile technical reports
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills
  • Results-oriented with ability to work and deliver under pressure
  • Excellent English (written, oral) 
Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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