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Downstream Process Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lonza

Scientist II, Downstream

Houston, TX · On-site

Scientist II, Downstream Location: This is an on-site position located in Pearland, TX. The purpose ... The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading new process development and improving existing ...

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How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream process in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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Downstream Process jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 75% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,319 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Senior Scientist - Downstream Process Development, mRNA

Senior Scientist - Downstream Process Development, mRNA

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Madison, WI

$92K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Catalent rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 71 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Senior Scientist - Downstream Process Development, mRNA

Position Summary:

  • Work Schedule: M-F 8am-5pm
  • 100% on-site

Catalent Biologics is a fast-growing business within Catalent Pharma Solutions focused on providing innovative technologies and solutions to help more and better biologic treatments get to patients. Leveraging our growing differentiated technology portfolio, world class manufacturing capability, and other integrated services across the Catalent network, Catalent Biologics is positioned to drive significant growth for Catalent.

Catalent Pharma Solutions in Madison, WI is hiring a Senior Scientist - Downstream Process Development, mRNA. The Process Development Senior Scientist, mRNA will lead and support the development, optimization, and process characterization of manufacturing processes for mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines, spanning early-phase clinical through commercial programs. This role requires hands-on expertise in mRNA process development, including in vitro transcription (IVT), purification, and analytical characterization. The scientist will bring deep mRNA technical expertise and demonstrate continuous learning and adaptability, recognizing that supporting multiple modalities, including protein biologics, may be required to meet evolving client and business needs.

The Role:

  • Design andoptimizeIVT reactions, enzymatic processing, andpurificationworkflows

  • Develop scale-down models and execute DOE studies for process characterization andprocess development
  • Author process development reports, validation protocols, and risk assessments (FMEA, CPP identification)
  • Definea control strategy for mRNA DS (CPPs, CQAs, IPCs, acceptance criteria, sampling plans) and defending it through late phase / commercial readiness
  • Apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles and statistical tools for process characterization and PPQ readiness
  • Ensure compliance with FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines for process validation and lifecycle management
  • Establish andmaintainSOPs for mRNA synthesisandpurification to ensure reproducibility and compliance
  • Collaborate with analytical teams for method development and validation of mRNA drugsubstance.Experience authoring or reviewing method validation/qualification strategy and understanding suitability for intended use (development vs GMP release)preferred
  • Ability to support downstream process development for monoclonal antibodies and other protein modalitiespreferred.
  • Participate in tech transfer activities to GMP manufacturing sites for both mRNA and protein programs.
  • Process scale chromatography and filtration (chromatography, tangential flow, normal flow) experience
  • Operating,maintaining, and troubleshooting chromatographyworkstationsand process skids preferably in an industrial setting
  • Process scale up and technology transfer
  • Knowledge and experience working in a cGMP environment
  • Good documentation practices (GDP)
  • Aseptic technique experience
  • Experience writing standard operating procedures, batch records, and reports
  • Experience mentoring junior staffregardinglaboratory procedures and scientific projects
  • Other duties as assigned.

The Candidate:

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 8-15 years related experience, OR
  • Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 5-10 years related experience, OR
  • Doctorate Degree in a STEM discipline and 2-4 years related experience
  • Process scale chromatography and filtration (viral, chromatography, tangential flow,
    normal flow) experience
  • Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting chromatography workstations and process
    skids preferably in an industrial setting
  • Viral clearance validation, process scale up, and technology transfer
  • Knowledge and experience working in a cGMP environment
  • Good documentation practices (GDP)
  • Aseptic technique experience
  • Experience writing standard operating procedures, batch records, and reports
  • Experience mentoring junior staff regarding laboratory procedures and scientific project

Why you should join Catalent:

  • Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process
  • Diverse, inclusive culture
  • Positive working environment focusing on continually improving processes to remain innovative
  • Potential for career growth on an expanding team within an organization dedicated to preserving and bettering lives
  • 152 hours of PTO + 8 paid holidays
  • Generous 401K match
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits effective day one of employment
  • Tuition Reimbursement- Let us help you finish your degree or start a new degree!

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:

Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.

California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.

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About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

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