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Downstream Process Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role OverviewThe Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development, will be a key technical leader responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling purification processes for ...

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Downstream Process information

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How much do downstream process jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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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What cities are hiring for Downstream Process jobs? Cities with the most Downstream Process job openings:
What states have the most Downstream Process jobs? States with the most job openings for Downstream Process jobs include:
Infographic showing various Downstream Process job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,319 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development (Contract) - AW

Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc.

Redwood City, CA

$70 - $90/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc., wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is a mission-driven clinical-stage company that aims to establish gene therapy as a new standard of care for highly prevalent ocular diseases with the aspiration of developing functional cures to restore vision and prevent blindness. Leveraging the research capabilities of its proprietary intravitreal (IVT) platform, Adverum is developing durable, single-administration therapies designed to be delivered in physicians' offices to eliminate the need for frequent ocular injections to treat these diseases. By overcoming the challenges associated with current treatment paradigms for these debilitating ocular diseases, Adverum aspires to transform the standard of care, preserve vision, and create a profound societal impact around the globe.

Note to Recruiters and Agencies
All recruiter and agency inquiries must go through Adverum's internal Talent Acquisition team.  Unsolicited resumes sent to Adverum will be considered Adverum's property.   Adverum's Talent Acquisition team must expressly engage agencies for any requisition.  Direct contact with hiring managers by agencies will not be tolerated and may affect your ability to work with Adverum in the future.

Adverum is looking for a Senior Scientist, Downstream Process Development to join the Process Development team at our Redwood City, CA office. The individual will be part of the team responsible for developing and optimizing the downstream process development activities for adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy programs. The successful candidate will participate in late-stage activities including design and optimization of the process as needed using historical batch data and manufacturing needs; process characterization; and tech-transfer of downstream processes to support clinical and commercial manufacturing. This role requires a deep understanding of chromatography, filtration, and gene therapy-specific challenges in AAV vector production, as well as experience in transitioning processes to GMP-compliant manufacturing. This position is onsite 5 days a week. 

What You'll Do:
  • Support latestage AAV downstream process development and optimization to ensure scalability, robustness, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance.
  • Lead and execute purification development, including chromatography (AFF, IEX) and filtration (depth, NFF, TFF).
  • Individually and partner with other SMEs to author protocols and reports, and execute on process characterization and validation studies (FMEA, scaledown models, DOE/OFAT, PPQ, hold studies).
  • Compile and analyze process and analytical data in Excel, JMP, or similar software, to identify trends, drive optimization, and lead and support investigations / RCA.
  • Present study findings, issues, and trends to PD and cross-functional CMC teams.
  • Support downstream material generation team as needed to maintain company timelines.
  • Downstream SME to support external manufacturing operations including technical meetings, BPR and related records review, execution, and troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate crossfunctionally (AD, USP, QC, RA) to ensure seamless transition from development to commercial.
  • Provide line leadership if needed.
  • Author/review technical documentation (development reports, SOPs, CMC sections for regulatory filings, Process Monitoring and Control Strategies).
  • Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies in gene therapy manufacturing to maintain best-in-class process development practices.
About You:
  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or related field with 4-6+ years of relevant experience in downstream process development; or M.S. with 8+ years of experience.
  • Proven experience in AAV or other viral vector production, preferably in late-stage development for clinical/commercial scale manufacturing.
  • Strong expertise and in-depth knowledge in functioning and troubleshooting of purification process development/manufacturing equipment such as chromatography and filtration systems.
  • Experience with scalable, AKTA, depth filtration, and TFF systems.
  • Knowledge of GMP requirements and regulatory guidelines for gene therapy products.
  • Prefer to have knowledge of DOE principles, process characterization, and BLA enabling activities.
  • Background in authoring sections of regulatory submissions, including IND, or BLA filings.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex bioprocesses.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills to manage cross-functional projects and mentor team members.
$70 - $90 an hour

Adverum is a clinical-stage gene therapy company targeting unmet medical needs in ophthalmology and rare diseases. Adverum develops gene therapy product candidates designed to provide durable efficacy by inducing sustained expression of a therapeutic protein. Adverum's core capabilities include clinical development, novel vector discovery and in-house manufacturing expertise, specifically in scalable process development, assay development, and current Good Manufacturing Practices quality control.

At Adverum, Inclusion and Diversity are at our core. We believe in the power of being your authentic self.  We strive to create the space which allows for everyone in our Adverum Community to not only feel safe but encouraged to speak, learn from each other, grow in their professions and be the very best versions of themselves no matter what their age, ethnic background, gender, origin, religion or sexual orientation

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