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Downstream Processing Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merck & Co.

Scientist, Engineering

Rahway, NJ

$87K - $137K/yr

... motivated scientist/engineer to work under technical direction of a group leader to support ... Clinical Manufacturing, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Downstream Process Development ...

Merck & Co., Inc.

Scientist, Engineering

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$87K - $137K/yr

Significant experience with downstream processing of monoclonal antibody (mAb) products or similar products in a laboratory or manufacturing setting, including unit operations such as membrane ...

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How much do downstream processing scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for downstream processing scientist in the United States is $87,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Downstream Processing Scientist?

A Downstream Processing Scientist typically focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling up purification processes for biologics or pharmaceuticals. Daily tasks include designing and executing experiments, analyzing product purity, maintaining detailed documentation, and troubleshooting process or equipment issues. Collaboration with upstream processing teams, quality assurance, and manufacturing staff is common to ensure seamless product handoff and process improvements. This hands-on, problem-solving work often involves both laboratory-based activities and data analysis, providing a dynamic and engaging work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Downstream Processing Scientist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Downstream Processing Scientist, you need a strong background in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with hands-on experience in purification techniques such as chromatography and filtration. Familiarity with laboratory automation systems, analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, SDS-PAGE), and regulatory standards like GMP is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear scientific communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure efficient purification of bioproducts, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What is a Downstream Processing Scientist job?

A Downstream Processing Scientist is responsible for the purification and recovery of biological products, such as proteins, antibodies, or vaccines, after fermentation or cell culture. They develop and optimize processes like chromatography, filtration, and centrifugation to ensure product quality and yield. Their role also includes scaling up purification methods, troubleshooting process challenges, and working within regulatory guidelines. They often collaborate with upstream processing teams, analytical scientists, and quality control departments to ensure smooth production.

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Downstream Processing Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Processing Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,842 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Scientist, Engineering

Scientist, Engineering

Merck & Co.

Rahway, NJ

$87K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Merck rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 71 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Job Description Position Description: - The Bioprocess Drug Substance and Commercialization (BDSC) group within our Manufacturing Division focuses on late-stage process development, technology transfer, and in-line support of biologics.•We seek a motivated scientist/engineer to work under technical direction of a group leader to support development and licensure. In this role, you will be responsible for:- Primary Responsibilities- Leading the hands-on execution of experiments in biologics downstream processing, including lab-scale process characterization, pilot-scale process development, and process scale-up/scale-down model development- Collaborating with commercial manufacturing teams as a process sciences representative to support facility start-up and in-line support activities, including on-the-floor support for drug substance manufacturing as needed- Authoring and/or reviewing technical documents to support Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) and licensure- - Position Qualifications :- Education Minimum Requirement:-- Bachelor's Degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology or comparable discipline with 2+ years of experience.- - Required Experience and Skills: - Significant experience with downstream processing of monoclonal antibody (mAb) products or similar products in a laboratory or manufacturing setting, including unit operations such as membrane filtration, preparative chromatography, ultrafiltration or tangential flow filtration, and viral clearance unit operations- Mechanistic understanding of downstream processing separation sciences- Ability to understand and execute experiments independently in a manner that meets quality and timeline expectations- Well-developed communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with an attention to detail- - Preferred Experience and Skills:- Large molecule drug substance technology transfer- Collaboration with analytical teams, pilot-scale, and/or manufacturing environment- Experience authoring technical documentation in support of the following: process description, process characterization, process performance qualification, risk assessment, control strategy, process comparability reports, and/or regulatory submissions.- Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) awareness or experience- #EBRG #VetJobs Required Skills: Clinical Manufacturing, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Downstream Process Development, Experimentation, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Technical Writing, Technology Transfer, Writing Technical DocumentsPreferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement• We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment.

We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The salary range for this role is $87,300.00 - $137,400.00This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.- Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee).

The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. San Francisco Residents Only: -We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles Residents Only: -We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully-Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.

-No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.-Employee Status: RegularRelocation:DomesticVISA Sponsorship:No Travel Requirements: 10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:1st - DayValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):Cleaning Supplies, BiohazardJob Posting End Date:06/10/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE -the listed job posting end date.

Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. Requisition ID:R400559 Salary: . Date posted: 06/03/2026

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