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Downstream Processing Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Merck & Co.

$87K - $137K/yr

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on late-stage process development, technology ... Mechanistic understanding of downstream processing separation sciences.Ability to execute ...

New

Merck & Co.

Our Downstream Purification department is seeking a passionate and skilled individual to lead the ... Ensure process and product knowledge are developed, documented, and transferred in alignment with ...

New

Merck & Co.

$71K - $113K/yr

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on late-stage process development, technology ... ResponsibilitiesExecute hands-on experiments in biologics downstream processing, including lab ...

New

Merck & Co.

Scientist - Downstream Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D - - Our company in the United States and Canada, is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription ...

New

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How much do downstream processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream processing in Pennsylvania is $24.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.76 and $28.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is downstream processing?

A Downstream Processing (DSP) job involves purifying and recovering biomolecules, such as proteins or vaccines, after fermentation or cell culture. Professionals in this role use techniques like filtration, chromatography, and centrifugation to ensure product purity and quality. They work in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and bioprocessing. Key responsibilities include optimizing purification processes, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in downstream processing?

In Downstream Processing, your daily activities often include operating and optimizing purification systems, conducting in-process testing, and meticulously documenting process parameters and results. You’ll collaborate closely with upstream teams, quality control labs, and engineering staff to troubleshoot and improve workflows. Managing equipment maintenance, adhering to safety and compliance standards, and actively participating in process development projects are also key facets of the job. This hands-on role is essential for ensuring the purity and consistency of biopharmaceutical products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in downstream processing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Downstream Processing, you typically need a background in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with experience in purification and separation techniques. Familiarity with technical tools such as chromatography systems, filtration units, and process control software, as well as cGMP certification, is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient production, product quality, and compliance in highly regulated biopharmaceutical environments.

What does downstream processing involve?

Downstream processing involves the purification and recovery of products such as proteins, enzymes, or pharmaceuticals from bioreactors. It includes steps like filtration, chromatography, and concentration to ensure product quality and safety, often requiring knowledge of bioprocessing techniques and quality control standards.

What are popular job titles related to Downstream Processing jobs in Pennsylvania?

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What job categories do people searching Downstream Processing jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

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Downstream Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Processing job openings in Pennsylvania as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,442 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

(Associate) Director, Viral Downstream Process Development

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Dispatch Bio
See more jobs at Dispatch Bioexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

The role:

The (Associate) Director will serve as the downstream processing expert working closely with CDMOs to generate lentivirus and adenovirus products.  Reporting into the Vice President of Process Development, this individual will also be responsible for building out the internal downstream purification capabilities within process development to support scale up and scale down.

Key responsibilities:

  • Oversee planning and execution of tech transfers, development and scale up of viral products being manufactured at CDMOs
  • Serve as the downstream subject matter expert on both internal and external (CDMO, equipment suppliers, etc.) teams
  • Build out internal downstream capabilities by identifying/procuring scale down models for process development
  • Design and execute studies to identify critical process parameters and optimize process setpoints across the clarification, Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF), chromatography and sterile filtration steps
  • Responsibility for execution, data review, analysis, and maintaining accurate and detailed lab notebooks
  • Author and review technical documents, including but not limited batch records, SOPs and development reports and process-specific sections of regulatory documents.
  • Represent the company externally at meetings (professional associations, with regulatory bodies, etc.)
  • Work cross-functionally with analytical development, research and development, program management to advance clinical programs

Required experience & skills: 

  • MS or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or related discipline
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience with downstream purification process development in the biopharma industry
  • Experience directly managing a team
  • Technical experience with downstream unit operations including clarification, TFF, chromatography, sterile filtration and formulation
  • Experience with scale up and scale down of purification processes
  • An understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements for biopharmaceuticals
  • Strong organizational & problem-solving skills, with the proven ability to collaborate in a dynamic team environment
  • Strong scientific reasoning, problem-solving, and applied statistics skills, including the ability to break down complex problems into manageable hypotheses
  • Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and data analysis/presentation software such as JMP and/or GraphPad
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and planning skills, strong work ethic and the desire to work in a flexible and fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Preferred experience & skills: 

  • Experience with Quality by Design (QbD) approach to drug development including risk assessments, Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical methods
  • Experience drafting CMC sections for INDs
  • Experience with technology transfers to external manufacturing facilities

 

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