Downstream Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Do you enjoy developing downstream purification processes for microbial production of small molecules and metabolites?

Do you want to apply your expertise in downstream bioprocess engineering to pressing national security challenges?

Do you enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists to solve complex biotechnology challenges?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team in the Biological Sciences Group, here at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.

We are seeking a downstream bioprocess engineer to help us develop scalable purification processes for microbial biomanufacturing. You'll join an interdisciplinary team of microbiologists, metabolic engineers, and chemists working together to develop innovative biotechnology solutions for national security. As the team's downstream processing expert, you'll work closely with colleagues across multiple disciplines to recover, purify, and characterize microbially produced small molecules and metabolites.

As part of the Biological Sciences Group, in the Research Exploratory Development Department, you will be at the forefront of APL's mission to provide impactful contributions to critical challenges. You will contribute to building outstanding expertise in molecular biology, in the pursuit of challenges in national security.

• Develop and optimize downstream processes for recovery and purification of microbially produced small molecules and metabolites.


• Design and execute experiments to improve process performance and characterize biomanufacturing products using analytical chemistry techniques.


• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to develop innovative biotechnology solutions for national security applications.


• Lead technical efforts on internally and externally funded research projects, including project planning, execution, and communication of results.


• Contribute to the growth of our research portfolio by developing new technical concepts, writing proposals, and building relationships with sponsors and collaborators.

• Have a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field


• 1+ year of postdoctoral research experience.


• Have experience developing downstream processing methods for microbial production of small molecules or metabolites.


• Have experience developing and applying analytical chemistry methods, including HPLC, LC/MS, GC/MS, or related techniques.


• Have experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting laboratory experiments for purification, characterization, and process optimization.


• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through publications, presentations, or related experience.


• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

• Have experience engineering microbial metabolic pathways or microbial strain development.


• Have experience with yeast or non-model microorganisms.


• Have experience scaling microbial bioprocesses from bench to pilot scale.


• Have experience with molecular biology techniques used to support bioprocess development


• Have experience leading multidisciplinary research projects or developing research proposals.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

$105,000 Annually

$290,000 Annually