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Downstream Purification Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adecco

Research Associate II

Waltham, MA · On-site

Adecco Healthcare & Life SciencesSenior Research Associate - Downstream Process Development (Protein Purification) Fully Onsite | Waltham, MA | Temp Opportunity Pay: Up to 54/hr depending on relevant ...

Meet Life Sciences

Scientist

Watertown, MA · On-site

The successful candidate will support and execute in vitro transcription (IVT) processes, downstream purification activities, analytical characterization, and process optimization efforts. Working ...

BCForward

Manufacturing Technician

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$23 - $33/hr

The ideal candidate will support upstream virus production, downstream purification, media and buffer preparation, chromatography column packing, and manufacturing documentation activities.

Adecco

USA Scientist I Scientific

Waltham, MA · On-site

$57/hr

Lead and execute downstream purification process development studies for viral and non-viral gene therapy products. * Design, optimize, and troubleshoot purification processes utilizing ...

Lancesoft

Manufacturing Specialist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$23.64/hr

Hands-on cGMP manufacture including both upstream virus production and downstream purification Prepare manufacturing support materials such as media and buffers Prepare manufacturing equipment such ...

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Downstream Purification information

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How much do downstream purification jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream purification in the United States is $24.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is downstream purification?

Downstream purification refers to the series of processes used to isolate and purify a target product, such as a protein or antibody, from a complex mixture after it has been produced by cells or microorganisms. This is a critical step in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing, involving techniques like filtration, chromatography, and centrifugation to remove impurities and contaminants. The goal is to achieve a high level of purity and quality for the final product, ensuring it meets regulatory standards for use in research, diagnostics, or therapeutics.

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

To excel in Downstream Purification, you need a solid background in biochemistry or chemical engineering, with experience in protein purification techniques and a relevant degree. Familiarity with chromatography systems (e.g., AKTA), filtration technologies, and good manufacturing practice (GMP) certification is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the efficient and reliable production of high-purity biopharmaceutical products, critical for product quality and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced in a Downstream Purification role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Downstream Purification often encounter challenges such as maintaining product yield and purity, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adapting to process variability. Addressing these requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and close collaboration with upstream teams and quality assurance. Continuous training on the latest purification technologies and strict adherence to standard operating procedures also help minimize errors and improve efficiency in the production process.

What is the difference between Downstream Purification vs Downstream Processing?

AspectDownstream PurificationDownstream Processing
FocusPurifying specific products from a mixtureOverall process including purification and initial recovery
CredentialsTypically requires bioprocessing or biotech certificationsSimilar credentials, often overlapping
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, clean rooms, manufacturing facilitiesLabs and production plants
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturingBiotech, pharmaceutical, and bioprocessing industries

Downstream Purification is a specialized part of the broader Downstream Processing. While downstream processing includes all steps from initial product recovery to purification, downstream purification specifically focuses on isolating and purifying the target product. Both roles often require similar skills and certifications, and they operate in comparable environments within biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

More about Downstream Purification jobs
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What states have the most Downstream Purification jobs? States with the most job openings for Downstream Purification jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Downstream Purification jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Downstream Purification jobs are:
Downstream Purification jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Purification job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,890 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Formulation & Downstream Process Develo

Pivotal Life Sciences

San Diego, CA • On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Formulation & Downstream Process Development
Location: San Diego
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us: A new stealth-mode biotech focused on in vivo gene editing.
Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist / Associate Director to lead downstream process development for our targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) platform. This is a hands-on, lab-based role focused on the purification, concentration, and buffer exchange of tLNP drug product using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), tangential flow filtration (TFF), and complementary downstream unit operations. The successful candidate will be a technical expert in nanoparticle purification, responsible for developing robust, scalable downstream processes that deliver high-purity tLNP product while preserving particle integrity, targeting functionality, and cargo activity. This individual will also contribute to formulation development, stability assessment, and technology transfer to CDMOs. Title and salary commensurate with experience.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, optimize, and execute downstream purification processes for targeted LNPs, with emphasis on SEC (gravity flow and column chromatography, including CIMmultus monolithic columns) and TFF (hollow fiber and flat sheet cassettes) at research and pilot scale.
  • Develop and optimize TFF operating parameters including transmembrane pressure, cross-flow rate, membrane molecular weight cutoff selection, diafiltration volumes, and flux decay management to maximize product recovery and minimize particle stress.
  • Establish SEC-based purification methods to separate assembled tLNP product from free protein, unincorporated lipid components, and process-related impurities; optimize resin selection, column loading, and elution conditions.
  • Characterize downstream process intermediates and final drug product using DLS, zeta potential, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), cryo-TEM, encapsulation efficiency assays, and protein/lipid quantitation methods.
  • Evaluate and benchmark alternative and emerging purification modalities (e.g., bind-elute chromatography, membrane chromatography, depth filtration) for tLNP applications.
  • Develop and optimize final formulation and buffer exchange conditions to ensure tLNP stability, including excipient screening, cryoprotectant selection, and lyophilization feasibility assessment.
  • Lead process characterization studies to define critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) for downstream unit operations.
  • Support technology transfer of downstream processes to CDMOs, including process documentation (batch records, SOPs, technical reports), on-site support, and process troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate with formulation scientists, analytical scientists, and biology teams to ensure downstream processes preserve LNP integrity, targeting ligand functionality, and cargo bioactivity.
  • Design and execute process development studies using DOE approaches to systematically optimize purification and formulation parameters.
  • Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks and contribute to regulatory filings (IND/CTA) for downstream process and drug product CMC sections.
  • Stay current with advances in nanoparticle purification, LNP downstream processing, and scalable manufacturing technologies.

Qualifications:
  • D. in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with 5+ years of industry experience; or M.S. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience, or B.S. with 10+ years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated hands-on expertise in TFF process development for nanoparticle or biopharmaceutical applications, including membrane selection, process optimization, and scale-up.
  • Direct experience with SEC or chromatographic purification of lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, or related colloidal drug delivery systems.
  • Strong understanding of LNP formulation and characterization, including DLS, zeta potential, cryo-TEM, encapsulation efficiency, and particle stability assessment.
  • Experience defining CPPs and CQAs for downstream processes and contributing to process characterization and validation.
  • Proficiency with DOE-based experimental design and statistical analysis of process development data.
  • Excellent scientific communication skills, including technical report writing, SOPs, and presentation of data to cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to work independently in the lab, manage multiple projects, and mentor junior scientists.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience with targeted or functionalized nanoparticle purification, including separation of decorated particles from free targeting ligands (e.g., antibodies, peptides, aptamers).
  • Experience with monolithic column chromatography (e.g., CIMmultus) or membrane chromatography for nanoparticle purification.
  • GMP manufacturing experience for LNP or liposomal drug products, including process validation, batch record authoring, and deviation investigation.
  • Experience with AAV or viral particle purification and characterization.
  • Experience with lyophilization process development for nanoparticle formulations.
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements for CMC sections of gene therapy INDs (ICH Q8-Q12) and experience supporting technology transfer to CDMOs.
  • Track record of scientific publications and/or patents in LNP purification, downstream processing, or nanoparticle formulation.

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary, equity, and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Fast-paced collaborative and innovative work environment.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience. To be considered for the role, applicants must be:
  1. Eligible to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
  2. Able to work onsite in the lab located in San Diego.
  3. A direct candidate and not from a third party, i.e. staffing agency.

Apply