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Downstream Purification Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purification Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$44 - $46/hr

Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (40 hrs/week Position Summary Seeking an early-career Biologist / Purification Scientist to join the Downstream Process Development team in Boston, MA. This role will ...

Perform downstream purification using AKTA chromatography systems. * Monitor process parameters and ensure compliance with SOPs and quality standards. * Support batch documentation and data recording.

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Downstream Purification information

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How much do downstream purification jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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 is a process in biopharmaceutical manufacturing that involves isolating and refining a target product, such as a protein or antibody, from a mixture of cells, media, and other impurities. It typically includes steps like filtration, chromatography, and concentration to ensure product purity and quality. Downstream purification requires attention to detail, proper use of equipment, and adherence to regulatory standards.

What is the highest paying job in biotechnology?

In biotechnology, senior roles such as Biotech Executive, Director of Research, or Vice President of Biotechnology tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, with compensation influenced by company size and location.

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.

Is it hard to get a job in biotechnology?

Getting a job in downstream purification within biotechnology can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields, along with laboratory skills and experience with purification techniques like chromatography. Entry-level positions may be accessible with proper training, but advanced roles typically demand specialized knowledge and certifications. Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and familiarity with bioprocessing tools can improve job prospects.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

In the field of downstream purification, senior roles such as Process Development Managers, Regulatory Affairs Directors, and Senior Bioprocess Engineers often have salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive industry experience, and expertise in bioprocessing, quality control, or regulatory compliance.
More about Downstream Purification jobs
What cities are hiring for Downstream Purification jobs? Cities with the most Downstream Purification job openings:
What states have the most Downstream Purification jobs? States with the most job openings for Downstream Purification jobs include:
Infographic showing various Downstream Purification job openings in the United States as of July 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/Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Purification Development

Senior/Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Purification Development

Eli Lilly and Company

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We're looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.
Overview:
At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.
Position Summary:
The scientist is responsible for downstream purification development activities related to the production of bioproduct active pharmaceutical ingredients including purification process definition and optimization, process robustness studies, process transfers to pilot plant and manufacturing sites and authorship of downstream process development sections of regulatory submissions. The incumbent will interact closely with other scientists in Bioprocess/Bioproduct Development as well as Discovery, Technical services for Manufacturing, and Manufacturing scientists. They are expected to be an integral participant on multidisciplinary CMC project teams that provide support for bioproduct process and product development activities.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, execute and interpret appropriate purification development experiments for generation of bioproduct active pharmaceutical ingredient.
  • Participate in cross-functional process development teams and effectively collaborate with other groups in Bioprocess and Bioproduct Development, Discovery, Technical services for Manufacturing and Manufacturing.
  • Support transfer of purification processes to pilot plant and manufacturing sites.
  • Author technical reports and regulatory documents.
  • Work effectively with external parties on development projects, research collaborations and outsourcing efforts.
  • Support organizational initiatives, as appropriate
  • Keep abreast of relevant scientific literature, new technologies/capabilities and regulatory initiatives/requirements and support their implementation, as appropriate.
  • Supervision of personnel and coaching, training and administration of performance management to personnel, where assigned.
  • Ensure work is aligned with all relevant Development Quality, Regulatory, HSE, GLP and GMP requirements.

Basic Requirements:
  • Senior Scientist: BS or MS degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry or related field with 5+ years (BS) or 2+ years (MS) of direct related industry experience.
  • PhD will not be considered at this job level.
  • Biochemistry experience with some knowledge of protein chemistry and protein purification
  • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Additional Preferences:
  • Capable of independently designing experiments (experience with use of statistical design of experiments (DOE) is desirable), generating data, interpreting results and documenting work in laboratory notebooks and technical reports.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills, self-management, task planning and organization.
  • Must be able to work productively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Additional Information:
Physical Demands/Travel:
The physical demands of this job are consistent with a lab environment
The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Work Environment:
This position's work environment is in a laboratory environment.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the role and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$79,500 - $116,600
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876