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Legend Biotech USA, Inc.

Role OverviewThe Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development, will be a key technical leader responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling purification processes for ...

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How much do downstream scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for downstream scientist in the United States is $41.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.12 and $49.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Downstream Scientist job?

A Downstream Scientist is responsible for the purification and recovery of biological products, such as proteins, antibodies, or viral vectors, after production in upstream processes. They develop and optimize techniques like chromatography, filtration, and centrifugation to ensure product purity and yield. Downstream Scientists work in industries such as biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and bioprocessing, often collaborating with upstream teams, analytical scientists, and regulatory professionals. Their role is critical in ensuring that biologic drugs and therapeutics meet quality and regulatory standards for patient use.

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

To thrive as a Downstream Scientist, you need a solid background in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related life sciences, with expertise in protein purification, chromatography, and process optimization. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical instruments like HPLC and FPLC, and relevant GMP or GLP certifications is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are essential for maintaining product quality, meeting regulatory standards, and ensuring smooth collaboration in biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by Downstream Scientists, and how can they prepare for them?

Downstream Scientists often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting purification processes, optimizing yield and consistency, and meeting stringent regulatory requirements. Adapting to evolving technologies and variable production scales can also be demanding, especially in dynamic biopharmaceutical settings. Gaining hands-on experience with diverse purification methods and staying updated with industry best practices can help you address these challenges effectively. Collaborating closely with upstream and quality assurance teams is also crucial for smooth workflow and continuous improvement.

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Downstream Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Downstream Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,299 per year, or $41 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Viral Downstream Process Development

Dispatch Bio

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The role:

The Principal Scientist will serve as the downstream processing expert working closely with CDMOs to generate lentivirus and adenovirus products.  Reporting into the Senior Director 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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