1

Downstream Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Downstream Scientist information

See salary details

$13

$41

$68

How much do downstream scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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.

More about Downstream Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Downstream Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Downstream Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Downstream Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Downstream Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Downstream Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Downstream Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Downstream Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,299 per year, or $41 per hour.
Associate Scientist - Process Development, Downstream

Associate Scientist - Process Development, Downstream

Catalent, Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Catalent rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 73 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Associate Scientist - Process Development, Downstream
Position Summary
  • Shift: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm
  • 100% on-site

Catalent, Inc. is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) whose mission is to develop, manufacture, and supply products that help people live better and healthier lives. Catalent is dedicated to delivering unparalleled service to pharma, biotech, and consumer health customers, supporting product development, launch, and full life-cycle supply. With time-tested experience in development sciences, delivery technologies, and multi-modality manufacturing, Catalent supports the acceleration of development programs and the launch of more than a hundred new products every year. Powered by thousands of scientists and technicians and the latest technology platforms at more than 40 global sites, Catalent supplies billions of doses of life-enhancing and life-saving treatments for patients annually.
The Associate Scientist - Process Development is responsible for supporting the development and optimization of biologic manufacturing processes, including upstream cell culture and downstream purification activities. This role executes laboratory experiments such as seed train scale-up, bioreactor operations, and protein purification while applying standard statistical methods to analyze data and improve process performance. The Associate Scientist will maintain accurate documentation in accordance with SOPs and GMP practices, support tech transfer to manufacturing, and collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external clients to ensure successful project delivery in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.
The role:
  • Execute laboratory experiments supporting upstream process development, including cell bank vial thaws, seed train scale-up, and bioreactor operations
  • Perform cell culture analytical methods and apply platform processes with moderate modification to optimize productivity and product quality
  • Analyze experimental data using standard statistical methods, including Design of Experiments (DoE)
  • Support downstream purification activities, including chromatography (AKTA), filtration, and tangential flow filtration
  • Maintain accurate documentation and batch production records (BPRs) in accordance with SOPs and GDP requirements
  • Collaborate cross-functionally and communicate results with internal teams and external clients to meet project timelines
  • Support lab operations, including equipment maintenance, cleaning, material stocking, and 5S organization
  • Contribute to process development, optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives across client and internal programs

The candidate:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 1-3 years of related experience
  • Equivalent technical competency may also be demonstrated through completion of a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline with relevant laboratory, research, or co-op experience
  • Ability to execute laboratory procedures and experiments of moderate complexity with minimal guidance
  • Hands-on experience or exposure to cell culture, bioreactors, or downstream purification (chromatography, TFF, AKTA)
  • Experience with data analysis and statistical methods (e.g., DoE) and ability to interpret results
  • Experience working within GMP/regulatory environments, including SOPs, GDP, and batch record (BPR) documentation
  • Ability to identify out-of-spec data, troubleshoot issues, and support investigations
  • Strong organization, communication, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience supporting lab operations (equipment maintenance, cleaning, stocking, 5S) and working cross-functionally

Why you should join Catalent:
  • Competitive medical benefits and 401K
  • 152 hours PTO + 8 Paid Holidays
  • Dynamic, fast-paced work environment
  • Opportunity to work on Continuous Improvement Processes

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.
personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.
Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.
Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:
Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.
California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.

What Catalent employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Catalent logo

About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

Social media