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Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL

MonoSol

Senior Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

Interpret experimental data and integrate scientific and engineering principles into process development projects. Process Modeling, Data, and Analytics Develop and apply process models for existing ...

NuMat

R&D Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL  Compensation: Competitive ... scientists and engineers building Numat's current and next-generation products. The work is ...

Numat

R&D Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Summary Title: R&D Process Development Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Compensation: Competitive ... scientists and engineers building Numat's current and next-generation products. The work is ...

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All JobsDownstream Process Development Scientist JobsFull Time Downstream Process Development Scientist JobsFull Time Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$39

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How much do full time downstream process development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time downstream process development scientist in Chicago, IL is $39.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.23 and $47.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a full time downstream process development scientist do?

A Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist is responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling up processes that purify biological products such as proteins, antibodies, or vaccines after they are produced in cells or microbes. This role involves developing and improving techniques like filtration, chromatography, and centrifugation to ensure high purity and yield of the final product. The scientist also conducts experiments, analyzes data, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to transfer processes from the lab to manufacturing. Their work is critical for producing safe and effective biopharmaceuticals on a large scale.

What is the difference between Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist vs Downstream Process Engineer?

AspectFull Time Downstream Process Development Scientist
Primary FocusDesigning, optimizing, and developing downstream purification processes for biopharmaceuticals
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related field; experience in process development
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D settings, collaborative teams in biotech or pharma companies
Typical ResponsibilitiesProcess scale-up, method validation, troubleshooting, documentation

While both roles involve downstream bioprocessing, the Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist focuses on process development and optimization, whereas the Downstream Process Engineer typically handles process implementation and manufacturing support. The scientist role emphasizes research and development, while the engineer role is more operational. Candidates often hold similar degrees and certifications, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

What are some typical challenges faced by a full time downstream process development scientist, and how can they be addressed?

Downstream Process Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing protein purification processes to achieve high yield and purity, troubleshooting unexpected impurities, and scaling up processes from laboratory to manufacturing scale. These tasks require strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and effective collaboration with upstream teams, analytical scientists, and manufacturing staff. Addressing these challenges involves staying current with new purification technologies, maintaining robust documentation, and participating in cross-functional meetings to ensure seamless process integration and regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time downstream process development scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist, you need a strong background in biochemical engineering, protein purification, and analytical techniques, typically supported by a degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field. Proficiency with chromatography systems (e.g., HPLC, FPLC), filtration technologies, and knowledge of regulatory and quality systems like GMP is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot process challenges. These skills are crucial for developing robust purification processes that ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient production in biopharmaceutical environments.
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Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs near you

Senior Fermentation Scientist - Sumitomo Biorational Company

Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies of America

Libertyville, IL • On-site

$124K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Sumitomo Biorational Company:
Headquartered in Libertyville, Ill., Sumitomo Biorational Company is the Global Center of Excellence for Biorational Innovation, advancing integrated, science-driven solutions in agriculture, public health, forest health, and environmental markets. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Biorational operates through three divisions: AgroSolutions, Environmental Health (MGK), and Public Health & Forest Health, leveraging decades of expertise to drive innovation and sustainability for customers worldwide.

Description of Job: Lead internal upstream process development efforts at the Sumitomo Biorational Company Biorational Research Center by conducting fermentation experiments in laboratory- and pilot-scale bioreactors. Evaluate the performance of microbial strain candidates by analysis and interpretation of fermentation data. Work with a team of fermentation scientists, downstream process engineers, formulations scientists, microbial engineers and analytical chemists to develop sustainable biorational solutions within the expanding field of BioAgriculture.

Principal Responsibilities:

  • Design and implement upstream processes to optimize strain performance of bacterial and fungal microorganisms to produce microbial products, metabolites and proteins
  • Mentor junior team members by training safe and proper use of fermentation and analytical equipment required to execute process development and improvement experiments
  • Provide guidance to research associates and support their professional development
  • Take primary responsibility for the operation and troubleshooting of pilot scale fermentation equipment
  • Design scale up and scale down experiments to execute seamless technology transfer between Research and Manufacturing operations
  • Build strong relationships with supporting research departments and deliver fermentations on time or ahead of schedule to biology, downstream processing, formulations, and product development teams
  • Travel to manufacturing site to launch new fermentation processes and troubleshoot current commercial processes
  • Maintain and further develop collaborative relationship with the pilot and production fermentation team at the manufacturing site
  • Execute sophisticated process development experiments utilizing statistical tools to ensure process robustness
  • Work alongside data scientists, IT, and engineering to build and maintain a digital system to organize and archive run data and electronic batch records
  • Maintain and update laboratory data and documents including electronic lab notebook and SOPs
  • Conduct all work in strict compliance with all applicable safety requirements, containment requirements, standards operating procedures and/or guidelines while maintaining a clean and orderly workspace
  • Work both independently and with interdisciplinary research teams while maintaining a positive and collaborative environment

Required skills/experience:

  • Expertise in culturing microorganisms, including filamentous fungi, to increase metabolite productivity using aseptic techniques Hands-on experience using lab-scale or pilot-scale SIP bioreactor systems for microbial cultivations and metabolite production, particularly with non-model bacterial and fungal organisms
  • Experience training junior scientists in the use of fermentation equipment and execution of process development experiments
  • High degree of competency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite and statistical analysis software
  • Strong communication, presentation, and listening skills in cross-functional teams
  • Willingness to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion.
  • Able to lift up to 25 lbs

Education: Degree in Fermentation Science, Chemical/Biochemical/Biosystems Engineering, or closely related field with industrial fermentation experience (5 years with PhD, 8 years with MS, 12+ years with BS).

Travel: Limited travel will be required. (<5%)

What We Offer

We recognize that compensation and benefits play a crucial role in your career decisions. That’s why we’re dedicated to equitable pay practices and transparency in how we reward our employees.

Base Salary: The estimated annual base salary for this position ranges from:

$124,000 to $145,000. Individual pay is based upon location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Incentives: All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive program or profit-sharing program in addition to their base salary.

Benefits:

  • High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
  • 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
  • Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
  • Financial assistance programs to support your goals
  • Life and disability insurance for added security
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days

Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Sumitomo Biorational Company, we’re proud to power a sustainable future through our work. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been at the core of our culture since the beginning. Today, they continue to drive everything we do.

Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to a better world.

  • Sumitomo Biorational Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and/or identity, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

#LI-ONSITE

#Sumitomo