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Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Washington, DC

Axle

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

Oversee the development of downstream processes for VRC clinical candidates and the process tech ... Mentors junior level scientists * Work closely with Project Managers to ensure downstream ...

Axle

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD

Oversee the development of downstream processes for VRC clinical candidates and the process tech ... Mentors junior level scientists * Work closely with Project Managers to ensure downstream ...

Peraton

Development Support Process Engineer

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

This is a full-time position requiring 1880 hours of support per year; and work is performed at a ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or Education ...

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All JobsDownstream Process Development Scientist JobsFull Time Downstream Process Development Scientist JobsFull Time Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Washington, DC

Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist information

See Washington, DC salary details

$23

$43

$69

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 Washington, DC is $43.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.12 and $52.26 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Washington, DC are:
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Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Downstream Process Development Scientist job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $91,083 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Sr. Scientist (Downstream Process Development)

Kelly Services

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Kelly Government Solutions is a strategic supplier and business partner to the federal government and its key suppliers.  Through our partnership with the National Institutes of Health, Kelly Government Solutions offers administrative, IT, engineering, scientific, and healthcare professionals the opportunity to work with the leading medical research center in the world.  We have an opening for a Senior Scientist (Downstream Process Development) to work on-site at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Gaithersburg, MD.
This is a long-term contract position which offers:
-    Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit package
-    Optional health, vision, and dental plans
-    Paid leave as well as 11 paid federal holidays and 401K plan.  
-    Access to NIH’s unparalleled resources and niche scientific initiatives
KEY TASKS
(1) Oversee the development of downstream processes for clinical candidates and the process of tech transfer for clinical material generation
(2) Provide project support to develop downstream process methods that meet the product quality and recovery characteristics to guarantee successful production of clinical material.
(3) Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in guiding purification strategies for new vaccine or therapeutic mAb candidates 
(4) Work with regulatory team to support IND submissions and other requests. 
(5) Oversee viral clearance strategies in relevant downstream processes and direct the viral clearance validation efforts 
(6) Plan and oversee downstream processes for toxicology lot material production. 
(7) Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure timely and scale-appropriate Technology Transfer is achieved
(8) Write/edit/review tech transfer documents to support downstream process Master Batch Record authoring.
(9) Serve as SME in downstream troubleshooting and facility fit calculations. 
(10) Serve as the Center’s downstream SME in external collaborations for clinical development projects
(11) Work to troubleshoot and improve downstream methods during the development cycle. This includes efforts in designing optimization studies (DOE with JMP) and streamlining efforts to ensure timely development schedules
REQUIREMENTS
(1) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field
(2) Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with recombinant protein purification development for GMP clinical-phase products
PLEASE APPLY ONLINE
When you apply, please know a Kelly Government Solutions Recruiter will review your resume and will contact you directly, if your skills and experience match the requirements of this position; a full job description can be made available at that time.
Due to the high volume of inquiries, we regret that we cannot accept phone calls. Even if you aren’t contacted for this position, you are still part of our talent network.  All Kelly recruiters have access to your profile, which expands your opportunities even further.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, short-term disability, and a transportation spending account. In addition, this position offers employees the ability to earn up to 160 hours of paid time off annually and eleven paid holidays per benefit year. We also offer a generous defined 401(k) contribution to help you save for retirement. Visit https://www.mykelly.us/us-mykelly/perks/ for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
#government
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Government Solutions?

Looking to connect with premier government agencies or the top 25 federal government contractors? Kelly Government Solutions partners with these organizations to create expert talent solutions that solve the world’s most critical challenges. We offer a variety of full-time, project (SOW), seasonal, and surge support opportunities in science, engineering, technology, professional, and administrative support roles. Our experts will connect you to the opportunity that fits your schedule and interests and handle the details of transferring and processing all levels of security clearances. It’s just another way we make the job search work for you.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.

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