Internship Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in O Fallon, IL

Process Development Scientist I (Downstream)

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to join a dedicated team of Process Development Scientists focused on downstream protein purification. You will contribute to the development, confirmation, and transfer of downstream purification processes that support biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Working closely with customers, scientists, and cross-functional departments, you will help implement advanced solutions in high-quality biopharmaceutical facilities and play a key role in global operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments to develop, assess, and transfer downstream protein purification processes for use in manufacturing.
• Operate and optimize industry-standard technologies such as chromatography, filtration, and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) in support of process development.
• Learn to interpret client documents, process descriptions, and scientific literature to design effective strategies for process development and transfer activities.
• Generate, analyze, and document experimental data with high attention to detail and adherence to standard procedures.
• Communicate experimental findings, data interpretations, and process recommendations to a multidisciplinary team including upstream, downstream, and analytical scientists, quality assurance, process engineers, and customers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure smooth transfer of developed processes into manufacturing environments.
• Prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic setting while maintaining compliance with established laboratory practices and safety guidelines.
• Continuously expand technical knowledge and laboratory skills to support evolving project and organizational needs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• 1–2 years of relevant laboratory experience, preferably in protein purification or related bioprocessing.
• Hands-on experience with protein purification techniques, including chromatography.
• Fundamental understanding of biochemistry and its application to downstream process development.
• Ability to function effectively in a constantly evolving environment and adapt to changing project needs.
• High attention to detail with a strong commitment to following standard procedures and documentation practices.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly present data and conclusions to technical and cross-functional audiences.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift materials as required for laboratory work, and perform repetitive hand motions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong desire and demonstrated willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and technologies.
• Interest in working with industry-standard downstream technologies such as chromatography, filtration, and UF/DF.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with upstream, downstream, analytical, quality, and engineering teams.
• Solid organizational and time-management skills to support multiple ongoing experiments and projects.

Work Environment

This position is based in a laboratory environment supporting biopharmaceutical process development. You will work hands-on with downstream processing equipment such as chromatography systems, filtration units, and UF/DF setups. The role requires standing for extended periods, performing repetitive hand motions, and occasionally lifting laboratory materials or equipment. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with expectations to follow established safety procedures and laboratory best practices in a collaborative, fast-evolving setting

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.