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Internship Downstream Process Development Jobs in Irvine, CA

This role will partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, Quality, and MSAT teams to analyze downstream purification process data, identify trends, optimize manufacturing performance, and ...

... downstream biologics manufacturing processes, including mammalian cell culture, chromatography, viral clearance operations, filtration, and UF/DF. * Hands-on experience supporting process development ...

Lead liquid culture for microbial fermentation process development and implementation * Collaborate ... Fermentation on microbial liquid culture and its upstream and downstream process experience are ...

Lead liquid culture for microbial fermentation process development and implementation * Collaborate ... Fermentation on microbial liquid culture and its upstream and downstream process experience are ...

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Internship Downstream Process Development information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$9

$18

$26

How much do internship downstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship downstream process development in Irvine, CA is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship in downstream process development?

An Internship in Downstream Process Development is a temporary position, typically for students or recent graduates, focused on learning and supporting the processes involved in purifying and formulating biopharmaceutical products after the initial production stage. Interns in this field gain hands-on experience with techniques such as filtration, chromatography, and quality control, and often work within a research and development or manufacturing environment. This internship helps build skills in laboratory methods, data analysis, and process optimization, making it valuable for those interested in careers in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.

What types of hands-on projects can I expect to work on during an internship in downstream process development?

As an intern in Downstream Process Development, you will typically assist with projects focused on purification and recovery of biological products, such as proteins or antibodies, from complex mixtures. This often includes tasks like preparing chromatography columns, performing filtration techniques, and conducting sample analysis using methods such as SDS-PAGE or HPLC. You’ll also collaborate closely with experienced scientists and engineers, participate in team meetings to review data, and help troubleshoot process challenges. These experiences provide valuable insight into both laboratory workflows and the broader bioprocess development pipeline.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship in downstream process development, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Internship Downstream Process Development role, a solid background in biotechnology, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with foundational lab skills, is essential. Familiarity with bioprocessing techniques, analytical instruments, and data analysis software is typically required, and experience with GMP environments can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with team members and documenting results. These competencies ensure interns can contribute to optimizing purification processes and maintaining high standards in biopharmaceutical development.

What is the difference between Internship Downstream Process Development vs Downstream Process Technician?

AspectInternship Downstream Process DevelopmentDownstream Process Technician
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in biotech, chemistry, or related fieldsUsually requires technical diploma or associate degree in biotech or related areas
Work EnvironmentLaboratory and development settings, focusing on process optimization and experimental workManufacturing floor, operating equipment, and performing process runs
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in process development, data analysis, and protocol documentationExecuting downstream processing steps, equipment setup, and process monitoring

In summary, Internship Downstream Process Development focuses on learning and supporting process optimization in a lab setting, while Downstream Process Technicians handle the hands-on execution of downstream manufacturing processes in production environments.

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Internship Downstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Internship Downstream Process Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Downstream Process Development job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 65% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,036 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Avid Bioservices

Tustin, CA • On-site

$124K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description
Looking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life-saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes.
Your Role:
The Scientist, Downstream Process Development, will support the development and optimization of downstream purification processes for protein-based biologics. Responsibilities include chromatography and filtration process development, scale-up and technology transfer activities, viral clearance studies, and data analysis. The individual will collaborate closely with Upstream Process Development, Analytical Sciences, MSAT, Manufacturing, Program Management, and clients to advance development programs from early-stage development through manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrated expertise in downstream process development for monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and other biologic modalities, including chromatography, filtration, buffer development, and process scale-up.
  • Strong understanding of protein purification principles, process characterization, experimental design, statistical data analysis, and biopharmaceutical development workflows.
  • Experience leading technical projects, troubleshooting complex process challenges, and driving development strategies with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and present scientific data, author technical reports, and communicate findings effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience supporting technology transfer, manufacturing process implementation, and cross-functional collaboration within a GMP-regulated environment is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of process analytical technologies (PAT), laboratory automation, high-throughput process development, process intensification, and digital data management tools is preferred.
  • Proven ability to mentor junior scientists and provide scientific leadership across project teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience interacting directly with clients, partners, and senior leadership.
  • Working knowledge of regulatory expectations and CMC development activities supporting clinical and commercial biologics programs is desirable.
  • Occasional travel by land and/or air may be required to attend seminars or conferences or client meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline with 0-3 years of relevant industry experience; OR M.S. degree with 5+ years; OR B.S. degree with 8+ years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with 1-2 years or M.S. with 3-5 years of industry experience.
  • Prior experience in leading downstream process development of biologics is a plus.
  • Experience mentoring or leading scientific staff preferred.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This role is a full-time onsite position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday unless otherwise stated by Supervisor. The employee must also have the ability to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary.
Compensation:
We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
The compensation range for this role is $124,000 - $155,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Who you are:
  • You have a "bring it on!" team player approach and an unshakable positive attitude, always ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
  • Your written and verbal skills are out of this world, and you communicate with clarity and confidence.
  • You have exceptional multitasking skills and an unparalleled attention to detail that ensure the smooth running of everything.
  • You are a master at building relationships, capable of establishing connections with anyone, be it team members, clients, vendors, or suppliers.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 25 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting. Your visual acuity, including close, distance, and color vision, will be essential in navigating through the diverse day-to-day demands of this position.