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Internship Downstream Process Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role OverviewThe Principal Scientist, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development, will be a key technical leader responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling purification processes for ...

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Internship Downstream Process Development information

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

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship downstream process development in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship 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 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 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 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 are hiring for Internship Downstream Process Development jobs? Cities with the most Internship Downstream Process Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Downstream Process Development jobs? The most popular types of Downstream Process Development jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Downstream Process Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Downstream Process Development jobs include:
Principal Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Principal Scientist, Downstream Process Development

MSD

Rahway, NJ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Description

BPR&D within our Company's Research Laboratories is on a mission to rapidly deliver biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve this, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing while providing an inclusive environment for all. Beyond process development for pipeline biologics, we innovate and build next generation biomanufacturing technologies. Examples include investments for development of continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.

As a Principal Scientist you will have the opportunity to influence the future direction of our Company's Downstream Processing of Biologics. You will work with an immensely creative and collaborative team of scientists and engineers to design purification processes while developing technical strategies related to downstream processing for drug candidates in early- and late-stage development.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

As an impactful contributor, shape and realize innovation across the Biologics' pipeline, strategy, and science

Advance the pipeline by collaborating with cross-functional teams, from Research & Manufacturing, in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment

Participate in or lead 1) development of robust and scalable purification processes for biologics in different stages of clinical development, 2) process characterization and regulatory filings for successful commercialization

Advance downstream processes by improving efficiency and cost effectiveness through research and innovation, while assessing technologies and industry best practices

Collaborate with academia, industry, and vendors to drive development and early adoption of novel process technologies

Contribute to strategic initiatives; partner with senior leaders to set overall project strategy, and guide teams towards its execution

Conceptualize, plan, and execute projects with effective organizational, prioritization and problem-solving skills

Stay abreast of scientific and regulatory landscape; actively present (premier conferences), publish (peer-reviewed journals) and patent

Represent BPR&D as a downstream bioprocess expert in internal, cross-functional project teams and external conferences/consortia

Mentor and actively share expertise; guide career development; build strong, collaborative teams

Champion compliance and safety; promote a culture of inclusion

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Ph.D. with 6+ years, MS with 8+ years, or BS with 10+ years of industry experience and background in Chemical/Biochemical engineering, or a related field

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

Strong fundamental knowledge and subject matter expertise in downstream processing of biologics, recent advances, and challenges in the field

Expertise in independently conducting and directing the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of purification process development

Track record of accomplishments in downstream bioprocessing with a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations

Knowledge of biologics CMC development

Adaptability and agility to prioritize and deliver complex objectives, often on tight timelines, in a rapidly changing environment

Experience and aptitude to lead, work, and collaborate in internal and external cross-functional, matrixed teams

Action-oriented, mindset for creativity; ability to take initiative, innovate, iterate and problem-solve

Demonstrated commitment to coach and mentor staff to maximize talent development and utilization

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

Leadership of CMC development teams

Continuous biomanufacturing integrated with process-analytical technologies

High-throughput experimentation, automation, and process control

Knowledge of protein expression, analytics, conjugation chemistry and formulation

Biophysical, mechanistic and facility modeling; statistical analysis, data-science, machine learning, artificial intelligence

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biomanufacturing, Bioprocess Engineering, Career Development, Cell Culture Process Development, Cell Line Development, Combination Products, Data Analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Innovation, Innovative Thinking, Leadership Mentoring, Manufacturing Operations, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Prioritization, Process Characterization, Professional Collaboration, Professional Networking, Protein Expression, Publishing, Quality by Design, Regulatory Filings, Strategic Initiative {+ 2 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$173,200.00 - $272,600.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only:We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

06/26/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.