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

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for merck downstream process development in the United States is $33.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Downstream Process Development at Merck, and why are they important?

To thrive in Merck Downstream Process Development, you need a solid background in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, typically with a bachelor's or advanced degree and relevant laboratory experience. Expertise in chromatography, filtration systems, and data analysis software, as well as familiarity with GMP regulations, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies are crucial for developing efficient, scalable purification processes that ensure product quality and compliance in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

What are some typical challenges faced in Merck Downstream Process Development, and how can new team members prepare for them?

In Merck Downstream Process Development, common challenges include optimizing purification processes to maximize yield and product quality while maintaining scalability and regulatory compliance. New team members may encounter complex troubleshooting when scaling lab protocols to pilot or commercial production. Collaboration with upstream teams, analytical scientists, and quality assurance is crucial for success. To prepare, candidates should familiarize themselves with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), chromatography techniques, and effective cross-functional communication strategies.

What is Downstream Process Development at Merck?

Downstream Process Development at Merck refers to the set of activities focused on purifying and refining biological products, such as proteins or vaccines, after they have been produced during upstream processes. This involves steps like filtration, chromatography, and formulation to ensure the final product is safe, effective, and meets regulatory standards. Scientists and engineers in this area work to optimize these processes for high yield, purity, and scalability. At Merck, this work is critical for bringing biopharmaceutical products from the laboratory to commercial manufacturing.

What is the difference between Merck Downstream Process Development vs Merck Upstream Process Development?

AspectMerck Downstream Process DevelopmentMerck Upstream Process Development
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratory and manufacturing settings focused on purification and polishing of bioproductsLaboratory and manufacturing settings focused on cell culture and bioreactor operations
Industry UsageUsed in biopharmaceutical manufacturing to refine and purify productsUsed in biopharmaceutical manufacturing to produce and optimize cell cultures

Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments but focus on different stages of bioprocessing. Downstream process development centers on purification, while upstream focuses on cell growth and bioreactor management. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Infographic showing various Merck Downstream Process Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,060 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

DOWNSTREAM PROCESS DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST

MyGradJob

Billerica, MA

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Company Description

MilliporeSigma is the North American life science brand of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany - a leading science and technology company. It offers a broad range of innovative products and services to biotech and pharmaceutical drug therapies businesses. Through dedicated collaboration with the scientific and engineering communities, and as one of the top three R&D investors in the life science tools industry, the brand serves as a strategic partner to customers and helps advance the promise of life science.

Job Description
  • Design fit-for-purpose purification experiments according to the stage of development
  • Ensure scientific evaluation of impact of deviations to Downstream validation studies
  • Compile and analyze experimental data to generate process knowledge and decide on next steps
  • Write development and validation reports and ensure their timely delivery
  • Prepare and present project updates to global project team and to upper management
  • Ensure a continuous improvement within Downstream process development activities
  • Represent & promote E2E and Biodevelopment activities (presentations, congresses, events)
  • Technical lead on the overall projects (supervises Downstream processes development and implementation of new methods and services)
  • Technical leader for equipment, technologies for Downstream process development
  • Responsible for activities ranging from protein purification, filtration, biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins: -
  • Execute routine protein purification with affinity, size exclusion, ion exchange, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography using AKTA systems (Unicorn software)
  • Perform analyses including but not limited to SDS-PAGE, SE-HPLC, LAL, host cell-DNA, host cell protein, as necessary
  • To develop, validate and transfer robust analytical methods required for successful drug development and manufacturing.
  • To support follow-up and troubleshooting on analytical methods.
  • Provide expertise and insight to guide development of appropriate purification methods
  • Develop novel purification processes as well as using standard methods to purify proteins from the mg to gram scale. Processes will be multiple steps and must provide necessary clearance of viruses, endotoxin, and host cell proteins and DNA.
  • Perform, develop and optimize robust, efficient, scalable strategies for improving process performance. Activities will include small-scale studies and pilot scale purification studies.
  • Apply DOE methods to purification activities
Qualifications
  • Engineering/Master degree (PhD preferred) in biotechnology with 5+ years in the biopharmaceutical industry
  • Solid and proven theoretical basis and hands-on experience in protein purification and analytical characterization
  • Hands-on experience with purification unit operations including filtration, chromatography, TFF, UF/DF, AKTA, UNICORN and HPLC systems.
  • Strong hands-on experience in troubleshooting and routine instrument maintenance.
  • Experienced in protein purification via affinity, hydrophobic interaction (HIC), ion exchange (IEX), size exclusion (SEC) and mixed-mode chromatography
  • Knowledge and skills in biochemical characterization of proteins including analytical and biophysical
  • Proven track record in Purification Process Development is necessary with emphasis on chromatographic separations and excellent understanding of and experience with chromatographic resin screening and process optimization.  Experience with scale-up and GMP manufacturing is desirable.
  • Solid and proven working knowledge of DOE. Ability to critically analyze data using statistical tools and to compile technical reports
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills
  • Results-oriented with ability to work and deliver under pressure
  • Excellent English (written, oral) 
Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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