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Research Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs

Our research spans chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T), T-cell receptor (TCR-T), natural ... Role OverviewThe Principal Engineer, Lentivirus Downstream Process Development, will be a key ...

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Research Associate Downstream Process Development information

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How much do research associate downstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate 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 is a research associate downstream process development?

A Research Associate in Downstream Process Development works within biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies to optimize and scale up the purification and recovery of biological products, such as proteins or antibodies, after initial production. They focus on processes like filtration, chromatography, and centrifugation to ensure product quality and yield. These professionals design experiments, analyze data, and support the transfer of processes from laboratory scale to manufacturing. Their work is crucial for developing efficient, reproducible, and regulatory-compliant methods for producing biopharmaceuticals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research associate in downstream process development?

To thrive as a Research Associate in Downstream Process Development, you need a solid background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or chemical engineering, often demonstrated by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with chromatography systems (such as AKTA), filtration technologies, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, along with data analysis software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help individuals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient, scalable purification processes and maintaining product quality in biopharmaceutical development.

What are the typical challenges faced by a research associate in downstream process development, and how can they be addressed?

A Research Associate in Downstream Process Development often encounters challenges such as optimizing purification processes for new biologics, troubleshooting equipment issues, and ensuring scalability from laboratory to production scale. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, such as upstream scientists and analytical specialists, is essential to resolve issues quickly. Staying current with new purification technologies and maintaining meticulous documentation can also help address these challenges and support successful process development.

What is the difference between Research Associate Downstream Process Development vs Research Associate Upstream Process Development?

AspectResearch Associate Downstream Process DevelopmentResearch Associate Upstream Process Development
Primary FocusPurification, filtration, chromatography of bioproductsCell culture, media optimization, bioreactor operation
Skills & CertificationsProtein purification, chromatography techniques, GMP complianceCell culture, aseptic techniques, bioreactor handling
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, manufacturing, quality controlLaboratory, bioprocessing facilities
Industry UsageBiopharmaceutical manufacturing, biotech researchBiopharmaceutical development, biotech research

While both roles support bioprocess development, Research Associate Downstream Process Development focuses on purification and filtration of bioproducts, whereas Research Associate Upstream Process Development emphasizes cell culture and bioreactor processes. Understanding these differences helps candidates align their skills with the appropriate role in biopharmaceutical production.

What cities are hiring for Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

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What states have the most Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

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Infographic showing various Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,060 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Sr. Research Associate, Process Development Downstream

Tustin, CA

Avid Bioservices
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$72K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job 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 Senior Research Associate, Process Development Downstream will provide laboratory support for Process Development by leading in the downstream process and/or method development. The Senior Research Associate may be assigned various tasks within the department and outside the department as needed.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and/or technical lead for downstream process development and purification of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and related biologics. Responsibilities include buffer formulation and preparation, chromatography process development and optimization, filtration development, and routine process execution.
  • Lead downstream process development studies, including chromatography screening, process optimization, and scale-up activities to support client programs from early development through commercialization.
  • Perform and oversee in-process and routine analytical testing to support downstream development activities, including protein concentration determination (A280), HPLC-based assays, and other relevant analytical methods.
  • Independently execute downstream unit operations using chromatography systems, filtration equipment, and associated process analytical tools with minimal supervision.
  • Support process scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing operations by developing robust buffer preparation strategies and downstream processing workflows suitable for pilot and GMP manufacturing environments.
  • Compile, analyze, interpret, and present experimental data. Author technical reports, development summaries, protocols, and client-facing documentation, and present findings during internal project reviews and client meetings.
  • Lead troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process performance, robustness, productivity, and scalability.
  • Contribute to the evaluation, implementation, and validation of emerging technologies, process analytics, laboratory automation platforms, and process intensification strategies to improve development efficiency.
  • Experience with laboratory automation, process intensification, process analytical technologies (PAT), high-throughput process development, and data analytics is highly desirable.
  • Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance across downstream process development activities.
  • Perform other duties and project-related responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with 3-4 years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience, or a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
  • Candidates should possess a strong understanding of downstream processing principles, experimental design, data analysis, and bioprocess development methodologies.

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 $72,800 - $91,000 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.

Employment Type: Full-Time