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Research Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs in Missouri

StevenDouglas

Research Associate

Sunset Hills, MO · On-site

... that are developed and verified. * Build org charts of target companies, mapping how each ... candidate process logistics, including stakeholder communication, interview coordination, and ...

Kansas City University

Research Associate

Kansas City, MO · On-site

... development, with relevance to congenital heart defects. A central responsibility for this position ... Process, organize, and analyze biological samples for molecular biology experiments * Assist with ...

Socket.dev

Process Developer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Experience working in a laboratory, manufacturing, research, or product development environment. * Hands‑on experience with precision fermentation and downstream processing , including experience ...

LSU AgCenter

Research Associate 4 or 5

Louisiana, MO · On-site

Analyze the data collected, which involves the development of complex mathematical models for the ... Research Associate 5 Manage and maintain the advanced materials characterization equipment ...

ClinChoice

... development opportunities that come with working for a leading CRO? Our team calls it the best of ... The Application Process Once you have submitted your CV, you will receive an acknowledgement that ...

Washington University of St. Louis

... motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support implementation and clinical research ... development, data-sharing processes, and study compliance activities. * Contribute to the ...

410 ICR United States USA

MO

Ensuring protocol compliance, data integrity, and patient safety throughout the trial process ... Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways Benefits may ...

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Research Associate Downstream Process Development information

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 in Missouri are hiring for Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings:

Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Research Associate II, Downstream

Creve Coeur, MO • On-site

Pivot Bio
Biotechnology Research and Development • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Pivot Bioexternal

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of the soil microbiome, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in agriculture. Our commercial products harness the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops. We provide new and sustainable ways for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world's growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour.
We are looking for a Research Associate II who thrives in fast-paced industry research lab environment and is motivated by Pivot Bio's mission to provide sustainable, microbial-based solutions for nitrogen delivery to crops. The successful candidate should be willing to learn and support innovation, while maintaining excellent laboratory practices.
Reporting to the Scientist III, Downstream, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the development of microbial downstream processes intended to increase product quality and shelf-life, and improve nitrogen-use efficiency in cereal crops. An ideal candidate has solid working knowledge of downstream processes and equipment, including disc-stack centrifuge, Tangential Flow Filtration system, freeze-dryer and spray-dryer systems. Familiarity with fermentation systems, laboratory automation, and LIMS systems is a plus. The candidate should have a working knowledge of microbiology and chemistry, an eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing research objectives.
Essential functions
  • Using previously acquired skills independently executes day-to-day work, with minimal supervision.
  • Provides input on experiment design and/or operational processes.
  • May be responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, supplies and reagents.
  • Can execute multi-stage workflows with limited input on prioritization and troubleshooting.
  • Able to follow detailed SOPs.
  • Able to recognize errors and troubleshoot with limited support.
  • Documents of work performed and observations in a timely, accurate way.
  • Communicates results within the team and across capabilities as needed.
  • Awareness and adherence to safety, hygiene, and organizational policies.
  • EHS: Keeps up to date with safety training. Reports near misses and safety concerns. Conforms to all PPE requirements. Disposes all waste safely and appropriately.

Competencies
  • Knowledge & Application
  • Basic laboratory knowledge such as the use of common equipment, for example: pipetting, spectrophotometers, aseptic techniques, etc.)
  • Able to revise and draft routine protocols.
  • Some familiarity with core downstream concepts, such cell separation, and cell drying systems, etc.
  • Performs routine data tasks including data entry and data QC.

  • Complexity & Problem Solving
  • Performs well defined work with occasional problem-solving required.
  • Daily work requires some specialized knowledge or skills.
  • Identifies how their work fits into the wider team and apply knowledge to different situations.
  • Observes and reports unexpected research and operations events to supervisors or more senior staff.
  • May propose and enact solutions to operational issues or inefficiencies.

  • Collaboration & Interaction
  • Collaborate within the team provides input in team meetings.
  • Communicates respectfully within and across teams.
  • Ask questions to build knowledge and context.
  • Shares and communicates plans requiring resources and equipment from other teams.
  • May present data or workflow development with support primarily within the immediate team/department.
  • May train colleagues within and outside the immediate team.

Supervisory responsibilities: Limited to training and task coordination
Physical demands:
  • This is a laboratory-based position
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers
  • Communicating with others to exchange information
  • Occasionally perform physically repetitive tasks like pipetting, sample weighing, and liquid transfers.
  • Occasionally lift 30+ pounds
  • Workflows may require extended workdays or working during weekends on occasion

Travel required: N/A
Required education and experience
  • Bachelor of science degree in life sciences, food science, biological systems engineering, biochemical engineering, or related field or equivalent experience
  • 2-5 years of experience in a fast-paced industry research lab environment
  • Experience with sterile/aseptic technique for handling microbes
  • Comfortable with standard microbiology techniques, including CFU/viability plating and cell counting
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently, ask good questions, and recognize anomalies
  • Attention to detail, skilled in making observations and documenting anomalies
  • Can-do attitude, strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills

Work authorization/security clearance requirements
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Other duties
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Hiring Compensation Range
$64,000-$80,000 USD

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