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Research Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs in Pennsylvania

The Research Associate will contribute to various stages of the research process, including study ... design, data collection and analysis, literature reviews, and manuscript preparation and revisions.

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

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 Pennsylvania are hiring for Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Research Associate

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

University of Pennsylvania
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
The Department of Radiation Oncology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania seeks candidates for a Research Associate position in the Academic Support Staff. This appointment will be initially for one (1) year and continuation during that time period and renewal are based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding (limited to three (3) years). Expertise is required in the specific area of Tumor biology, preferably in radiation biology/oncology is required. Work with rodents is also required. Experience with growing of tissue organoids, and performing complex immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses on fixed/embedded tissue is strongly recommended. Experience inscRNAseq analysis is a plus. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Small animal training certification is required.
Responsibilities may include engagement in research investigating the role of Ultra-High-Dose Rate ("FLASH") radiotherapy in normal and tumor response in head and neck cancer models. Specifically, the role will be engaged in injecting HNSCC cells (both HPV+ and HPV-) in the oral cavity of syngeneic mice, and irradiating them with Proton FLASH or Standard radiation. The impact of these treatments on tumor growth as well as normal tissue toxicity (fibrosis, hyposalivation, atrophy of salivary glands etc) will be assayed. Furthermore, normal tissue and tumor organoids will be developed from mouse models as well as patients with HNSCC-these organoids will be used to determine the impact of FLASH RT +/- DNA damage repair inhibitors on the therapeutic window. The successful candidate is also expected to perform analyses such as scRNAseq and bioinformatics and perform mechanistic studies pertaining to the role of Ferroptosis in normal and tumor tissue response to these treatments. Finally, the RA will be expected to write first drafts of manuscripts and apply for funding form several Institutions and foundations, including the NIH, ACS and AACR.
The successful applicant will have an opportunity to be trained in cutitng edge research on FLASH and HNSCC biology, publish in high-impact journals and receive mentoring in career transition toindependence through grant writing workshops, attending and presenting their research findings at national and international meetings.

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About University of Pennsylvania

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The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740