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Research Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs in Elmhurst, IL

Atleast 2 years monitoring solid tumor clinical trials. * 1+ years early development ... If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$110K - $138K/yr

Atleast 2 years monitoring solid tumor clinical trials. * 1+ years early development trial ... If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or ...

Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways Benefits may ... If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or ...

R&D Intern - Summer 2027

Burr Ridge, IL

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

In the role of R&D Intern, you will be partof a team involved with research, planning, designing ... Advanced Process Control * Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Applications * Electronics & Specialty Gas ...

R&D Intern - Summer 2027

Burr Ridge, IL

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

In the role of R&D Intern, you will be partof a team involved with research, planning, designing ... Advanced Process Control * Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Applications * Electronics & Specialty Gas ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Associate Downstream Process Development information

See Elmhurst, IL salary details

$18

$33

$49

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate downstream process development in Elmhurst, IL is $33.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.55 and $41.20 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 near Elmhurst, IL are hiring for Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near Elmhurst, IL with the most Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings in Elmhurst, IL 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, with an average salary of $69,779 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Clinical Research Associate, Cardiology

Evanston, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Department: MED-Cardiology
Salary/Grade: RES/
Job Summary:
The Division of Cardiology is seeking a full-time Clinical Research Associate for an exciting, expanded role in cutting-edge research in heart failure and heart transplantation. This position is 100% supported by funding from federal and non-profit organizations, under the supervision of Dr. Palak Shah
The Clinical Research Associate role will be responsible for managing research-related activities for multicenter clinical trials in adult and pediatric heart transplantation. Under direction of the PI, assists in performing biomedical research. This may involve recruiting subjects for studies, preparation and submission of IRB regulatory materials, preparation and submission of OSR documents, administering tests &/or questionnaires; collecting, compiling, tabulating &/or processing responses; gathering information; &/or assisting in the preparation of material for inclusion in reports.The candidate will need to ensure that all study activities are completed by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and all current local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the Northwestern University Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
This hybrid position is located on the Northwestern University Chicago Campus with one day per week remote or flexible hours. Please include a cover letter detailing relevant experience and interest with clinical research.
Please note:
Working environment may include an ambulatory clinic &/or hospital setting.
Specific Responsibilities:
  • Recruits research subjects for clinical studies; provides list to check in area of subjects who will be coming in that day; may bring subjects into exam rooms; Provides all necessary support during studies. May administer informed consent.
  • Assists PI and other investigators in preparation and submission of IRB regulatory materials, preparation and submission of OSR documents (including consent forms), maintenance of records according to all regulations.
  • Assists research coordinator in collecting, compiling, tabulating &/or processing responses; gathering information; &/or assisting in the preparation of material for inclusion in reports and journals. Assists with submission to journals.
  • Assists with processing subject reimbursement materials
  • Assists PI with other mandatory regulatory and compliance areas such as CT.Gov
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to successfully complete the requirements of the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Research Access Program.
  • Master's degree or higher
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to multitask
  • Technologically proficient
  • Critical Thinking Skills
  • Effective written and oral communicator
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Project Management Certification
  • Doctoral degree (PhD)
  • Previous experience in both observational and interventional clinical research
  • CITI, GCP, HIPAA training
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
  • Advanced medical terminology
  • Familiarity with IRB and clinical trial regulatory requirements
  • Familiarity with electronic medical record systems
  • Basic specimen processing skills
  • Familiarity with invoicing and study financial tracking
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .

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