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Research Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs in Frederick, MD

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$30 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$28 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$30 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$28 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$30 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$28 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$28 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$30 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$28 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$28 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

Research Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$28 - $43/hr

... the R&D of cancer treatment therapies! Responsibilities * Assay and Data Management: Perform ... Prepare and process samples for cytometric analysis. * Dosing Formulations and Reporting: Prepare ...

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Research Associate Downstream Process Development information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$18

$33

$49

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 Frederick, MD is $33.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $41.11 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 Frederick, MD are hiring for Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings in Frederick, MD as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,659 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Process Development

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Scorpion Therapeutics
51 - 200 employees

$113K - $181K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Your Contribution
  • Develop and qualify scale-down models for downstream purification processes to support monoclonal antibody manufacturing
  • Execute studies and FMEA assessments to establish critical process parameters and proven acceptable ranges for process characterization
  • Lead development, optimization, and characterization of downstream processes, including scale-up, virus/impurity clearance, and resin/membrane lifetime
  • Conduct downstream process unit operations such as depth filtration, chromatography, viral inactivation, viral filtration, tangential flow filtration, and formulation
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design experiments, analyze results, support technology transfers, and meet project timelines
  • Contribute to CMC documentation by drafting process descriptions, characterization reports, QbD risk assessments, and other technical reports
  • Drive the creation of best practices and workflows for process development in a fast-paced environment
A Good Match
  • PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry or related discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience (including post-doctoral training), or MS with 8+ years of industry experience
  • 6 years' experience in global pharma PD or MS&T for monoclonal antibodies or related biologics
  • Expertise in downstream process development including scale-up and technology transfer
  • Proven ability to design and execute process characterization studies using scale-down models that inform PPQ strategy
  • Strong understanding of biologics CMC processes including PPQ/BLA readiness; antibody or ADC development preferred
  • Demonstrated technical leadership within cross-functional teams and programs
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
Benefits
  • Expected Pay Range: $113,600/year to $181,600/year + benefits, annual bonus & equity
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