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Research Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs in Lemont, IL

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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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 Lemont, IL salary details

$19

$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 Lemont, IL is $33.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $41.68 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 Lemont, IL are hiring for Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

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

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$110K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology Phase I - Chicago

ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.


As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.


The Sr. Clinical Research Associate (Sr. CRA) will be responsible for performing investigative site management and monitoring activities throughout the clinical trial lifecycle. This Sr. CRA role will support the client's Oncology clinical trials to ensure data integrity, subject safety, and inspection readiness at the clinical investigative sites. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Perform site management activities to support the client's Oncology site success and maintain a continuous state of inspection readiness 

  • Act as the primary contact and facilitate efficient communications between the client's clinical trial team and the sites 

  • Perform remote and on-site monitoring/co-monitoring visits (Site Qualification Visits, Site Initiation Visits, Interim Monitoring Visits and Close-Out Visits) to ensure data integrity and subject safety in the client's trials 

  • May perform oversight activities to assess monitoring quality and train/mentor less experienced CRAs 

  • Promptly document monitoring activities and submit/approve visit reports  

  • Manage site essential document collection and TMF reconciliation with site files 

  • Support sites with local Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Ethics Committee (EC) submissions and confirm approvals 

  • Regularly review site Key Risk Indicator (KRI) metrics, issues and action items to detect trends and ensure prompt resolution 

  • Independently determine root causes and develop/implement site Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) plans 

  • Deliver training to ensure sites comply with the protocol, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practices (GCPs) and regulations 

  • Support sites and the client's regulatory inspections 

  • Contribute to site identification; drive site feasibility and qualification progress; and support site activation activities  

  • Lead site engagement initiatives and foster relationships with key Oncology sites and networks  

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree (scientific field preferred) 

  • 5+ years monitoring clinical trials independently conducting on-site and remote monitoring visits. Atleast 2 years monitoring solid tumor clinical trials.

  • 1+ years early development trial experience  

  • Solid tumor clinical trial experience is required

  • Experience utilizing Veeva systems is highly preferred 

  • Demonstrated experience developing/maintaining site relationships and securing compliance 

  • Expertise in GxPs and Oncology monitoring techniques (including Risk-Based Monitoring) and terminology 

  • Experience collaborating with sites from initial engagement through close-out phases 

  • Experience activating sites 

  • Experience training site staff 

  • Experience supporting sites and/or sponsors in regulatory inspections 

  • Experience working within a Functional Services (or in-house) monitoring model is preferred 

  • Willing to travel up to 50% 


Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.


Rewards & Benefits

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.


Benefits may include:

  • Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
  • Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
  • Retirement and pension plans
  • Life assurance and disability coverage
  • Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
  • Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.


Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.


Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.


If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.

Salary Range

$110,520.00-$138,150.00

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply