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Research Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Connexion Systems & Engineering, Inc.

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Senior Research Associate, Analytical

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$34 - $45/hr

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate - Analytical to support process development and preclinical research within a biotechnology environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ...

Aragen

Scientist / Sr Scientist

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

... downstream process development, together with a demonstrated ability to lead multiple client ... Mentor and develop scientists, research associates, and junior team members through technical ...

Aragen

Scientist / Sr Scientist

Morgan Hill, CA

$101K - $138K/yr

... downstream process development, together with a demonstrated ability to lead multiple client ... Mentor and develop scientists, research associates, and junior team members through technical ...

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Research Associate Downstream Process Development information

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$39

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate downstream process development in Santa Clara, CA is $39.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.45 and $48.56 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 Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA 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 Santa Clara, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,282 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Director, Downstream Process Development

Redwood City, CA • On-site

Allakos
Biotechnology Research and Development • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Allakosexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Director, Downstream Process Development
Allakos Inc. is a clinical-stage company developing therapeutic antibodies for inhibitory receptors on the surface of immune effector cells involved in allergic, inflammatory and proliferative diseases.
Allakos is committed to developing innovative therapies that transform patients’ lives. We are looking for bright and talented individuals to join our team and share in our passion and commitment to improving the lives of patients.
Position Summary:
The Director, Downstream Process Development would be key member of Biologics DS development and tech transfer team and would be responsible for all activities related to Downstream Process Development of our late-stage clinical biologics (Mab) molecule AK002 and early stage program. This position leads the Purification Group which is responsible for the process development, tech transfer, supervision of Engineering and Clinical batches, BLA enabling activities, PPQ Batches and commercial production at multiple CMO sites, process characterization and BLA authoring and review.
Your Role:
  • Provide technical and managerial leadership to the Downstream Process Development group and technology transfer of AK002 process to CMO sites.
  • Accountable for all activities pertaining to the downstream process development lab. Supervise planning and execution of experiments. Analyze results and communicate it effectively to management.
  • Coordinate with Upstream development, Analytical and Facilities department to successfully complete the DSP activities
  • Provide overall strategy and experimental plan for downstream process characterization studies. Generate protocols, supervise execution, use statistical tools to analyze results and review reports for studies.
  • Plan the downstream process development experiments for new molecules and supervise execution of the same.
  • Supervise the Engineering and Clinical batches at the CMOs, Review and approve Batch records, Bill of Materials, Bill of Parameters, Batch records, deviations and CAPA documents for these batches
  • Plan and supervise PPQ batches at CMOs. Review and approve protocols and reports for PPQ batches
  • Author and review BLA submission documents
  • Lead cross functional meetings with Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Process Development, Analytical and Drug Product to build consensus on key issues and facilitate decision making to move the project forward
  • Travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time
Qualifications and Expertise:
  • At least 15 years of relevant experience (12+ with MS, 10+ for PhD) successfully working in biopharmaceutical industry with proven track record of leadership and success
  • At least 8 years managing cross functional projects and leading teams
  • Extensive experience in Downstream process development and process characterization of biologics molecules such as Mabs and fusion proteins.
  • Experience in technology transfer and facility fit assessments
  • Should have worked with early and late stage and commercial biologics with experience in process development, process characterization, PPQ batches and other BLA enabling studies and CPV programs.
  • Experience working with Contract Manufacturers is preferred.
  • Experienced in BLA submission write ups.
  • Experience in people and stakeholder management, conflict resolution and building consensus.
  • Good understanding of cGMP-regulations including relevant US/EU regulatory and quality requirements, practices, and standards.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with internal stakeholders, CROs/CMOs, and multi-functional/multi-cultural teams.
  • Ability to travel at least 10% of the time.
The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
The Allakos Values are: Selflessness, Drive, Clarity, Thoughtfulness, Fun, and Leadership
Allakos is an equal opportunity employer. Allakos will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or
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About Allakos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

2012

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