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Research Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs

Summary: Performs downstream process development experiments and supporting activities, which enable both early and late-stage manufacturing process design for therapeutic monoclonal antibody ...

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Research Associate Downstream Process Development information

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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 the United States is $33.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $41.35 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 are hiring for Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

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Infographic showing various Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,060 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

KBI: US - Downstream Process Development Scientist II

Boulder, CO • On-site

KBI Biopharma, Inc.
Biotechnology Research and Development • 1 - 5K employees

$106K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Execute process development, process characterization, and technology transfer of microbial processes to a cGMP facility.

  • Support downstream process development efforts by executing experiments, proposing process improvements, and leading downstream activities in development and technology transfer programs.

  • Provide technical support for cGMP manufacturing through floor coverage, batch document review, and supporting deviations and change controls.


KBI Biopharma rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Downstream Process Development (PD) Scientist II provides process development ownership for a product, including all development and design decisions, with some oversight and supervision from senior process development staff. They can apply advanced scientific principles to design and execute laboratory studies for unit operation development and optimization, and solve problems of increasing scope and complexity. They possess a strong working knowledge of the downstream functional area with strong aptitude in chromatography and tangential flow filtration, and a developing understanding of phase-appropriate practices and expectations. They author and review technical documents including protocols and reports commensurate with PD compliance and quality standards. This workflow encompasses process development scope as well as support of technology transfer activities in preparation for cGMP production. The PD Scientist II is responsible for maintaining training compliance, according to site expectations. This is a salaried exempt position, with the expectation to cover shift work as needed to support laboratory activities and organizational need.

Responsibilities

  • Executes process development, process characterization, and technology transfer of microbial processes to commercial cGMP facility.
  • Works toward developing a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theory.
  • Responsible for producing high quality documentation and client reports suitable for publication and regulatory requirements. Compiles and presents data to clients.
  • Supports downstream process development efforts in the laboratory and manufacturing areas. Executes experiments with some oversight. Conceptualizes and proposes process development and manufacturing based on process data. Execution includes downstream unit operations such as chromatography, tangential flow filtration, normal filtration, as well as sampling and basic analysis of process samples; concentration, pH, and conductivity.
  • Will lead the downstream portion of development, process characterization, and/or technology transfer programs, acting as subject matter expert (SME), and directing the efforts of the team in meeting the project deliverables.
  • Provide technical support for cGMP manufacturing through floor coverage, batch document review, and support of deviations and change controls with some oversight.
  • Responsible for developing/maintaining a current understanding of cGMP and other regulatory requirements.
  • Adheres to all safety requirements and assures that departmental employees comply with required safety procedures.
  • Conceptualizes, proposes and executes the evaluation, development and implementation of new downstream technologies leading to process improvements and efficiency of operation in support of downstream process development and manufacturing activities.
  • Documents procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and responsible for maintaining training compliance, according to site expectation. Reviews documentation and records as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

B.S. degree and a minimum of 6+ years of related experience; M.S. and 4+ years of related experience or Ph.D. and 1+ years related experience in a scientific discipline.

Experience with downstream process development and chromatography equipment required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, focus on customer service, and ability to meet strict client deadlines. Highly collaborative. Flexibility of hours to support downstream processes. Knowledge of GMPs and biotechnology-derived product regulations preferred.

Salary: $106,480-$146,410

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.


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