ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs

MSD Malaysia

Biologics Process R&D Scientist

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities ... Process Cell Sciences (PCS), Upstream Process, and Downstream Process Development & Engineering.

Agilent

Research Associate

Boulder, CO · On-site

$76K - $118K/yr

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the team. The candidate will be responsible for ... process R&D activities for developing and optimizing enzymatic ligation and downstream processes at ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsResearch Associate Downstream Process Development Jobs

Research Associate Downstream Process Development information

See 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 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?

Cities with the most Research Associate Downstream Process Development job openings:

What states have the most Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs?

States with the most job openings for Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs include:

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

For Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Research Associate Downstream Process Development jobs near you
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.

Scientist I - Process Development-Upstream or Downstream

Plainville, MA • On-site

Thermo Fisher Scientific
Biotechnology Research and Development • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Thermo Fisher Scientificexternal

$28.16 - $42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 430 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 547 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Cold Room/Freezers -22degreesF/-6degrees C, Laboratory Setting, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Will work with hazardous/toxic materials

Job Description

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $35 billion. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing efficiency in their laboratories, we are here to support them.

At Viral Vector Services (VVS) a division of Thermo Fisher Scientific, we deliver from process development through commercial supply, we offer the expertise and resources to help clients deliver innovative gene therapies. 

Job Title: Scientist I Process Development-Upstream or Downstream
Location/Division Specific Information: US - Massachusetts – Plainville (on-site)


How will you make an impact?

As the Upstream/Downstream Process Development Scientist you will help our clients to deliver lifesaving and life changing therapies to patients in need. You will be supporting planning, executing, and documenting laboratory and tech transfer activities in support of process establishment, pilot, and transfer into cGMP manufacturing. You will also act as a subject matter expert (SME) and support transfer and operation of internally developed and client-transferred processes into the process development and pilot space. You will also be supporting tech transfer out to the cGMP manufacturing space.  

Education regiments: 
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or related field

General qualifications: 

  • 0-2 years of related experience
  • Demonstrated understanding of experimental design with the ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments.
  • Collaborate with the Analytical Development team to develop comprehensive testing plans.
  •  Participate in client meetings to present results and assist with drafting process development reports.
  • Prepare Process Development records, work instructions, and batch records.
  • Proficiency in technical writing, adhering to Good Documentation Practices (GDP), with preferred experience in data compilation and interpretation.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly and concisely interpret, summarize, and present scientific data.
  • Flexibility in work hours, including availability for weekends and evenings, as the need arises to meet project timelines.

Upstream Process Development Qualifications: 
•    Practical experience in aseptic techniques, cell culture, single-use bioreactors (SUBs), wave reactors, and harvest/clarification processes is preferred. Familiarity with transfection and infection -based processes for gene therapy production

Downstream Process Development Qualifications: 
•    Expertise in various purification techniques, including affinity and anion exchange chromatography, with proficiency in using AKTA chromatography systems and Unicorn software is helpful. Experience with filtration-based unit operations such as tangential flow filtration, sterile filtration, and depth filtration is helpful.


Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
•    Ability to analyze and summarize scientific data
•    Understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
•    Strong interpersonal and communications skills; written and oral
•    Ability to function in a constantly evolving environment & balance multiple priorities.
•    A flexible work schedule is required including Weekend and night as needed to support lab activities.
 

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $28.16–$42.00.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

  • A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

  • Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

  • At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

  • Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

  • Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards

What Thermo Fisher Scientific employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply