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Senior Scientist Downstream Process Development Jobs

Senior Scientist, Process Development

Watertown, MA · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Scientist, Process Development, responsible for executing cell culture experiments, downstream processing, analyzing data, and contributing to process development projects.

Senior Scientist -TSMS Laboratory Lead As Senior Scientist, you will lead the Technical Service ... A minimum of 5 years of experience in biotechnology downstream process development or manufacturing ...

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Senior Scientist Downstream Process Development information

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$66.5K

$110.5K

$164.5K

How much do senior scientist downstream process development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist downstream process development in the United States is $110,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Scientist in Downstream Process Development do?

A Senior Scientist in Downstream Process Development focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling up processes to purify biological products such as proteins or antibodies after cell culture (the 'downstream' part of biomanufacturing). They design experiments, analyze data, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance. Their role is critical in moving biopharmaceutical products from research to commercial production by ensuring efficient and robust purification processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Scientist in Downstream Process Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Scientist in Downstream Process Development, you need advanced knowledge in bioprocess engineering, protein purification, and process scale-up, typically supported by a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a relevant field. Expertise with chromatography systems (such as AKTA), analytical instrumentation, and familiarity with regulatory requirements like GMP are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing robust, scalable processes that meet quality standards and drive successful product development.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Scientists in Downstream Process Development, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Scientists in Downstream Process Development often encounter challenges such as optimizing purification processes for novel biologics, scaling up from lab to production scale, and ensuring product consistency and regulatory compliance. Addressing these challenges typically involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, continuous process optimization, and staying current with industry advancements in chromatography and filtration technologies. Proactive problem-solving, effective communication, and leveraging data analytics are also key strategies for overcoming obstacles in this role.
More about Senior Scientist Downstream Process Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Scientist Downstream Process Development jobs? Cities with the most Senior Scientist Downstream Process Development job openings:
What states have the most Senior Scientist Downstream Process Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Scientist Downstream Process Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Scientist Downstream Process Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,545 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Staff Scientist- Downstream Process

ABL, Inc.

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

ABL, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to embracing diverse backgrounds. ABL, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. For more information click here.
Job Title
Staff Scientist- Downstream Process
Location
Rockville, MD 20850 US (Primary)
Job Type
Full-time
Funding available in current budget
115000
Exemption Type
Exempt
Career Level
Experienced (Non-Manager)
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Description
PURPOSE OF JOB
Serving as a project leader in Downstream Process Development, the Staff Scientist will collaborate on anddrive the planning, execution, and management of assigned purification activities. Working with external clients, R&D, Quality Control/Quality Assurance and Manufacturing, the Staff Scientist is expected to provide expertise and scientific knowledge for design, development, optimization, and manufacturing of protein and virus products. The incumbent will participate in downstream experiment design and execute the downstream process screening, optimization, scale-up, characterization, and stability studies for proteins and viral vectors to meet client specified end points.
The incumbent in this position is expected to have a strong understanding of the principals involved in protein and viral vector purification and extensive hands-on experience in downstream process development. This position involves developing scalable downstream purification processes for GMP production, optimizing process performance for yield and purity, and adapting existing procedures to meet regulatory requirements for the manufacture of protein and viral products intended for human injection. The successful candidate is expected to carry out the work with minimal guidance. This position is expected to interact with other departments involved in technology transfer, GMP manufacturing, product testing and quality assurance for product release.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • This is a hands-on laboratory role requiring active participation in experimental execution and process development activities.
  • Perform downstream process development studies and generate high-quality data under minimal supervision.
  • Service as a downstream technical expert for client projects.
  • Generate, manage, and maintain critical data in a highly organized manner in the form of notebook, protocol and SOP.
  • Generate, interpret, and document experimental results in the form of technical reports, study summaries, and client-facing documentation.
  • Responsible for laboratory maintenance, material ordering, inventory control, and preparation of experiments.
  • Stay current with scientific and technical literature and leverage emerging knowledge to solve complex technical problems and improve process performance.
  • Formulate and establish process design and performance objectives in consultation with other functions, including Research and Manufacturing, as well as contractors, suppliers, and customers.
  • Provide expertise and troubleshooting for all in-house developed processes.

Job Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Ph.D. in life science discipline with 2+ years of downstream experience; or MS degree in with 5+ years of experience; or BS degree in biochemistry/chemistry with 10+ years of experience in downstream process development.
  • Highly proficient in chromatography, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and filtration.
  • Experience in the development, purification, or characterization of viral vectors and/or protein-based biologics.
  • Strong attention to detail with a track record of executing experimental work with a high level of accuracy and reliability. Exhibits neatness, accuracy, consistency and promptness in work habits.
  • Proven ability to independently execute experimental work and deliver accurate results under minimal supervision, within tight timelines and defined budget requirements for internal and external client projects.

PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with cGMP manufacturing under cGMP /cGLP compliance is a plus.
  • Experience with standard analytical techniques including HPLC, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and cell-based assays.
  • Advanced computer and presentation skills using MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical information across cross-functional teams.
  • Task & Team-oriented, analytical, organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated & ability to multitask.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • No supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Meet all the requirements of our Company Occupational Health program as directed by the Occupational Health Consultant. Employment is contingent upon favorable background, reference and pre-employment physical including drug screen.
  • Able to lift up to 35 lbs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Office
  • Laboratory
  • cGMP suite
  • Remote work

Travel Expectation
None
ABL, Inc. participates in E-Verify, an Internet-based system of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration, that allows us to determine an employee's eligibility to work in the United States.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  • Candidate must meet all the requirements of our Company Occupational Health program as directed by the Occupational Health Consultant to include pre-employment physical and drug screen.
  • Candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining background and experience as it relates to the position requirements and salary history/requirements. Please note that "negotiable" is neither salary nor requirements. Salary commensurate with experience.

ABL, Inc. does not accept nor respond to unsolicited resumes from vendors, including recruitment agencies and search firms. Approved recruiting agencies must obtain prior approval from ABL, Inc. Human Resources in order to submit resumes to ABL, Inc. for consideration.