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Downstream Process Development Engineer, Large Scale Protein Purification (MA)

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hopkinton, MA, United States


This job is with Thermo Fisher Scientific, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.) Job Description

Thermo Fisher Scientific is seeking a

Downstream Process Development Engineer

to support development, scale-up, and customer enablement of downstream purification processes using our industry-leading single-use and hybrid purification platforms. This role is highly hands-on, customer-facing, and focused on large-scale chromatography execution, troubleshooting, and technology transfer.

Location: This is an onsite position in Plainville, Massachusetts. Residency within commuting distance is required. No relocation assistance will be provided. What You’ll Do Develop and execute downstream purification processes across capture, intermediate, and polishing steps. Perform

hands-on large-scale protein purification , including operation of chromatography columns

30 cm to 60 cm ID . Pack, qualify, and troubleshoot large-scale chromatography columns, ensuring consistent performance across cycles. Diagnose and resolve

pressure, flow distribution, and resin-related issues , including column fouling, pressure excursions, and yield losses. Make

real-time process adjustments during chromatography runs

based on system trends and performance data. Operate and optimize

chromatography skids (single-use and/or stainless steel) , including systems controlled via

DeltaV . Review

process trends, alarms, and historian data

to drive process understanding and improvement. Generate high-quality technical data demonstrating robustness, scalability, and reproducibility. Support

PD → pilot → manufacturing scale transitions

and participate in customer or internal tech transfer discussions. Lead hands-on customer training, demonstrations, and technical workshops. Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, automation, manufacturing, and commercial teams. Required Qualifications B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field with

5+ years

of relevant experience; M.S. with

3+ years

of relevant experience; Ph.D. with relevant industry experience. Hands-on experience with protein purification using chromatography , including capture, intermediate, and polishing steps. Direct experience operating large-scale chromatography columns (≥30 cm ID) . Experience packing and qualifying chromatography columns in development or pilot-scale environments. Strong ability to

diagnose chromatography performance issues , including pressure, flow, and resin behavior. Solid

mechanical and fluid-flow intuition

for packed-bed chromatography. Experience operating downstream single-use purification systems. Demonstrated

end-to-end ownership of unit operations , with accountability for execution and outcomes. Strong planning, execution, and technical documentation skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience operating chromatography columns

45–60 cm ID

at pilot or manufacturing scale. Hands-on experience with

resin lifetime studies, reuse strategies, and column performance trending across multiple cycles . Understanding of

resin selection tradeoffs

(binding capacity, pressure limitations, fouling risk). Knowledge of

cleaning, sanitization, and storage practices

for chromatography resins and columns. Experience operating

chromatography skids using DeltaV , including navigation of batch phases and recipe logic. Ability to collaborate with automation engineers on

phase logic optimization and troubleshooting . Familiarity with

electronic batch records (EBR) or MES interfaces . Understanding of

scale-dependent risks , including flow distribution, pressure scaling, and residence time effects. Experience translating small-scale learnings into

robust operating ranges

for pilot or manufacturing scale. Experience supporting

customer-facing troubleshooting, training, or technology transfer

activities. Demonstrated proactive identification of

process risks and continuous improvement opportunities .

Physical Requirements Ability to work in a laboratory environment and handle light to moderate lifting (up to ~50 lbs) Standing and walking for extended periods during experimental execution Manual dexterity to operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation

Compensation and Benefits The salary range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $96,000.00–$127,000.00. 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

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