Sr. Downstream Processing Technician

Downstream Processing Technician

Job Description The Downstream Processing Technician supports the manufacture of commercial and clinical biologics by performing purification and filtration operations in a cGMP-regulated environment. This role focuses on downstream processing activities, including large-scale chromatography, filtration, and centrifugation, while adhering to strict aseptic techniques and cleanroom procedures. The technician contributes to buffer and reagent preparation, process improvements, and routine laboratory operations that enable large-scale production of biologics used in pharmaceutical products. Responsibilities

- Execute downstream processing operations related to purification and filtration, including large-scale chromatography using columns and HPLC systems.
- Support large-scale production activities such as operating bioreactors in the 50L2000L range, as well as conducting large-scale filtration or centrifugation when required.
- Manufacture buffers and simple bulk reagents according to established manufacturing procedures with limited supervision.
- Review and complete all area documentation and batch records in compliance with cGMP requirements.
- Assist in the manufacture of controls and calibrators and ensure batch records are accurate and complete.
- Perform in-process assays using laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometers, pH meters, and clinical analyzers to monitor process performance.
- Weigh, transfer, and mix chemicals in accordance with safety and quality procedures.
- Carry out product filtration steps to support downstream purification processes.
- Clean and steam stainless steel tanks using CIP (Clean-In-Place) and SIP (Steam-In-Place) procedures.
- Prepare glassware and steel tanks for sterilization and operate autoclaves to ensure proper sterilization of equipment.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, including pumps, pH meters, and flow meters, ensuring they are calibrated and functioning properly.
- Monitor inventory levels of common laboratory supplies and communicate needs to maintain uninterrupted operations.
- Keep department leadership informed of operational issues, deviations, or equipment concerns in a timely manner.
- Respond to emergency notifications and follow established procedures to support safety and compliance.
- Participate in process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, quality, and reliability of downstream operations.
- Adhere to cleanroom and aseptic techniques at all times, including proper gowning and behavior within aseptic suites.
- Perform other job-related duties as required to support manufacturing and laboratory operations.
- Work flexible hours, including weekends, in alignment with the designated shift schedule.

Essential Skills

- Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory setting, or a closely related field.
- Bachelors degree (BS) in a STEM-related field.
- Ability to work effectively in a cGMP-regulated environment, following written procedures and documentation practices.
- Proficiency with aseptic techniques and cleanroom practices, including strict adherence to gowning requirements.
- Hands-on experience with basic laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometers, pH meters, clinical analyzers, pumps, and flow meters.
- Capability to perform accurate weighing, transferring, and mixing of chemicals in a controlled environment.
- Ability to conduct product filtrations and support CIP/SIP cleaning of stainless steel tanks.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing and completing batch records and other manufacturing documentation.
- Ability to lift at least 25 pounds independently and stand for approximately 80% of the shift.
- Willingness and ability to work a rotating 2nd shift schedule, including weekends.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Experience in a cGMP-regulated environment is preferred.
- Approximately 6 months of experience in a GMP environment and with aseptic technique is preferred.
- Four-year STEM degree is preferred.
- Knowledge of cGMP practices, aseptic techniques, and chemical concepts is desirable.
- Familiarity with downstream processing steps and ability to serve as a subject matter expert is preferred.
- Experience with chromatography techniques, including column chromatography and HPLC, particularly in pharmaceutical or biologics manufacturing.
- Experience in chemistry, pharmaceutical industry operations, and biologics production is advantageous.
- Interest in large-scale biological and chemistry operations, including the production of proteins used in pharmaceuticals for conditions such as autoimmune diseases.
- Ability to participate in process improvement projects and contribute ideas to enhance manufacturing efficiency and quality.

Work Environment This role is based in cleanroom and aseptic suite environments where strict gowning and contamination control procedures apply. The position follows a 2nd shift schedule from 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Team members must be willing to fully gown, including wearing a bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard nets, face coverings, safety glasses, and cleanroom garments such as Tyvek, along with Nitrile and/or Latex gloves. The environment prohibits items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair care products to maintain aseptic conditions. Work is performed in controlled cleanroom areas with regular interaction with stainless steel tanks, bioreactors, chromatography systems, autoclaves, and analytical instruments. The role requires standing for the majority of the shift and performing occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, while working within a collaborative, safety-conscious, and quality-focused manufacturing culture that supports large-scale biologics production for pharmaceutical applications.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $33.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.