Sr. Downstream Bioprocess Engineer – Microbial Purification

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, seeks a Senior Downstream Bioprocess Engineer to develop scalable purification processes for microbially produced small molecules and metabolites, joining an interdisciplinary team tackling national security challenges.

You will lead experiments, optimize processes, and collaborate across microbiology, chemistry, and engineering groups, contributing to a growing research portfolio and sponsorship opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
• 1+ year of postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience developing downstream processing for microbial production of small molecules or metabolites.
• Experience applying analytical chemistry methods (HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS).
• Experience designing and troubleshooting lab experiments for purification and process optimization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (publications/presentations).
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance and ultimately TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize downstream processes for recovery and purification of microbially produced molecules and metabolites.
• Design and execute experiments to improve process performance and characterize products.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance biotech solutions for national security.
• Lead technical efforts on funded research projects, including planning and communicating results.
• Contribute to growth of research portfolio by developing concepts, proposals, and sponsor relations.

Skills

Postdoc experience

Downstream processing

Analytical methods

Laboratory design

Communications

Security clearance readiness

Education

PhD in Chemical/Biological Engineering or related field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

GC-MS

Job description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, seeks a Senior Downstream Bioprocess Engineer to develop scalable purification processes for microbially produced small molecules and metabolites, joining an interdisciplinary team tackling national security challenges.

You will lead experiments, optimize processes, and collaborate across microbiology, chemistry, and engineering groups, contributing to a growing research portfolio and sponsorship opportunities.