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Biotech Process Development Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Syner-G

Staff Process Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

Technical Experience * 10-15+ years of experience in MSAT, process engineering, process development, technology transfer, or biologics manufacturing within biotechnology or pharmaceutical ...

Kinetic Personnel Group

Downstream Process

Tustin, CA · On-site

This role will partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, Quality, and MSAT teams to analyze ... Chemical Engineering Biochemistry Biology Biotechnology Biomedical Engineering Biochemical ...

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All JobsBiotech Process Development JobsBiotech Process Development Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Biotech Process Development information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

$19

$35

$51

How much do biotech process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for biotech process development in Santa Ana, CA is $35.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.75 and $43.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is biotech process development?

Biotech process development refers to the design, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes used to produce biological products, such as pharmaceuticals, enzymes, or vaccines. Professionals in this field work to turn laboratory procedures into efficient, large-scale industrial processes that meet regulatory and quality standards. This often involves selecting suitable equipment, optimizing conditions, ensuring reproducibility, and troubleshooting production issues. The ultimate goal is to produce high-quality products safely, consistently, and cost-effectively.

What is the difference between Biotech Process Development vs Biotech Manufacturing Associate?

AspectBiotech Process DevelopmentBiotech Manufacturing Associate
Primary FocusDesigning, optimizing, and scaling up bioprocesses for product developmentExecuting manufacturing processes to produce biopharmaceuticals at scale
Work EnvironmentLaboratories and pilot plant facilitiesProduction floors and manufacturing plants
Required SkillsProcess design, lab techniques, troubleshootingEquipment operation, quality control, adherence to SOPs
Typical CredentialsBSc/MSc in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldsBSc in Biotechnology, Biology, or related fields

While both roles are essential in biotech, Biotech Process Development focuses on creating and optimizing processes during product development, whereas Biotech Manufacturing Associates handle the day-to-day production to ensure consistent product quality at scale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in biotech process development, and why are they important?

To excel in Biotech Process Development, you need a strong background in bioprocess engineering, molecular biology, and chemistry, typically supported by a degree in biotechnology or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as bioreactors, chromatography systems, and data analysis software, along with certifications in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for optimizing processes, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation in the biotech industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in biotech process development, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Biotech Process Development often encounter challenges related to scaling up processes from the laboratory to commercial production, ensuring product consistency, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Addressing these challenges typically involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. Continuous process optimization, thorough documentation, and robust validation protocols are essential strategies to overcome these hurdles and ensure successful product development and commercialization.
What are popular job titles related to Biotech Process Development jobs in Santa Ana, CA? For Biotech Process Development jobs in Santa Ana, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for Biotech Process Development jobs? Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most Biotech Process Development job openings:
Biotech Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biotech Process Development job openings in Santa Ana, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,904 per year, or $35 per hour.

Research Associate I, Cell Process Development

Dendreon Corporation

Seal Beach, CA • On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview
Who We Are:
At Dendreon, we're transforming the battle against cancer with personalized immunotherapy. Our flagship product, PROVENGE® (sipuleucel-T), was the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, utilizing a patient's own immune cells to fight the disease.
If you're driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on cancer patients' lives, we invite you to join our team. With Immunotherapy Manufacturing Facilities in Seal Beach, CA, and Union City, GA, a strong Research & Development group, and a highly skilled Commercial team across the nation, Dendreon is at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation.
Core Values:
  • Put Patients First: Every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of those living with cancer.
  • Act with Integrity: We commit to transparency, honesty, and always doing what's right.
  • Build Trust: Trust is earned through candid, open communication and a collaborative approach.
  • Raise the Bar: We embrace continuous improvement and innovation, always striving to elevate our people.
  • Drive Results: We are accountable to each other and deliver success together.

Job Summary:
The Research Associate I, Cell Process Development supports the development, optimization, troubleshooting, transfer, and validation of cell therapy manufacturing processes. This role conducts laboratory studies, analyzes and documents experimental results, and contributes to process improvement initiatives that support the development and manufacture of cellular immunotherapy products. Working under the guidance of senior team members, the Research Associate I collaborates cross-functionally to generate data, execute study protocols, and support technical and operational objectives.
NOTE: This position is based onsite at our Seal Beach, CA facility and requires in-person attendance 5 days per week. THIS IS NOT A REMOTE ROLE.
Responsibilities
  • Perform processing, handling, and evaluation of human blood and blood-derived samples in accordance with approved laboratory procedures and safety requirements.
  • Support the development, optimization, transfer, and validation of cell therapy manufacturing processes.
  • Design and execute laboratory studies and experiments according to approved protocols.
  • Perform cellular and molecular assays, including ELISA and other analytical methods used to characterize cellular immunotherapy products and manufacturing processes.
  • Support technical investigations related to process deviations, failures, and manufacturing challenges.
  • Troubleshoot cell processing methods and recommend process improvements based on experimental results.
  • Collect, analyze, interpret, and present experimental and manufacturing data.
  • Prepare technical reports, summaries, and supporting documentation to communicate study results and recommendations.
  • Draft and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, protocols, and other controlled documents.
  • Support technology transfer and process implementation activities across development and manufacturing functions.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and coordinate routine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
  • Manage laboratory inventories, supplies, reagents, and vendor-related activities to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Technical Operations teams to support project and departmental objectives.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Job Requirements:
Required Experience and Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Experience processing and handling human blood and blood-derived samples.
  • Experience following laboratory SOPs and maintaining accurate scientific documentation.
  • Proficiency with standard laboratory techniques and equipment, including pipetting and centrifuge operation.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and organizational skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Experience and Education:
  • Master's degree or other graduate degree in a related scientific discipline.
  • Two (2) or more years of relevant laboratory experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cell therapy, bioprocessing, or a related industry experience.
  • Experience performing cellular and molecular assays, including ELISA, flow cytometry, qPCR, or similar analytical techniques.
  • Experience with cell culture and aseptic laboratory techniques.
  • Experience in a GMP-regulated biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or cell therapy environment.
  • Experience supporting process development, technology transfer, manufacturing sciences, or validation activities.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
  • Primarily laboratory and office-based environment.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and work in laboratory and manufacturing support areas for extended periods.
  • Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient to operate laboratory equipment, use computers and mobile devices, and accurately complete documentation.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
  • Ability to safely handle biological materials, blood-derived samples, laboratory reagents, and standard laboratory equipment while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Ability to work in laboratory, manufacturing, and clean room environments, including aseptic gowning as required.
  • Occasional exposure to refrigerated, frozen, and cryogenic storage conditions (2°C to 8°C, -20°C, -75°C, and -196°C).
  • Ability to regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds.
  • May require occasional schedule flexibility to support study, project, or manufacturing activities.

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