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Cell Culture Process Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

Moorpark, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $168K/yr

Design, execute, and oversee experiments for cell culture process development, optimization, characterization, and scale-up. * Serve as a technical subject matter expert for cell culture processes ...

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Cell Culture Process Development information

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$18

$33

$49

How much do cell culture process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cell culture process development in the United States is $33.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cell Culture Process Development vs Cell Culture Manufacturing Associate?

AspectCell Culture Process DevelopmentCell Culture Manufacturing Associate
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing cell culture processes for product developmentExecuting established cell culture procedures for production
Skills & CredentialsScientific expertise, process development experience, often a degree in biotech or related fieldTechnical skills in manufacturing, GMP compliance, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory and R&D settingsManufacturing floors and production facilities
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical R&DBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing

Cell Culture Process Development professionals focus on creating and refining cell culture methods to ensure scalable, efficient processes. In contrast, Cell Culture Manufacturing Associates execute these processes in production settings to manufacture products at scale. Both roles require related skills and work within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, but their responsibilities differ from development to manufacturing execution.

What is cell culture process development?

Cell culture process development is the optimization and scaling of laboratory techniques used to grow cells under controlled conditions, typically for the production of biological products like vaccines, antibodies, or therapeutic proteins. This field involves designing and refining protocols for cell line selection, media formulation, bioreactor operation, and quality control. The goal is to achieve high yields, consistency, and product quality while meeting regulatory standards. Professionals in this area work closely with research scientists, engineers, and quality assurance teams to transition processes from the lab bench to large-scale manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in cell culture process development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in cell culture process development often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent cell growth, scaling processes from laboratory to production scale, and ensuring contamination-free environments. Addressing these issues requires strong attention to detail, rigorous adherence to standard operating procedures, and proactive troubleshooting skills. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and analytical development, is also essential to optimize processes and resolve technical issues swiftly. Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies can further help in overcoming these challenges and advancing in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Cell Culture Process Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Cell Culture Process Development, you typically need a background in biology, biotechnology, or chemical engineering, with hands-on experience in aseptic techniques and cell culture methodologies. Familiarity with bioreactors, cell counting equipment, and statistical analysis software, as well as certifications such as cGMP training, are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help professionals excel in optimizing and troubleshooting cell culture processes. These competencies are crucial to ensure high-yield, consistent, and safe production of biologics or therapeutic compounds.
More about Cell Culture Process Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Cell Culture Process Development jobs? Cities with the most Cell Culture Process Development job openings:
What states have the most Cell Culture Process Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Cell Culture Process Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cell Culture Process Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,060 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Scientist ll, Cell Culture Process Development

WuXi Biologics

Cranbury, NJ โ€ข On-site

$66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Title - Scientist ll, Cell Culture Process Development
Work Location - Cranbury NJ
Job Summary
Designs, executes and authors upstream cell culture development, tech transfer, and optimization studies. Conducts pilot scale material generation runs. Partners with other internal PD teams during process tech transfer, and supports GMP manufacturing and related investigation studies. Participates in client calls and face to face meetings with minimum supervision
Job Responsibilities
  • Works on bench scale cell culture process development, optimization and process transfer studies with minimum supervision. Conducts pilot-scale experiments for non-GMP material generation.
  • Manages project workflow to ensure on time delivery: from initial planning, experiment execution, to data evaluation.
  • Performs independent data analysis and interpretation and assists in strategies for optimization and troubleshooting.
  • Authors study protocols and reports, and ensures all data are reported clearly and accurately; Serves as trainer for inter and intradepartmental staff as needed.
  • Assists with tech transfer to GMP manufacturing, and supports deviations and investigations.
  • Serves as upstream cell culture SMEs to participates in client calls and face to face meetings. Provides project plans and updates to clients.
  • Authors Upstream lab equipment SOPs; maintains equipment functionality and coordinates repairs and preventative maintenance.
  • Performs job specific tasks in compliance with applicable Regulations, International Standards, and WuXi Biologics internal policies and guidelines.
  • Completes all required training (i.e. safety, equipment etc.).
  • Contributes to the overall operations and to the achievement of departmental goals.
  • May be required to assist in other departments or assigned other duties.

Qualifications
  • PhD in Life Sciences or related field, MS with 2+ years or BS with 4+ years of experience in a biopharmaceutical or biological contract testing/manufacturing organization.
  • Hands-on experience in upstream cell culture process development using bench scale bioreactors, experience with fed-batch operations.
  • Experience with pilot scale bioreactor operation is a plus.
  • Strong oral & written communication skills are required.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to exhibit effective interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in a cGMP environment is highly desirable.
  • Ability to take on multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Proficient in Microsoft (Excel, Word, Outlook)

The anticipated salary range for this position is $66,000 - $ 106,000
The job description does not intend to list all the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position would be required to perform other job-related duties/responsibilities based on their expertis and company business needs.