1

Cell Culture Process Development Jobs in California

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cell Culture Process Development information

See California salary details

$18

$33

$48

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

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cell culture process development in California is $33.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.26 and $40.82 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.
What job categories do people searching Cell Culture Process Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cell Culture Process Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cell Culture Process Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Cell Culture Process Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Cell Culture Process Development job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,143 per year, or $33.2 per hour.
Engineer, Biopharma Process Development - Hybrid (JP10873)

Engineer, Biopharma Process Development - Hybrid (JP10873)

3 Key Consulting

Thousand Oaks, CA โ€ข Hybrid

Other

Posted yesterday


Job description

Job Title:Engineer, Biopharma Process Development - Hybrid (JP10873)
Location:Thousand Oaks, Ca. (3-4 days onsite/1-2 days remote)
Employment Type:Contract
Business Unit:Process Development - Upstream (Clinical)
Duration:12 months with possible extension of conversion to FTE
Posting Date:10/3 /2022
3 Key Consulting is hiring an Engineer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Job Description:
Seeking a Process Development Engineer to join the Drug Substance Technology Engineering team at our Thousand Oaks facility. Providing process engineering support for human therapeutic products in clinical development through commercial production, our mission is to translate developmental processes to commercial reality for patients through scientific expertise and engineering innovation.
The Engineer will apply cell culture or purification process engineering knowledge in support of technology transfer and clinical/commercial drug substance manufacturing in an innovative manufacturing suite using single-use technology. Will partner with manufacturing, quality, analytical, and bench scientists to support a highly dynamic manufacturing facility.
Job responsibilities:
Under guidance of senior staff, the Engineer performs the following:
  • Transfer cell culture processes for drug substance manufacturing and performs process improvements from the laboratory into the manufacturing facility
    Provide technical support for successful scale-up, transfer of process technology, and for clinical and/or commercial manufacturing operation- Offer process validation support for late stage commercial processes
  • Provide routine process monitoring and troubleshooting
  • Execute data trending and statistical process analysis
  • Support technical direction for process related deviations, CAPAs and change controls
  • Identify and support process related operational excellence opportunities
  • Represent process development and collaborates with other functions such as Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory
Basic Qualifications:
Master's degree OR Bachelor's degree and 2 years of Engineering or Operation experience OR Associate's degree and 7 years of Engineering or Operations experience
Preferred Qaulifications:
  • Master's Degree in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering
  • 1+ years of Process Engineering experience preferably related to scale-up principles and commercial cGMP manufacturing facilities
  • Background in biologics tech transfer into commercial facilities
  • Cell culture process knowledge: Knowledge of cell culture processes/ equipment; scale up factors from, mass oxygen transfer capabilities impact of metabolism, process deviations, raw materials to growth and quality attributes
  • Strong capability of analysis, troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Ability to develop and follow detailed protocols
  • Independently motivated with ability to multi-task and work in teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with technical writing and presentation experience

Why is the Position Open?
Staff Augmentation.
Top Must-Have Skill Sets:
  • Must have at-scale biologics cell culture experience
  • Strong understanding of data analysis tools
  • Excellent communication and troubleshooting

Day to Day Responsibilities:
Staff will perform tech transfer of early clinical candidate molecules. In addition staff will support all processes (clinical and commercial) executed in the facility, performing process monitoring and responding to issues as appropriate.
Employee Value Proposition: Career, growth, opportunity
Red Flags:
  • Candidate should have scientific background
  • Multiple short-term work experience
  • Lack of cell culture experience
  • Non science background/degree
Interview process:
Phone screen followed by Video interview.
We invite qualified candidates to sendyour resume torecruiting@3keyconsulting.com. Ifyou decide that you're not interested in pursuing this position, please feel free to look at the other positions on our websitewww.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are welcome to also sharethis opportunity withanyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.