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Cell Culture Process Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Why You'll Love This Role As an Associate Scientist in Cell Culture Pilot Operations & Commercialization , you will be at the forefront of translating process development into manufacturing reality.

Biologist (Cell Culture)

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Method and Assay Development What You'll Bring: * BS in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or a related science * 0-2+ years of related lab experience * Mammalian Cell Culture experience * RNA/DNA ...

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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.
Executive Director, Head of Cell Line & Cell Culture Dev

Executive Director, Head of Cell Line & Cell Culture Dev

Johnson and Johnson

Malvern, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com.
As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.
Job Function:
Enterprise Management
Job Sub Function:
Executive Management
Job Category:
People Leader
All Job Posting Locations:
Malvern, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Job Description:
Johnson & Johnson -- About Innovative Medicine
Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow.
Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.
Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine
Role Overview
The Executive Director, Cell Line and Cell Culture Development is a senior scientific and people leader within Proteins Development - API, accountable for the global strategy, execution, and organizational leadership of mammalian cell line development and upstream process development across the protein therapeutics portfolio.
This role is accountable for fit-for-stage development of all protein-derived molecules from early development through late-stage development to commercialization, as well as providing deep technical and next-generation process development support to commercial products as needed-ensuring robust, scalable, compliant, and cost-effective processes that enable rapid portfolio progression and reliable patient supply.
The Executive Director operates as a key member of the Proteins Development - API leadership team, partnering across Proteins Development - API and beyond including Biologics Discovery Process Research, Biologics Development China Core, Drug Product Development and Delivery, Analytical Development, CMC, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Procurement, and J&J Innovative Medicine Supply Chain to deliver integrated solutions aligned with enterprise priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific & Technical Strategy
  • Define and own the global strategy to build, deploy, and continuously advance world-class cell line, media, and cell culture platforms that remain competitive and fit-for-purpose across the portfolio.
  • Ensure development approaches and work packages are fit-for-stage, platform-aligned, and positioned to enable rapid clinical progression, best product and process at launch, and robust lifecycle management.
  • Provide senior scientific leadership across cell line generation, clone selection, media and feed strategy, upstream process optimization, scale-up, and process characterization.
  • Serve as the enterprise subject-matter authority for CLD and upstream development within CMC governance, portfolio, and technical review forums.
Program & Portfolio Delivery
  • Ensure on quality, on time, and on budget cell line development and cell culture development in support of integrated CMC plans.
  • Partner with Biologics Discovery Process Research and CMC program leadership to align scope, timelines, resources, and risk postures.
  • Accountable for proactive identification and management of technical and operational risks related to cell line and cell culture development.
  • Support technology transfer and GMP manufacturing readiness, including troubleshooting, deviation support, and continuous process improvement.
External Manufacturing & Partnerships
  • Provide executive oversight of CDMO performance, ensuring delivery against technical, quality, compliance, and timeline expectations.
  • Act as senior escalation point for complex issues involving external partners and manufacturing sites.
Regulatory & Quality Alignment
  • Own cell line and cell culture-related regulatory strategy, ensuring phase-appropriate content for IND, BLA, and global submissions.
  • Partner closely with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to ensure development activities meet global regulatory and compliance expectations.
  • Represent cell line and cell culture development in regulatory interactions as required.
People, Culture & Organizational Leadership
  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing organization, including senior leaders and technical experts.
  • Establish clear expectations and accountability for scientific rigor, delivery excellence, safety, quality, and budgetary compliance, and talent development.
  • Drive a culture aligned with J&J CREDO, C.E.O Leadership Imperatives, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure succession planning and capability building to support long-term organizational sustainability.
Qualifications
Education
PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline.
Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in biologics CMC with deep expertise in mammalian cell line development and cell culture process development.
  • Demonstrated leadership at Senior Director or Executive Director level within large pharma or advanced biotech organizations.
  • Proven track record delivering upstream processes through clinical development and GMP manufacturing.
  • Strong experience working within matrixed, global organizations and with external manufacturing partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively within enterprise governance models.

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Johnson and Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants' needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please email the Employee Health Support Center (ra-employeehealthsup@its.jnj.com) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
Budget Management, Business Continuity Planning (BCP), Competitive Landscape Analysis, Continuous Improvement, Corporate Management, Developing Others, Empowering People, Inclusive Leadership, Leadership, Managerial Courage, Operational Excellence, Performance Measurement, Stakeholder Engagement, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Strategic Analysis, Strategic Change, Vendor Management