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Cell Therapy Process Development Jobs in California

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Cell Therapy Process Development information

What is cell therapy process development?

Cell Therapy Process Development refers to the design, optimization, and scaling up of manufacturing processes for cell-based therapies, such as CAR-T cells or stem cell products. Professionals in this field work on translating laboratory research into reproducible, efficient, and safe production methods that meet regulatory standards. This involves working with cell culture techniques, bioreactors, quality control, and process validation to ensure that therapies can be produced consistently for clinical and commercial use. The goal is to develop robust processes that deliver safe and effective cell therapies to patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cell therapy process development professional?

To thrive in Cell Therapy Process Development, you need a solid background in cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with cell culture techniques. Familiarity with bioprocessing equipment, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations, and analytical tools such as flow cytometry and PCR is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork enhance performance in this collaborative and innovative environment. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient development of cell therapies, meeting rigorous quality standards and advancing clinical applications.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in cell therapy process development, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in Cell Therapy Process Development often encounter challenges such as scaling up production processes from laboratory to clinical or commercial scale while maintaining product quality and consistency. Additional hurdles include adhering to strict regulatory requirements and managing complex collaborations across cross-functional teams, like quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. These challenges are typically addressed through rigorous process optimization, thorough documentation, and ongoing communication with stakeholders to ensure that all aspects of the process meet industry standards and regulatory expectations.

What is the difference between Cell Therapy Process Development vs Cell Therapy Manufacturing Specialist?

AspectCell Therapy Process DevelopmentCell Therapy Manufacturing Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, biochemistry, or biomedical engineering; certifications in GMP or cell therapy are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in related fields and GMP certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development facilities, early-stage process optimizationManufacturing plants, production floors, quality control labs
Industry UsageFocuses on developing and optimizing cell therapy processesInvolved in large-scale production and process execution

Cell Therapy Process Development professionals focus on designing and refining cell therapy procedures, while Cell Therapy Manufacturing Specialists handle the production and quality assurance in manufacturing settings. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ mainly in their work environment and specific responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Cell Therapy Process Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cell Therapy Process Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cell Therapy Process Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cell Therapy Process Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Cell Therapy Process Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Associate Director, Process Development, Cell Therapy

Santa Monica, CA • On-site


AstraZeneca
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$138K - $207K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Summary The Associate Director, Late-Stage Cell Therapy Process Development, will provide scientific and technical leadership for the development, characterization, and transfer of manufacturing processes for cell therapy products. This role is responsible for leading a team of scientists and engineers supporting process development activities from clinical development through commercialization, including BLA and global regulatory submissions. The successful candidate will partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Analytical Development, and CMC teams to ensure robust, compliant, and scalable manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership Lead the late-stage process development for cell therapies within the Process Engineering function, managing multiple development projects Direct and guide engineers/scientists to deliver high-quality technical documentation for the study design, laboratory execution and report authoring activities Perform risk assessment, data analysis, write technical reports, and present outcome of the studies to crossfunctional teams and governance forums Conduct batch record review, deviation assessment, and data trending to ensure robustness of cell therapy manufacturing processes Apply AIenabled tools and digital analytics to accelerate data review, trend analysis, batch record evaluation, and process understanding Team Leadership and Management Build, develop, and manage a high-performing team of process development scientists and engineers Establish project priorities, resource allocation, and departmental objectives Foster a collaborative and innovation-driven culture PPQ & Technology Transfer Support PPQ activities including but not limited to protocol authoring, batch record authoring and planning Support technology transfer of cell therapy processes to internal manufacturing sites including make-a-batch assessments and drafting manufacturing batch records Lifecycle Management Lead lifecycle management activities for commercial cell therapy products, including process monitoring, continuous improvement, post-approval changes, comparability assessments, and regulatory commitments. Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Technical Operations to implement process improvements, maintain process control, and support ongoing commercial readiness. Manufacturing Support & Scientific Deviation Management Serve as the Process Development and Engineering SME for manufacturing operations, providing scientific support for deviations, investigations, atypical events, and process-related issues.

Lead root cause analyses, impact assessments, and CAPA development using data-driven and risk-based approaches to ensure product quality, compliance, and uninterrupted manufacturing operations. Regulatory Support Contributes to authoring and reviewing CMC documentation, including cell therapy process descriptions, characterization summaries, PPQ protocols and reports, and control strategy elements. Support preparation of BLA/MAA submissions and responses to regulatory questions related to cell therapy manufacturing.

CrossFunctional Collaboration Work closely with analytical sciences, quality, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to ensure endtoend process alignment. Represent cell therapy characterization activities in technical meetings, reviews, and governance discussions. Required Qualifications Ph.D

in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline with 6+ years of industry experience; or M.S. with 10+ years of relevant experience; or B.S. with 12+ years of relevant experience

Strong technical expertise in cell therapy process development, GMP operations and latestage / commercial readiness. Experience with latestage development, and PPQ for cell therapy processes. Demonstrated proficiency in applying AI tools and digital solutions to data analysis, documentation, and workflow automation.

Strong technical writing, data analysis, and problemsolving skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience with commercial-stage cell therapy or biologics products. Experience supporting PPQ, process validation, and post-approval changes.

Familiarity with global regulatory requirements and lifecycle management strategies. Experience designing and executing DOE and multivariate data analysis for cell therapy processes. Key Competencies Strong team management and talent development experience Excellent crossfunctional communication and collaboration.

Ability to operate effectively in fastpaced, latestage development environments. Scientific curiosity, ownership mindset, and willingness to support manufacturing operations. The annual base pay for this position ranges from $138K to $207K.

Our positions offer eligibility for multiple incentives an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. # Hybrid # Cell Therapy Date Posted 10-Aug-2026 Closing Date 30-Aug-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees

In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.


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About AstraZeneca

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AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB


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