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Pharmaceutical Process Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pharmaceutical process development/ manufacturing experience preferred. * Expertise in troubleshooting manufacturing processes, ideally with mixing and blending systems, thin film coating, packaging ...

Pharmaceutical process development/ manufacturing experience preferred. * Expertise in troubleshooting manufacturing processes, ideally with mixing and blending systems, thin film coating, packaging ...

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Pharmaceutical Process Development information

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$18

$33

$49

How much do pharmaceutical process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical 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 Pharmaceutical Process Development vs Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician?

AspectPharmaceutical Process DevelopmentPharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician
Primary FocusDesigning, optimizing, and scaling up manufacturing processes for new or existing drugsOperating equipment, assembling products, and ensuring production runs smoothly
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, pilot plantsProduction floors, manufacturing plants
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or related field; experience in process developmentHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training

Pharmaceutical Process Development focuses on creating and refining manufacturing processes, while Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians handle the day-to-day production tasks. Both roles are essential in the drug development and manufacturing pipeline, but they differ in scope, responsibilities, and work environment.

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

To thrive in Pharmaceutical Process Development, you need a solid background in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with process analytical technology (PAT), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and software like MATLAB or SIMCA is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help professionals navigate complex projects and cross-functional collaborations. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, compliant, and innovative drug development processes that meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.

What are the typical challenges faced when transitioning a pharmaceutical process from laboratory scale to full-scale manufacturing?

One of the main challenges in pharmaceutical process development is ensuring that processes developed at laboratory or pilot scale remain robust, efficient, and compliant when scaled up to full manufacturing. Variables such as mixing, temperature control, and material properties can behave differently at larger volumes, potentially impacting product quality or yield. Process developers often work closely with manufacturing, quality assurance, and engineering teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize protocols, making strong cross-functional collaboration skills essential. Addressing regulatory requirements during scale-up is also critical to ensure that the process meets all quality and safety standards.

What is pharmaceutical process development?

Pharmaceutical process development is the series of activities involved in designing, optimizing, and scaling up the manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical products. It includes transforming laboratory procedures into reliable, efficient, and reproducible processes that meet regulatory standards for quality and safety. This phase is crucial for ensuring that medications can be produced consistently and at a larger scale while maintaining product efficacy and compliance with industry regulations.
More about Pharmaceutical Process Development jobs
What states have the most Pharmaceutical Process Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Pharmaceutical Process Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Process Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,060 per year, or $33.7 per hour.
Process Dev Engineering Scientific Associate (Contract)

Process Dev Engineering Scientific Associate (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Boston, MA

$31 - $33/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Vertex seeks a highly skilled individual to join our Process Development team as a temporary worker. In this pivotal role, you will spearhead process development/engineering activities for drug substance processes for one of our crucial cell and gene therapy assets. As a research associate, you will play a significant part in our internal process development work, optimizing cell-based bioreactor processes to enhance robustness, decrease aseptic risk, increase yields, and reduce the cost of goods. Your contributions may extend to the exploration and establishment of novel technologies to support cell therapy scale-up and optimization. Based in our Boston, MA, facilities, this position offers a unique opportunity to substantially impact Vertex's mission to bring innovative therapies to patients.

The Process Development group offers a dynamic and challenging environment, perfect for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, high-energy settings. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in process engineering or relevant fields with a solid technical operations background.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform experiments to evaluate novel technologies to support cell therapy process scale-up and optimization.
  • Perform pluripotent stem cell culture expansion and differentiation in bioreactors, and support process optimization.
  • Prepare, interpret, and present data generated from lab studies.
  • Draft and review study protocol and reports, ensure data integrity.
  • Effectively collaborates with a fully integrated team to facilitate the success of projects.
  • Expanded conceptual knowledge and understanding of principles of molecular and cell biology techniques.
  • Applies fundamental scientific and engineering principles to process design, development, and process understanding. 

Education and Experience:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Biological Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or related discipline with 0-2+ years of experience.
  • Process development experience in a bio-pharmaceutical setting working with interdisciplinary and cross-cultural teams.
  • Experience in aseptic technique, cell culture, and bioreactor operation.
  • Ability to effectively communicate findings, progress, and problems.
  • Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Strong organizational skills and high attention to details.
  • Periodic weekend work to support cell culture activities will be required.

$31hr.-$33/hr.


Monday–Friday; occasional weekend work required.


This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements

By applying for this position, you agree to the Atrium Terms and Conditions and you direct Atrium to share your application materials, which may include your CV/Resume, email address or phone number, with Vertex. For more information on how Vertex handles your personal data related to your job application, please see Vertex’s Careers Privacy Notice.   Agreeing to the Atrium Terms and Conditions, includes permission to use the email address and mobile phone number you provide during the application process or throughout the duration of your prospective or actual employment to notify you of job openings, profiles, articles, news, and other employment-related information, as well as to notify you of special promotions or additional products and services offered by us or our affiliates and partners

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If you do not agree with the Atrium Terms and Conditions, you can still complete your application for this position by emailing your resume to our team at tempstaffing@vrtx.com. Please include the job title in the subject of your email.

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