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Process Development Associate Jobs in California

QuidelOrtho

Development Associate II

San Diego, CA

The Development Associate II will be responsible for performing experiments as directed by ... Knowledge of assay development, process development, problem solving, and statistical experimental ...

AEG

Development Associate

Studio City, CA · On-site

$24/hr

The Development Associate plays a key administrative role in the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation ... Process all donations, generate tax receipts, and manage donor acknowledgment letters in a timely ...

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How much do process development associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development associate 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Development Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Development Associate, you need a strong background in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Experience with laboratory instrumentation, process optimization tools, and familiarity with regulatory standards such as GMP are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient process design, regulatory compliance, and successful scale-up in manufacturing environments.

What are the primary challenges faced by a Process Development Associate when scaling up laboratory processes to manufacturing scale?

A Process Development Associate often encounters challenges in translating small-scale laboratory protocols into large-scale manufacturing processes. Variations in equipment, raw material quality, and environmental conditions can impact reproducibility and efficiency. Addressing these issues requires strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and engineering to ensure smooth technology transfer and consistent product quality.

What is a Process Development Associate?

A Process Development Associate is a professional who assists in designing, optimizing, and scaling up manufacturing processes, typically in industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or chemical engineering. They work closely with scientists and engineers to develop efficient, safe, and cost-effective processes for producing products or materials. Their responsibilities often include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, troubleshooting process issues, and supporting technology transfer to manufacturing. This role is essential for ensuring that new or improved products can be produced reliably at larger scales. Process Development Associates help bridge the gap between research and full-scale production.

What is the difference between Process Development Associate vs Process Engineer?

AspectProcess Development AssociateProcess Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field; often some experience in process developmentBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering or related; more emphasis on engineering principles
Work EnvironmentLaboratory and pilot plant settings, focused on process research and developmentManufacturing plants, production lines, and process optimization environments
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, and chemical industries; entry to mid-level rolesChemical, manufacturing, and process industries; more senior roles in process optimization

The Process Development Associate primarily focuses on developing and optimizing new processes in lab and pilot settings, often working closely with R&D teams. In contrast, the Process Engineer applies engineering principles to scale up processes, improve manufacturing efficiency, and troubleshoot production issues. While both roles require a background in chemical or process engineering, the Process Development Associate is more research-oriented, whereas the Process Engineer emphasizes process implementation and optimization in production environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Process Development jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Process Development Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Process Development Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Process Development Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Process Development Associate job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Associate jobs in CA? For Process Development Associate jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Process Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Development Associate job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,143 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Associate Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Epicrispr Biotechnologies

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$118K - $124K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Title: Associate Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Opportunity:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist to join the Downstream Process Development team focused on adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy therapeutics. This role will support the development, optimization, and scale-up of purification processes for AAV vectors from early research through clinical manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, execute, and analyze downstream purification experiments for AAV vectors for process steps including clarification, sterile filtration, tangential flow filtration (TFF), chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion, mixed mode), and ultracentrifugation.
  • Perform small-scale studies for development of downstream AAV processes, process optimization, process characterization, and assessment of process robustness.
  • Support process development activities from bench scale through pilot scale and tech transfer to GMP manufacturing.
  • Present data and project updates in team meetings and cross-functional forums.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic lab notebooks and technical reports.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream process development and analytical development and other functions.
  • Stay current with advancements in AAV purification technologies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.

Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully.

  • B.S. degree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience (or M.S. with 3+ years or Ph.D.)
  • Required experience with AKTA purification
  • Strong working knowledge of chromatography and filtration technologies
  • Hands-on experience with viral vector purification, preferably AAV
  • Experience with analytical techniques for AAV characterization such as Refeyn, qPCR/dPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, alkaline gel, CE-SDS, SEC-HPLC, AUC and other similar analytical assays
  • Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) and JMP are a plus
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $118,000 to $124,000 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including, without limitation, individual education, experience, tenure, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data, including potential adjustments for geographic location. 

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