1

Process Development Associate Jobs in California

We are looking to add a Development Associate to our growing team! NorthPoint provides an inclusive ... Organize the process of identifying scope and analyzing bids from both consultants and contractors ...

Job Title Development Associate (AmeriCorps VISTA) Job Summary Rainbow Labs is seeking a mission ... grant management processes, and cultivate meaningful relationships with individual donors ...

Job Title Development Associate (AmeriCorps VISTA) Job Summary Rainbow Labs is seeking a mission ... grant management processes, and cultivate meaningful relationships with individual donors ...

Showing results 21-40

Process Development Associate information

See California salary details

$18

$33

$48

How much do process development associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process development associate?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Process Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Process Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Associate jobs in California? For Process Development Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Infographic showing various Process Development Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,143 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Research Associate I, Cell Process Development

Dendreon Corporation

Seal Beach, CA • On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Overview
Who We Are:
At Dendreon, we're transforming the battle against cancer with personalized immunotherapy. Our flagship product, PROVENGE® (sipuleucel-T), was the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, utilizing a patient's own immune cells to fight the disease.
If you're driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on cancer patients' lives, we invite you to join our team. With Immunotherapy Manufacturing Facilities in Seal Beach, CA, and Union City, GA, a strong Research & Development group, and a highly skilled Commercial team across the nation, Dendreon is at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation.
Core Values:
  • Put Patients First: Every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of those living with cancer.
  • Act with Integrity: We commit to transparency, honesty, and always doing what's right.
  • Build Trust: Trust is earned through candid, open communication and a collaborative approach.
  • Raise the Bar: We embrace continuous improvement and innovation, always striving to elevate our people.
  • Drive Results: We are accountable to each other and deliver success together.

Job Summary:
The Research Associate I, Cell Process Development supports the development, optimization, troubleshooting, transfer, and validation of cell therapy manufacturing processes. This role conducts laboratory studies, analyzes and documents experimental results, and contributes to process improvement initiatives that support the development and manufacture of cellular immunotherapy products. Working under the guidance of senior team members, the Research Associate I collaborates cross-functionally to generate data, execute study protocols, and support technical and operational objectives.
NOTE: This position is based onsite at our Seal Beach, CA facility and requires in-person attendance 5 days per week. THIS IS NOT A REMOTE ROLE.
Responsibilities
  • Perform processing, handling, and evaluation of human blood and blood-derived samples in accordance with approved laboratory procedures and safety requirements.
  • Support the development, optimization, transfer, and validation of cell therapy manufacturing processes.
  • Design and execute laboratory studies and experiments according to approved protocols.
  • Perform cellular and molecular assays, including ELISA and other analytical methods used to characterize cellular immunotherapy products and manufacturing processes.
  • Support technical investigations related to process deviations, failures, and manufacturing challenges.
  • Troubleshoot cell processing methods and recommend process improvements based on experimental results.
  • Collect, analyze, interpret, and present experimental and manufacturing data.
  • Prepare technical reports, summaries, and supporting documentation to communicate study results and recommendations.
  • Draft and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, protocols, and other controlled documents.
  • Support technology transfer and process implementation activities across development and manufacturing functions.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and coordinate routine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
  • Manage laboratory inventories, supplies, reagents, and vendor-related activities to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Technical Operations teams to support project and departmental objectives.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Job Requirements:
Required Experience and Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Experience processing and handling human blood and blood-derived samples.
  • Experience following laboratory SOPs and maintaining accurate scientific documentation.
  • Proficiency with standard laboratory techniques and equipment, including pipetting and centrifuge operation.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and organizational skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Experience and Education:
  • Master's degree or other graduate degree in a related scientific discipline.
  • Two (2) or more years of relevant laboratory experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cell therapy, bioprocessing, or a related industry experience.
  • Experience performing cellular and molecular assays, including ELISA, flow cytometry, qPCR, or similar analytical techniques.
  • Experience with cell culture and aseptic laboratory techniques.
  • Experience in a GMP-regulated biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or cell therapy environment.
  • Experience supporting process development, technology transfer, manufacturing sciences, or validation activities.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
  • Primarily laboratory and office-based environment.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and work in laboratory and manufacturing support areas for extended periods.
  • Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient to operate laboratory equipment, use computers and mobile devices, and accurately complete documentation.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
  • Ability to safely handle biological materials, blood-derived samples, laboratory reagents, and standard laboratory equipment while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Ability to work in laboratory, manufacturing, and clean room environments, including aseptic gowning as required.
  • Occasional exposure to refrigerated, frozen, and cryogenic storage conditions (2°C to 8°C, -20°C, -75°C, and -196°C).
  • Ability to regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds.
  • May require occasional schedule flexibility to support study, project, or manufacturing activities.