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Process Development Associate Jobs in Oakland, CA

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Process Development Associate information

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How much do process development associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development associate in Oakland, CA is $38.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.73 and $47.50 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, 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 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 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 Oakland, CA? The most popular types of Process Development jobs in Oakland, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Associate jobs in Oakland, CA? For Process Development Associate jobs in Oakland, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Oakland, CA are hiring for Process Development Associate jobs? Cities near Oakland, CA with the most Process Development Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Development Associate job openings in Oakland, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,463 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Associate Scientist, Process Development (I,II,III)

Associate Scientist, Process Development (I,II,III)

Cellares

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
Cellares is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Associate Scientist to join the Process Development team. This individual will interface across many parts of the company and contribute significantly to the development of our advanced cell therapy manufacturing platform.
The primary focus of this position is to design and execute experiments, as well as develop standard operating procedures and processes for the Cellares platform. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in process development techniques and methodologies, technology transfer, method scale up and troubleshooting, as well as engineering principles and tools.
The successful candidate should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows.
Responsibilities
  • Provide hands-on support to small-scale and scale-up experiments and overall development of the Cellares advanced cell therapy manufacturing platform
  • Interpret and adapt a cell therapy manufacturing process from a client to the Cellares platform; design and execute experiments related to workflow development and scale-up
  • Develop process diagrams and flowcharts for novel and existing processes
  • Create project plans, timelines, and reports to inform project execution; address blockers and challenges during execution
  • Perform primary cell line maintenance and leukopak processing, including isolation, activation, gene modification, expansion and cryopreservation
  • Draft and review work instructions, standard operating procedures, test plans, and reports
  • Generate and review process documentation including but not limited to Manufacturing Batch Records and Bill of Materials (BOM)
  • Analyze and interpret process data, prepare presentations and present technical results
  • Identify and investigate process deviations and non-conformances, document findings and implement effective corrective and preventive actions

Requirements
  • BS or MS in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field with 4-10 years of process development experience in the cell and gene therapy field
  • Experience in aseptic technique and primary immune cell culture
  • Extensive experience using and troubleshooting semi-automated instruments and laboratory information management systems
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Strong technical writing skills and experience authoring SOPs and reports
  • Familiarity with cell therapy analytical testing methods, such as flow cytometry and cell-based assays is preferred
  • Creative, self-motivated, eager to take on a wide variety of tasks and grow with evolving technology
  • Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset

$90,000 - $210,000 a year
Cellares total compensation package contains competitive base salaries, highly subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, 401(k) Matching, Free EV Charging, Onsite lunches, and Stock options. All displayed pay ranges are approximate, negotiable, and location dependent.
This is Cellares
Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.
The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.
Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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About Cellares

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2019