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Process Development Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer - Process Development What you will do Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this ... Or Associate's degree and 6 years of Engineering or Operations experience Or High school diploma ...

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Process Development Associate information

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$18

$33

$49

How much do process development associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development associate 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 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.
More about Process Development Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Process Development Associate jobs? Cities with the most Process Development Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Development jobs? The most popular types of Process Development jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Process Development Associate jobs? The top employers for Process Development Associate jobs are:
What states have the most Process Development Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Process Development Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Process Development Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,060 per year, or $33.7 per hour.
Research Associate, Process Development Upstream

Research Associate, Process Development Upstream

Avid Bioservices

Tustin, CA • On-site

$58K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Looking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life-saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes.
Your Role:
TheResearch Associate in Process Development - Upstreamwill develop and optimize scalable cell culture processes and contribute to transferring the process to Avid Manufacturing. In addition, the Research Associate will maintain production equipment and will research and implement new methods and technologies to enhance process operations.
  • Responsible for mammalian cell culture process development and optimization including but not limited to recombinant protein production, cell adaptation to suspension or serum-free conditions, media/feed screening comparing growth and productivity in various media, growing and maintaining cells in shake flasks, wave and stirred tank bioreactors. Responsibilities also include seed train development, production bioreactor inoculation, maintenance, sampling, and feeding, and cell culture harvest/clarification.
  • Work with many different kinds of mammalian cell lines (CHO-GS, CHO-DG44, CHO-M, CHO-S, NSO, HEK, etc) utilizing aseptic techniques, and apply a good understanding of the effect of general metabolic pathways (nutrient usage, expression system, etc.) physical (morphology, pH, osmolality, etc.) as well as mechanical (agitation speeds, oxygen and pH control, etc.) parameters on cell growth and recombinant protein production.
  • Preparation of various cell culture media and feed formulations from scratch.
  • Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cell culture equipment such as bioreactors and analyzers.
  • Scale up and tech transfer cell culture and harvest processes to the Manufacturing department.
  • Analyze growth, production, and nutrient usage data, create data spreadsheets and graphs in Excel or JMP, document data and findings for traceability and regulatory requirements, write technical and summary reports, generate slide decks, and lastly, communicate findings and participate in scientific discussions within the group and with clients.
  • Work with minimal supervision on projects of routine or low to moderate complexity.
  • Research and implement new methods and technologies to enhance operations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • B.S. degree in a Biological Science
  • Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant industry experience with demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This role is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise stated by Supervisor.Any scientific member can expect to work overtime, including during the weekends and holidays.
Compensation:
We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
The compensation range for this role is $58,400 - $73,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Who you are:
  • You have a "bring it on!" team player approach and an unshakable positive attitude, always ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
  • Your written and verbal skills are out of this world, and you communicate with clarity and confidence.
  • You have exceptional multitasking skills and an unparalleled attention to detail that ensure the smooth running of everything.
  • You are a master at building relationships, capable of establishing connections with anyone, be it team members, clients, vendors, or suppliers.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 20 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting. Your visual acuity, including close, distance, and color vision, will be essential in navigating through the diverse day-to-day demands of this position.
Employment Type: Full-Time