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Process Development Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Research Scientist

Morton Grove, IL

$98K - $124K/yr

Analytical Development Scientist The Research Scientist on the Analytical Development team plays a ... Demonstrated experience with small molecule in-process control (IPC) method development in the ...

Senior Scientist

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

Senior Scientist Position Type: Regular - Full-Time Grade: Grade 05 Requisition ID: 40817 In every ... processing to solve development challenges. * Design and execute development and validation work ...

Senior Scientist

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$85K - $114K/yr

Senior Scientist Position Type: Regular - Full-Time Grade: Grade 05 Requisition ID: 40817 In every ... processing to solve development challenges. * Design and execute development and validation work ...

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Process Development Scientist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$21

$39

$63

How much do process development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development scientist in Chicago, IL is $39.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.23 and $47.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Process Development Scientists when scaling up from lab experiments to full production?

Process Development Scientists often encounter challenges when transitioning processes from the laboratory to large-scale production. These can include maintaining product quality and consistency, optimizing yields, and ensuring that processes are cost-effective at scale. Addressing equipment differences, process variability, and regulatory compliance are also common hurdles. Collaboration with engineers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance professionals is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and achieve scalable, robust processes.

How much does a process scientist make?

A process development scientist typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced scientists with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

What jobs will be left by 2030?

By 2030, roles like Process Development Scientists are expected to remain in demand due to ongoing advancements in biotechnology and manufacturing. However, automation and AI may reduce certain repetitive tasks, emphasizing the importance of skills in data analysis, programming, and laboratory techniques to stay relevant in the field.

What is a Process Development Scientist?

A Process Development Scientist is a professional who designs, develops, and optimizes processes for manufacturing products, typically in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or chemicals. Their work involves scaling up laboratory procedures to full production, improving efficiency, ensuring quality, and meeting regulatory standards. They collaborate with research, engineering, and manufacturing teams to implement new processes or refine existing ones. Process Development Scientists play a critical role in bringing new products from the research phase to commercial production while maintaining safety and compliance.

What does a process development scientist do?

A process development scientist designs, optimizes, and scales up manufacturing processes for products such as pharmaceuticals or chemicals. They analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure processes meet quality and regulatory standards, often using tools like statistical software and lab equipment. Their work supports efficient production and product consistency.

How much does a process development scientist make?

In California, a process development scientist typically earns an average salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the industry sector. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and bonuses, with higher compensation often associated with advanced skills in bioprocessing, analytical techniques, and regulatory knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Development Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Development Scientist, you need a background in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, supported by at least a bachelor’s (often master’s or PhD) degree and experience in laboratory research. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (such as HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry), process modeling software, and relevant regulatory standards is crucial. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help drive innovation and coordinate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the efficient development and scale-up of robust, safe, and cost-effective processes in pharmaceutical, biotech, or chemical manufacturing environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL? For Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Process Development Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Process Development Scientist job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 71% In-person, and 29% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $82,844 per year, or $39.8 per hour.
Scientist, R&D - Individual Contributor

Scientist, R&D - Individual Contributor

Actalent

Crystal Lake, IL

$34 - $42/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Job Title: R&D Scientist (Analytical Method Development)
Job Description

As an R&D Scientist specializing in Analytical Method Development, you will conduct fundamental or applied research to enhance or create new products, components, equipment, systems, and processes. This role requires working independently with minimal supervision, applying professional expertise and judgment.

Responsibilities

  • Develop methods on analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, FTIR, and UV-Vis.
  • Utilize lab notebooks effectively and follow or draft procedures.
  • Engage in stakeholder interactions and execute samples.
  • Demonstrate instrument proficiency and method development.
  • Communicate effectively across functions with customers and internal stakeholders or teammates.
Essential Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or equivalent practical experience.
  • 6 years of experience in HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, and other analytical instrumentation.
  • 6 years of experience in developing methods on analytical instruments.
  • 6 years of exceptional communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience working in a GMP environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Chemistry.
  • Experience with technical writing.
  • Knowledge of lab safety practices.
  • Familiarity with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems).
Work Environment

Join an Analytical R&D Development Team consisting of four individuals focused on New Product Introduction (NPI). The team includes two full-time members and two contractors. There is potential for a hybrid work-from-home schedule once established and trained on-site. This role offers the opportunity to transition to permanent positions or move into different scientist groups after project completion.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Crystal Lake, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $42.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Crystal Lake,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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