1

Process Development Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Process Development/ Formulation R&D * Facilities Travel requirements: · No Education and Experience: * A.A.S. in a scientific discipline, or equivalent experience preferred * 2-4 years' experience ...

Process Development/ Formulation R&D * Facilities Travel requirements: • No Education and Experience: * A.A.S. in a scientific discipline, or equivalent experience preferred * 2-4 years' experience ...

Process Development & Qualification: Run engineering trials to determine optimal equipment recipes and operating windows. Own the parameter definition required to transition processes from ...

This position will focus on supporting advanced packaging processing and process development, for, but not limited to, silicon interposer fabrication, through silicon via (TSV) fabrication, wafer ...

Senior Process Engineer

Holly Springs, NC

$90K - $116K/yr

This may include development of business case for improvement and identification of design requirements and then translation of requirements into process equipment/system design, specification and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Process Development information

See Durham, NC salary details

$18

$32

$47

How much do process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development in Durham, NC is $32.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.73 and $39.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Process Development, you need a strong background in engineering, chemistry, or a related scientific field, often with a bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with process simulation software, statistical analysis tools, and industry-specific quality standards or certifications like Six Sigma is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective cross-functional communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing efficient, scalable processes that improve productivity and ensure product quality.

What is the difference between Process Development vs Process Engineering?

AspectProcess DevelopmentProcess Engineering
FocusDesigning and optimizing new processes for products or manufacturingImplementing, maintaining, and improving existing processes
Work StageEarly-stage process creation and testingScaling up, troubleshooting, and sustaining processes
Skills & CertificationsChemical/biochemical engineering, lab skills, process modelingProcess optimization, quality control, engineering principles

Process Development primarily focuses on creating and refining new processes, while Process Engineering emphasizes implementing and maintaining those processes in production. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds but differ in their stage of involvement within the product lifecycle.

What is process development?

Process development is the systematic approach of designing, optimizing, and scaling up manufacturing or business processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. It typically involves taking a concept or product from the laboratory or pilot stage to full-scale production, ensuring that the process is robust, reproducible, and compliant with industry standards. Professionals in process development work closely with research, engineering, and production teams to identify improvements and troubleshoot issues during scale-up.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals in Process Development, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Process Development often encounter challenges such as scaling laboratory processes to full production, troubleshooting unexpected technical issues, and ensuring process consistency while meeting regulatory requirements. These challenges are typically addressed by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—including R&D, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing—to share expertise and implement robust validation protocols. Continuous learning, strong project management skills, and adaptability are important for overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful process implementation.
What job categories do people searching Process Development jobs in Durham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Process Development jobs in Durham, NC are:
What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Process Development jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Process Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Development job openings in Durham, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,700 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Senior Scientist - Downstream Process Development

Senior Scientist - Downstream Process Development

Novartis

Durham, NC

$119K - $222K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary

Role type: Full time onsite, #LI-Onsite
Location: Durham, North Carolina, United States
Relocation Support: Yes
Join the team shaping the future of Cell and Gene Therapy and help bring transformational medicines to patients worldwide. As a Senior Scientist - Downstream Process Development, you will play a critical role in advancing viral vector technologies across adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral vector (LVV) platforms. Combining scientific expertise, innovation, and hands-on laboratory leadership, you will drive process development strategies that support breakthrough therapies from pre-clinical development through clinical manufacturing. This is a unique opportunity to influence cutting-edge science, collaborate with world-class experts, and accelerate the delivery of life-changing treatments to patients with urgent unmet needs.


Job Description

Key Responsibilities

You will serve as the downstream technical lead for one or more gene therapy programs. This role is responsible for defining the overall downstream development plan for assigned gene therapy programs; designing, executing, and interpreting downstream process development studies; performing hands-on process operations at both small scale and large scale; and collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance AAV and LVV programs from pre-clinical development through clinical manufacturing.

Other responsibilities will include:

  • Perform hands-on downstream process operations at both small scale and large scale, delivering high-quality experimental outputs within program timelines.

  • Apply a strong statistical and data-driven mindset to analyze process study results, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and inform development strategy.

  • Drive downstream innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, current scientific advances, and state-of-the-field approaches relevant to viral vector process development.

  • Promote adoption of technical standards, platform approaches, and best practices across multiple programs and modalities.

  • Author technical reports, summarize process development outcomes, and contribute downstream content to regulatory filings, including IND submissions.

  • Present study results, technical recommendations, and development strategies to internal and external stakeholders in cross-functional forums.

  • Be a technical coach and mentor, fostering an innovative, collaborative, and scientifically rigorous culture.

  • Present technical recommendations and mentor colleagues to foster scientific excellence and collaboration.

Essential Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or a related technical field with 8+ years of relevant experience; Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience; or PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience.

  • Strong technical background in downstream process development for biologics and/or viral vector-based therapies, with hands-on experience designing, executing, and interpreting process development studies.

  • In-depth expertise across multiple downstream unit operations such as chromatography, depth filtration, precipitation or flocculation, tangential flow filtration, ultracentrifugation, impurity clearance, and adventitious virus clearance.

  • Proficiency in statistical analysis principles, Design of Experiments (DoE), and data-driven decision-making.

  • Proven ability to define technical plans, solve complex process development challenges, and deliver scientific objectives within program timelines.

  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders, communicate technical recommendations clearly, and contribute to program strategy in a matrixed environment.

  • Innovative mindset with experience advancing continuous improvement, technical standards, best practices, or platform approaches across programs.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$119,700.00 - $222,300.00


Skills Desired

Data Science, Materials Science, Process Simulation, Technical Writing, Waterfall Model