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Process Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a process development scientist to join the guide-RNA (gRNA) process development team. The successful candidate will be contributing to gRNA drug substance process development for ...

Process Development Chemist

Boston, MA · On-site

$65K - $87K/yr

May include participation in procedure drafting, revision and process improvement. May require performing tasks following cGMP guidelines. May require participation in inventory receipt/warehousing ...

We are seeking a Process Development Engineer II to join our dynamic team at our Plymouth, MN facility. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced environment and is ...

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Process Development information

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$18

$33

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How much do process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for process development 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 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.
More about Process Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Process Development jobs? Cities with the most Process Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Development jobs? The most popular types of Process Development jobs are:
What states have the most Process Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Process Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Process Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,060 per year, or $33.7 per hour.
Associate Scientist - Process Development

Associate Scientist - Process Development

Eli Lilly and Company

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We're looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Engineer to join the Downstream Process Development team. The successful candidate will lead development and optimization of downstream purification processes supporting viral vector programs from research through preclinical development.
The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in downstream purification technologies including ultracentrifugation, chromatography, and tangential flow filtration (TFF), with demonstrated experience driving process development strategies, platform development initiatives, technology implementation, and multi-functional collaboration.
This role requires strong scientific leadership, hands-on technical capability, and the ability to independently lead complex purification development activities in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead development, optimization, and scale-up of downstream purification workflows for viral vectors.
  • Design and implement purification strategieusingng Iodixanol and CsCl density gradient ultracentrifugation, affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX), membrane chromatography, and polishing operations.
  • Lead AKTA-based chromatography workflow development and process intensification initiatives.
  • Develop scalable downstream platform approaches to support rapid material generation and process consistency across programs.
  • Independently design experiments, analyze data, interpret results, and present technical conclusions to multi-functional teams and leadership.
  • Drive troubleshooting, process characterization, and process robustness studies.
  • Collaborate closely with upstream, analytical, manufacturing, and external partners to support program deliverables and timelines.
  • Support technology transfer, process documentation, and development reports.
  • Lead development and optimization of TFF/UFDF workflows for concentration, buffer exchange, formulation, and process scalability.
  • Mentor junior scientists/engineers and provide technical guidance across purification activities.
  • Contribute to implementation of new purification technologies, automation tools, and continuous process improvements.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, documentation, and quality standards.

Basic Qualifications
  • Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology or related field
  • 8+ years of relevant downstream process development experience in industry
  • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Additional Skills/Preferences:
  • CsCl and iodixanol ultracentrifugation
  • Affinity chromatography
  • Ion-exchange chromatography
  • TFF/UFDF operations including concentration, diafiltration, and formulation development
  • AKTA systems and Unicorn software
  • Strong understanding of process scale-up, platform development, and purification process characterization.
  • Experience analyzing purification performance and product quality attributes using relevant analytical methods.
  • Experience in AAV downstream process development and capsid enrichment workflows.
  • Experience with automated chromatography systems and process intensification strategies.
  • Experience supporting technology transfer and manufacturing readiness activities.
  • Familiarity with GMP development environments and regulatory expectations.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$71,250 - $187,000
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876