Immunohistochemistry Technician I

Job Description

Kite is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cancer immunotherapy products designed to harness the impact of a patient’s own immune system to selectively target ​cancer cells. Our core technology involves the genetic engineering of T cells, or white blood cells, to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for the treatment of advanced solid and hematological malignancies. We are on a rapid growth trajectory and have a highly energized and accomplished team.

We are seeking an experienced immunohistochemistry and special stains technician to join us as Immunohistochemistry Technician I in our Pathology Core, Research Strategic Operations (RSO). You will support our new molecular and anatomic pathology department serving the advancement of our CAR T pipeline and next generation immunotherapy. This position requires familiarity with basic histology, including grossing, embedding, cutting, staining and other tasks required to analyze tissues and cell lines. You​ will have experience with immunohistochemistry, CISH, FISH, and have familiarity with slide scanning, digital pathology and automated image analysis. This role will also support special transcriptomics and molecular pathology. In addition, the Immunohistochemistry Technician will operate and maintain all instruments in the pathology laboratory and follow good documentation practices and quality control procedures. This is a site-dependent role based in our Santa Monica Research Facility and may require occasional travel to conferences, scientific collaborators, and other Kite and Gilead sites, including Emeryville, CA, and Foster City, CA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support histology, as instructed by the Director of Pathology, to Translational Medicine and Clinical Development for the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials
• Assist with digital pathology along with manual and automated image analysis
• Prepare tissues and cell lines for staining
• Perform IHC, CISH, FISH, and other special stains along with basic histology stains, such as H E
• Support team members and empower them to complete deliverables efficiently and effectively
• Support overall operation and administration of the Pathology Core
• Assist external collaboration projects and associated interactions (e.g. meetings, communications, etc.) with academic partners
• Prepare human and animal tissue sections for microscopic examination using various techniques, including grossing, fixation, processing, embedding, cutting, and staining tissue slides.
• Perform slide image scanning and analysis.
• Prepare, maintain and inventory chemicals, reagents, consumables and supplies.
• Identify, label, and process tissues.
• Maintain and clean equipment, change solutions, monitor environment, and replenish supplies and solutions as needed.
• Maintain records and documentation to Kite standards
• Perform tissue procurement and biospecimen processing, as assigned.
• Use and maintain all databases for Pathology Core.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Prepare sections of cell lines, human and animal tissue in a variety of sizes and types, including fixation, processing, sectioning, and a variety of special stains.
• Perform stains manually and by using an automated stainer

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s and 4+ years of histology experience OR
• Bachelor’s and 6+ years of histology experience OR
• Associate and 8+ years of histology experience OR
• High School Diploma/GED and 10+ years of histology experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skills in microtomy, grossing, processing, embedding, cutting and special staining techniques.

• B.S. or M.S. in a scientific field
• HT or HTL ASCP certification
• Skill in embedding a variety of tissue types and sizes with correct orientation
• Skill in sectioning all types of tissues
• Skill in performing all ranges of special stains both manually and by automation
• Ability to run the tissue processors
• Flexibility to work outside of normal shift hours, including weekends and holidays
• Extensive experience in histology
• Experience supporting drug, diagnostic or medical device programs in a regulated environment
• Understanding of discovery research, translational sciences/medicine and pre-clinical development and overall commercial drug development process
• Prior experience in cellular therapy, synthetic biology, or oncology research
• Exemplify our core values – integrity, accountability, teamwork, excellence and inclusion
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written and verbal communication skills along with ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to effectively communicate progress toward milestones, opportunities, and risks to all stakeholders
• Exhibit high emotional intelligence, with demonstrated ability to successfully negotiate through challenging situations and difficult conversations
• Possess a meaningful ability to develop trust, along with demonstrated ability to drive, lead and influence colleagues across the organization to achieve team, department and corporate goals
• Ability to be a team player, focusing on shared goals, being flexible and applying skills, respecting others, listening to others’ views and value others’ contribution, sharing information and good ideas across organizations and celebrating/recognizing accomplishments
• Comfortable and efficient in a exciting, passionate and growing environment

Does this sound like you? If so, apply today!