Research Scientist - Analytical Automation

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and highly skilled Research Scientist to join the analytical automation team within the Kite Pharma Analytical department.

The successful candidate will be partnering with the characterization and testing teams, contributing to platformed, optimized, modular, and scalable integrations aimed at automated execution of standard operating procedures for flow cytometry assays. This includes implementation of fit-to-process lab instruments at performing sample and reagent formulation, cell staining procedures, and readout.

Main responsibilities:

Collaborate with analytical subteams at performing risk assessments, DOEs, authoring and review of SOPs. Act as a contributing partner at understanding FACS panels design from CQA study plans. Coordinate a QbD-appropriate automation strategies with automation engineers, scientists, and programmers towards deployment of platforms that automate routine method executions.

Assist and train junior members of the team.

Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing; may participate and present in group meetings.

Basic Qualifications:

PHD and 0 years of industry experience OR

Master’s Degree and 6+ years of industry experience OR

Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of industry experience OR

High School Degree and 12+ years of industry experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Flow Cytometry experience is preferred, particularly with understating of complex gating schemas and familiarity with the Beckman Cytoflex S and LX cytometers.

• Experience with liquid handlers (TECAN Fluent, Formulatirx i8, etc) and scripting with GreenButtonGo, VWorks scheduling, or FluentControl software, or equivalent.

• Basic cell biology and immunology knowledge and technical familiarity with performing cell-based assays (cell culture, primary cell isolation and culture, in vitro proliferation, ELISA, etc.)

• Preferred candidate will also be familiar with JAVA, R Script, or any other coding tools. Experience in developing new software components and supporting, modifying, and maintaining systems and code developed by others.

• Motivated at learning new skillsets, particularly with designing and deploying boundary applications to automate data management that integrate with Laboratory Information Management (LIMS) and Laboratory Execution (LES) systems.

• Knowledge/experience on real time multithreaded communication between software and instrument.

• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize assays as needed, identifying, and applying novel techniques or protocols from the scientific literature.

• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and technical) and interpersonal skills are preferred.

• Highly collaborative; able to maintain productive cross-functional interactions, think critically, and work resourcefully to resolve problems as they arise

• Excellent computer skills, knowledgeable in Windows-based systems and able to learn new software and hardware quickly.

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