Sr. Research Associate I, Viral Vector Downstream Process Development

Job Description

Kite Viral Vector Downstream Process Development is seeking for highly motivated Sr. Research Associate to join our team in Santa Monica. The Sr. Research Associate I will be part of viral vector downstream process development team to develop and characterize Lentiviral processes supporting clinical and commercial manufacturing. As the Sr. Research Associate, the individual will work and collaborate with Upstream, Analytical development, Formulation, Drug Product and MSAT teams to support ongoing pipeline products. The responsibilities also include designing/ executing downstream experiments, authoring study plans and technical reports. The Sr. Research Associate will also support development and implementation of innovative downstream technology platform.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Execute viral vector downstream process development and characterization studies

•    Perform normal flow and tangential flow filtration operations, chromatographic separations

•    Support process scale up and technology transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing production sites

•    Perform routine analytical testing, process analysis and trend process performance

•    Write and review technical documentation

•    Present results of work, interpret data, and draw conclusions regarding presented material and nature of work

•    Act as a resource for other employees within the department

•    Demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills

•    Work with collaborative communication and problem-solving spirit

Qualifications:

•    2+ years of experience with BS degree in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or a related scientific discipline or

•    0+ years of experience with MS degree in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or a related scientific discipline or

•    0+ years of experience with AS degree in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or a related scientific discipline or

•    High School diploma with 5+ experience with MS degree in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or a related scientific discipline or

Preferred Skills:

•    Knowledge of different modes of chromatographic separation and filtration principles

•    Excellent communication and effective presentation and writing skill

•    Familiar with the following operating systems: ÄKTA chromatography with UNICORN software, tangential flow filtration, ultrafiltration / diafiltration, PendoTECH systems, depth filtration, normal flow membrane filtration, or sterile filtration

•    Demonstrated experience maintaining and advancing a culture of safety within work and laboratory settings

•    Demonstrated experience going above and beyond work responsibilities to lead self-motivated projects to improve technical or business processes

•    Demonstrated experience to interface with colleagues with diverse areas of expertise or experience levels to achieve team goals

•    Some experience running molecular biology assays (ELISAs, gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry) is preferred

•    Background knowledge of in viral vector or biologics downstream process development, process technology transfer, and statistical DOE (design of experiments) is preferred