Scientist, Analytical Operations

Job Description

We’re here for one reason and one reason only – to cure cancer. Every moment is dedicated to developing treatments and every action moves us one step closer to our goal. We’ve made incredible scientific breakthroughs and our pioneering personalized CAR T-cell therapies have changed the paradigm. But we're not finished yet.

Join Kite, as we make even bigger advances in cancer therapies, and help shape where our business and medical science goes next.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.

Job Description

Kite's Attributes Sciences team is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist with a strong background in virology and/or cancer biology, to elucidate the structure and function of Kite’s gene editing platforms (viral and non-viral modalities) for developing cell therapy products.

In this role, the ideal candidate will be responsible for independently designing, planning and executing studies to enhance our understanding of vector quality attributes. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally to identify opportunities for continuous process improvement for viral vector manufacturing and non-viral gene editing modalities. The scope of this role will evolve and expand over time to include mentoring junior team members and working with key stakeholders to identify new technologies and opportunities for continuous process & product improvement.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Develop capabilities for in-house biophysical characterization of viral vectors (e.g., Dynamic Light Scattering, Sedimentation-Velocity Analytical UltraCentrifugation, Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis) to enhance viral vector product understanding.

• Lead the design of functional assays to assess viral vector fitness and mechanism of action on novel cell therapy drug product development.

• Perform multi-color flow cytometry and virometry to interrogate immunophenotype, cell health and viral vector attributes (e.g., viral titer, potency and purity).

• Contribute to development of innovative approaches to evaluate vector genomic integrity, integration sites and host cell proteins immunogenecity via ‘omics’ approaches, e.g., scRNA-seq, Long read sequencing and mass spectrometry.

• Play a key role in cross-functional intiatives aimed at designing studies that yield characterization data to mitigate potential risks to product quality.

• Function as a key contributor to Analytical Development knowledge by remaining up to date on scientific literature and the newest developments in relevant fields.

• Author, review, and edit technical documents such as SOPs and/or reports.

• Function independently in non-routine development activities and project goals.

• Maintain accurate documentation of experiments in ELN and reports.

• Present findings at internal meetings and/or contribute to the preparation of filling and patent applications.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff regarding concepts of virology, immunology and cell biology.

Basic Qualifications:

• Masters' Degree and Five Years’ Experience; OR

• Bachelor's Degree and Seven Years’ Experience; OR

• Associates Degree and Nine Years Experience; OR

• High School Degree and Eleven Year's Experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of virology, cell biology, and/or immunology preferred.

• Hands on experience with multi-color flow cytometry and flow cytometry data analysis (FACSDiva, FlowJo)

• Experience with high-throughput screening methods for impurities profiling and biophysical characterization techniques (e.g., DLS, SV-AUC, NTA, FlowCam Nano)

• Prior experience with ddPCR, ELISA, MSD or Luminex-based assays is a plus.

• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., FlowJo, JMP, Prism, Microsoft office).

• Highly collaborative with excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

• Evidence of high level of scientific expertise demonstrated through scientific publications, literature review and scientific conference participation is preferred.

• Self-motivated, organized and detail-oriented, with demonstrated ability to work efficiently as part of a team.

• Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with minimal direction.

• Agile mindset and ability to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.

The salary range for this position is: $133,195.00 - $172,370.00. Kite considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Kite is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies with a goal of providing rapid, long-term durable response and eliminating the burden of chronic care. The company is focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered cell therapies designed to empower the immune system's ability to recognize and kill tumors. Kite is based in Santa Monica, CA. For more information on Kite, please visit www.kitepharma.com. Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kitepharma.

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Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.

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