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Associate Scientist - Flow Cytometry

United States - California - Santa MonicaResearchRegular

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

We are seeking an experienced, creative and motivated Associate Scientist to join our growing team in Santa Monica. In this role, you will contribute to the company’s efforts to develop next-generation cell therapies in solid tumor malignancies. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in flow cytometry, cell sorting, tissue culture and sterile technique, and in maintenance and tracking of laboratory inventory. Experience in a flow cytometry core lab is highly desirable. In addition, the candidate will be expected to work in a collaborative cross-functional team environment, perform experiments, organize and analyze results, communicate effectively and present findings in team meetings.

Duties And Responsibilities

Seeking a highly motivated individual who shares an enthusiasm for flow cytometry, cell biology and loves to learn. Prior experience with flow cytometry instruments required.

General responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Performance of daily QC, maintenance and troubleshooting of flow cytometry instruments (BD FACSCanto, BD LSRFortessa, BD FACSymphony A5 SE, Invitrogen Attune NxT, Cytek Aurora), and high throughtput systems (BD HTS, Invitrogen CytKick Max). Experience in cell sorting is a plus. (BD FACSAria III Fusion, Invitrogen Bigfoot).

  • Acquisition and analysis of cytometric data using instrument (BD FACSDiva, Invitrogen Attune, BigFoot, Cytek Aurora) and analysis software packages (FloJo, OMIQ). Use of high-dimensional data analysis techniques and statistical methods for visualization of complex flow cytometry data.

  • Familiarity with other software is a plus (FCS Express, Invitrogen Attune Cytometric Software, Invitrogen SpectroFlo, Benchling (ELN and LIMS), GraphPad Prism, Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

  • Development of multicolor reagent panels for conventional and spectral flow cytometers. This includes instrument optimization and antibody titration.

  • Evaluation of new cytometry technology (software and hardware) and current literature relevant to flow cytometry, keeping the lab up to date.

  • Cell engineering, to include: cell line maintenance using aseptic technique, genetic manipulation of cells according to established molecular biology protocols, and creation of cell banks for freezing and/or shipping. Develop, characterize and bank/maintain tumor cell lines for use in in vivo and in vitro studies. This involves novel engineering technology and creative problem solving.

  • Maintenance of common critical reagent stocks by filtering, aliquoting and/or refilling carboys and other high-use containers. Initiating and coordinating instrument vendor service calls and preventative maintenance visits. Ordering and stocking lab supplies.

  • Training flow core users on cytometry protocols, instruments and software.

  • Assisting with automation of flow cytometric assays.

  • Collecting, organizing, interpreting, and presenting data in small and large group meetings. Presentations include cross-site research team updates and occasional symposia and user training related to flow cytometry and cell engineering. Creation and presentation of research work at both internal and external poster sessions is required.

  • Contribute to a dynamic, exciting culture that embraces teamwork and innovation.

    Education And Experience
  • A.S Degree in biology-related field with 5+ years of experience OR
  • B.S Degree in biology-related field with 4+ years of experience OR
  • M.S Degree in biology-related field with 2+ years of experience OR
  • High School Deploma in biology-related field with 6+ years of experience

    Preferred Technical Skills
  • Degree in biology-related field - molecular biology, immunology or cell biology preferred.

  • Prior experience with flow cytometry. Experience in a shared research core lab is desirable.

  • Experience with sterile technique and mammalian cell culture.

  • Single cell and bulk cell sorting.

  • Proficiency in the use of software to support data analysis such as FlowJo, FACSDiva, GraphPad Prism.

  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.

  • Thorough record keeping skills (documentation and electronic lab notebook).

  • Strong ability to troubleshoot independently and to provide high-quality results through critical analysis and interpretation. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

  • Proven ability to work and think independently and creatively; be an affable and energetic colleague and team player.


The salary range for this position is: $99,705.00 - $129,030.00. 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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