Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Discovery Support

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 a motivated and versatile Associate Scientist to join the Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization group within Kite Research. This role is designed to support binder discovery and optimization campaigns through hands‑on laboratory execution across protein expression, screening, and analytical workflows.

The Associate Scientist will execute key experimental components of binder campaigns, including protein production, library handling, screening assays, and data generation. This position is well suited for an individual who enjoys contributing across multiple stages of discovery workflows, values rigor and reproducibility, and thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

Binder Discovery & Screening Support (Primary Focus)

• Execute hands‑on experimental workflows supporting binder discovery and optimization campaigns, including library handling, selections, screening assays, and hit triage.

• Support screening and down‑selection efforts by generating high‑quality binding, specificity, and functional data.

• Perform routine experimental troubleshooting and communicate issues or observations to Scientists leading campaigns.

Protein Expression, Purification & Analytics

• Perform high‑throughput protein expression and purification to support screening, characterization, and downstream assays.

• Conduct routine protein analytical assays (e.g., SDS‑PAGE, SEC, ELISA, concentration and quality assessments).

• Prepare protein samples for downstream applications such as SPR/BLI, functional assays, or cell‑based screening.

Program Execution & Team Enablement

• Support multiple discovery programs in parallel by reliably executing experimental tasks that enable campaign progress.

• Work closely with Scientists to ensure experimental outputs align with screening strategies, timelines, and data needs.

• Assist with sample tracking, data handoff, and coordination with cross‑functional partners as needed.

Documentation & Experimental Rigor

• Maintain accurate, timely experimental documentation using electronic lab notebooks and sample‑tracking/LIMS systems.

• Ensure reproducibility, traceability, and data integrity across all assigned experiments.

• Adhere to laboratory safety, quality, and best‑practice standards.

Workflow Support & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the robustness and scalability of discovery workflows through consistent execution and protocol adherence.

• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, consistency, or data quality and share observations with the team.

• Participate in protocol updates and workflow refinements as discovery platforms evolve.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant scientific experience
  OR

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Protein Science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline

• Hands‑on laboratory experience in protein expression, purification, screening, or biochemical assays

• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to data quality and reproducibility

• Ability to manage multiple experimental workflows in parallel in a fast‑paced laboratory environment

• Experience with library‑based screening or selection methods (e.g., phage, yeast, or related display technologies)

• Familiarity with protein characterization and binding assays (e.g., ELISA, SPR/BLI, SDS‑PAGE, SEC)

• Experience working in electronic lab notebooks and sample/LIMS systems

• Prior experience supporting protein engineering or binder discovery programs

Attributes for Success

• Reliable, execution‑oriented experimentalist who takes pride in high‑quality bench work

• Organized and methodical, with strong sample tracking and documentation habits

• Comfortable working across multiple stages of discovery workflows

• Collaborative team member who works effectively with Scientists, Principal Scientists, and cross‑functional partners

• Motivated to build technical depth in binder discovery, screening, and protein production within a discovery research environment

This Associate Scientist role will support overlapping binder discovery, screening, and protein expression activities.

The salary range for this position is: $109,650.00 - $141,900.00. 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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Kite Pharma 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.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

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Kite Pharma will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.

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Kite Pharma provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.

For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.