Job Details

Associate Scientist

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.

The Cell Processing team is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join the group. The Associate Scientist will play a key role in the development of CAR T cell phase-appropriate processes focusing on process scalability and its impact on CAR T cell product attributes. The role will lead from bench and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support multiple cell therapy programs and advance pipeline candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform end-to-end T cell manufacturing at various scales using different platforms
• CAR T cell therapy process development and optimization
• CAR T cell phenotypic and functional characterization
• Explore T cell priming approaches to improve T cell fitness during CAR T manufacturing
• Work in close collaboration with cross-functional teams to support pipeline projects
• Communicate plans and scientific results in both oral and written forms
• Coordination of tasks across multiple projects, demonstrating prioritization and planning, managing timelines and deliverables
• Keep electronic notebook and batch record.

Basic Qualifications:

• 4+ Years with BS

Or

• 2+ Years with MS

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Biomedical engineering, Cell Biology or related field with 4+ years of relevant industry experience OR Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
• Hands-on experience with development of unit operations applicable in the manufacturing of genetically engineered T cell-based therapy
• Advanced cell culture techniques with preference for human T cell or other immune cell types
• Proficient in utilizing analytical methods characterizing and understanding cell therapy product
• Critical thinking, problem solving, and trouble shooting skills
• Proven track record to be self-motivated, creative, and work both independently and within a highly dynamic team
• Comfortable in a fast-paced company and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities
• Strong organizational skills and record keeping
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills in a collaborative work environment
• Knowledge of state-of-art cell therapy bioprocess technologies
• Proficiency with CliniMACS system and other bio-process technologies
• Proficiency in operating closed systems in cell therapy manufacturing
• Proficiency in cell-based assays

People leader accountabilities:

• Create inclusion - knowing the business value of diverse teams, modeling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams.
• Develop talent - understand the skills, experience, aspirations and potential of their employees and coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employees are receiving the feedback and insight needed to grow, develop and realize their purpose.
• Empower teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives, and holding them to account. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem.

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.

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 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.

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.

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

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.