Sr Associate Scientist, Analytical Ops

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 fulfill their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.

Job Description

Kite’s Analytical Development, Testing and Logistics (T&L) team is hiring a Senior Associate Scientist, Analytical Ops to design, execute and troubleshoot PCR- and ELISA-based testing and analytical characterization of cell therapy products across development stages. As a technical resource within the Molecular Biology and Impurities testing team, you will work with minimal supervision, lead analytical tasks and projects, and mentor junior colleagues. Additional activities (e.g., critical reagent qualification, Operational Excellence initiatives) will be conducted as needed. This role reports to the Manager of the T&L Molecular Biology and Impurities testing team.

Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Design and execute non-routine ELISA and/or PCR experiments to support process development and product characterization
• Develop, qualify, execute and document PCR methods to study and characterize processes used to produce T cell therapies
• Select appropriate methods and techniques, and develop and refine analytical methods and experimental approaches
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instruments; recommend alternatives and research new methods and techniques
• Analyze and interpret data using advanced analysis software; draw and defend scientific conclusions
• Support transfer of ELISA and/or PCR assays from method developers to the analytical testing group
• Perform reagent titration and lot-checking/verification, and maintain the proficiency testing database
• Review notebooks and verify data to uphold ALCOA+ principles and data integrity
• Author, review and edit technical documents, including validation protocols and reports and analytical development reports
• Lead improvement projects (e.g., Operational Excellence) within the team
• Serve as a technical resource: provide user training on instruments and sample analysis, and mentor and cross-train analysts on analytical methods
• Present results and conclusions in group meetings and communicate effectively with cross-functional partners

Basic Qualifications:

3+ years of relevant experience with an MS degree in Chemistry, Biology or a related scientific field

OR

5+ years of relevant experience with a BA or BS degree in Chemistry, Biology or a related scientific field

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, microbiology and cell-based assays
• In-depth knowledge of ELISA or PCR method development, instruments, method controls and reagent inventory management systems
• Proficiency with aseptic technique and general laboratory assays (e.g., cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology)
• Understanding of patient material, product and process characterization
• Demonstrated ability to develop methods, techniques and evaluation criteria, and to interpret experimental results
• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Smartsheet, Prism, JMP and other data analysis applications
• Highly collaborative, with excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated and comfortable working with minimal direction in a fast-paced environment, adjusting to changing priorities

The salary range for this position is: $115,260.00 - $149,160.00. 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 [email protected] for assistance.

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

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

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.
 

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.

For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.