Scientist, Cell Biology

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

Scientist, Cell Biology –CAR T Cell Enhancement Development

Kite Pharma is the leader in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered cell therapies designed to empower the immune system's ability to recognize and kill tumors. Their goal is to provide rapid, long-term durable response and eliminating the burden of chronic diseases. Kite Pharma’s Cell Therapy Research division is seeking a Research Scientist to join the CAR T cell enhancement team to lead studies that develop and evaluate strategies to improve CAR T cell functions and safety in solid and hematological tumors. 

Responsibilities

• Independently design, plan, and effectively execute experiments based on strategy, project timelines and goals perform experiments 
• Conduct cell-based functional and biochemical assays to select lead CAR T candidates for clinical development of next generation CAR-T cell products
• Conduct genetic/biochemical manipulation of T cells and evaluate impact on T cell function in vitro and in vivo 
• Analyze, organize, and communicate results at different research and cross-functional meetings
• Document experimental results to enable clinical studies and patent applications
• Work effectively with other functions (including Process Development, Translational Medicine, Clinical Development) to ensure alignment cross-functionally
• May serve as a core team member or leader on a project team
• Coordinate tasks across multiple projects, demonstrating prioritization and planning
• May mentor junior team members and supervise the work of a research team including, but not limited to, organizing and prioritizing laboratory work and review of generated experimental results

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree (i.e. MD, PharmD, PhD) 
• OR
• Master’s Degree and 4+ years of scientific experience 
• OR
• Bachelor’s Degree and 6+ years of scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in cancer immunotherapy, immunology, and/or gene therapy
• Experience working with engineered T cells and/or other immune cell types (i.e., NK cells, myeloid cells, etc.)
• Direct experience in cell engineering using viral or non-viral methods or gene editing
• Understanding of protein engineering and synthetic biology principles applied to cell therapy 
• Demonstrated independence in experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and presentation
• Experience in T-cell functional characterization assays including in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine/chemokine measurements, cell signaling, activation, differentiation, and exhaustion
• Proficient in cell culture aseptic technique
• Proficient in multi-parameter flow cytometry (panel design, sample acquisition, data processing) and data analysis (FACSDiva, FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, Excel)
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including by not limited to: PCR, qPCR, cloning and Western blot
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail; strong organizational and record keeping skills
• Comfortable in a flexible and fast-paced company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities
• Strong collaboration, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience using both written and verbal communication, including presentations, to communicate results to a diverse cross-functional audience
• Self-motivated, strong sense of responsibility, and willing to accept temporary responsibilities outside of initial job description

The position is based in Foster City, CA. For more information on Kite, please visit www.kitepharma.com. Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kitepharma.

 

The salary range for this position is: $146,540.00 - $189,640.00. 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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For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.