Scientist, Process Development; In-Vivo Upstream

Scientist, Process Development (In-Vivo Upstream)

The Scientist, Process Development (In-Vivo Upstream) role designs and executes cell culture/upstream experiments to support development of manufacturing processes for Lentivirus.

This role applies advanced chemistry, biochemistry, and/or engineering principles to deliver robust, scalable processes, supports manufacturing activities and process optimization at scale, and operates with broad autonomy and limited oversight. The Scientist is accountable for end-to-end process performance, scientific soundness, and technical leadership while training and mentoring colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize scalable, safe, and cost-effective cell culture/upstream process for Lentivirus manufacturing.
• Develops technical solutions to complex problems requiring ingenuity and creativity, applying advanced scientific/engineering principles to ensure scientific soundness and performance.
• Supports manufacturing activities and process optimization at scale, contributing technical expertise to improve process performance and scalability.
• Manages day-to-day laboratory operations, including planning work, maintaining efficient lab execution, and ensuring effective documentation practices.
• Keep accurate, detailed laboratory records and comply to all required training and safety guidelines.
• Apply statistical methodologies and basic modelling approaches to design experiments, perform data analysis, and interpret data.
• Trains, guides, and mentors colleagues by sharing technical skills, coaching on process execution, and troubleshooting, and strengthening team capability.
• Communicates technical outcomes in technical reports and presentations
• Interface with multidisciplinary groups to solve complex issues and promote collaboration.
• Works independently with broad autonomy and limited oversight; determines approaches for moderately complex assignments under minimal direction.

Education and Experience

• B.S., M.S, PhD/PharmD in science or engineering
• BS with 6+ years post-graduate relevant experience in bioprocess/biotechnology, or
• MS with 4+ years post-graduate relevant experience in bioprocess/biotechnology, or
• PhD/PharmD with 0 years of experience

Required Qualifications

• Must have strong scientific understanding and demonstrated hands-on proficiency of cell culturing methods of mammalian cells in flasks and bioreactors
• Must have demonstrated hands-on proficiency
• Sound understanding of bioprocess scale-up principles
• Working knowledge of cGMP principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and data analysis software such as JMP, Graph Pad
• Proven ability to collaborate in a dynamic team environment
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to details

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Prior experience with process development of viral vectors
• Prior experience with the use of Design of Experiments (DOE) to support process development experiments.
• Prior experience with the downstream and analytics of large biomolecules
• Hands-on experience with large scale bioprocessing in either non-GMP or GMP setting
• Demonstrated mentorship and team leadership

The salary range for this position is: $ - $. 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*.

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.