Scientist, In Vivo Process Development Downstream

Scientist, In Vivo Process Development Downstream

The Scientist, In Vivo Process Development Downstream role designs and executes downstream/purification 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 downstream 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

Required Qualifications

• Must have strong scientific understanding and demonstrated hands-on proficiency of downstream unit operations for large biomolecules (e.g. protein, virus) such as chromatography and filtration.
• Sound understanding of bioprocess scale-up principles for large biomolecules
• 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 fermentation/cell culture and analysis 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.

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.

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.

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