Sr. Research Associate - Viral Vector Upstream

United States - California - Santa Monica

Process/Product Development & Operations Regular

Kite Pharma is seeking a creative and highly motivated Sr. Research Associate to join our growing vector process design team in Santa Monica. In this integral role, you will contribute to the company's pipeline development for hematopoietic and solid tumor malignancies by supporting the development, scale-up, process characterization, and technology transfer of the lentiviral vector process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, plan and execute laboratory studies for process development, optimization, and characterization
• Perform aseptic cell culture of adherent & suspension cell lines, including seed train maintenance and lentiviral vector production in bioreactors
• Support scale-up activities and GMP clinical production suites
• Write and review study plans & technical documents
• Proficiency in work-related software (Benchling, JMP, Smartsheet, MS Office, etc.)
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver key milestones
• Collect, organize, interpret, and present data to key stakeholders
• Manage laboratory inventory and equipment

Education and Experience:

• MS/MA in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or related field with 0+ years of experience OR
• BS/BA in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or related field with 2+ years of experience OR
• AS/AA in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or related field with 4+ years of experience OR
• High School Diploma with 5+ years of related experience

Preferred Technical

Skills:

• Hands-on experience with suspension or adherent mammalian cell cultures
• Deep understanding of scale-up and engineering principles (growth rates, consumption/production rates, bioreactor geometry, power calculations, gas transfer rate, shear stress)
• Experience with transfection of mammalian cells using various transfection reagents
• Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis
• Ability to build, operate, and troubleshoot bench-top and pilot-scale bioreactors
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated, organized, and collaborative team player
• Understanding of GMP manufacturing and documentation
• Previous experience with cell therapy products, viral vector production, transient transfection and/or stable cell lines
• Critical thinking and demonstrated troubleshooting abilities
• Ownership mindset and willingness to take on additional responsibilities

The salary range for this position is: $86,275.00 - $. 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:

Gilead Benefits

Kite is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies. For more information on Kite, please visit

Gilead Sciences Inc. 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.

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.

Job Requisition  R0044890

Full Time/Part Time Full-Time

Job Level Associate