Associate Scientist, Cell Biology

Join Kite, as we make even bigger advances in cancer therapies, and help shape where our business and medical science goes next. 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.

About the role

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to join Kite's In Vivo Pharmacology team in Foster City and more specifically the group responsible to conduct ex vivo analyses related to in vivo studies in mice. The candidate will join an established group, playing a key role in providing a mechanistic understanding for in vivo pre-clinical studies in support of multiple chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR) programs.

Responsibilities

• Characterization of immune parameters such as cell expansion, distribution and phenotype, cytokine profile, from ex vivo samples (blood, plasma, serum, tumor, tissues) from pre-clinical mouse studies
• Process and analyze ex vivo samples through flow cytometry, molecular biology and other analytical techniques
• Culture tumor cell lines and primary cells for characterization by flow cytometry / digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assay
• Work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
• Present and participate in project team meetings and cross-departmental team meetings
• Share core values such as passion, teamwork, integrity and trust

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 4 Years' Experience OR
• Master's Degree and 2 Years' Experience

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or BS Degree in Biology-related field required; Degree in Immunology or Cell Biology is preferred
• 3+ years of experience with multi-color flow cytometry, complex fluorochrome-conjugated antibody panels, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and/or digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assay
• Immunology background, with experience in phenotypic analysis of multiple immune cell populations
• Experience developing, optimizing qPCR and/or ddPCR assays for research applications
• Hands-on experience with protein-based assay platforms, including ELISA, Luminex/MSD
• Experience in data analysis software including FlowJo and GraphPad Prism
• Strong cell culture and aseptic technique
• Demonstrated ability to independently conduct analyses while working efficiently as part of a team
• Ability to multi-task, perform work with a high degree of integrity and attention to detail, and be part of an exciting fast-paced scientific environment
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, thorough record keeping skills (documentation and electronic lab notebook), strong ability to troubleshoot independently and to provide high-quality results through critical analysis and interpretation, excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

Pay

The salary range for this position is $109,650.00 – $141,900.00. Kite considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. 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

• Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• Additional benefits available through the Gilead/Kite compensation, benefits and wellbeing program
• Eligibility to participate in benefit plans subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans

About Kite

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.