Exec Director, Viral Vector Process Development

We’re here for one reason – 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. Join Kite to help shape where our business and medical science goes next.

About the role

This role is accountable for end-to-end viral vector development, from construct design through clinical and commercial manufacturing support, and serves as a key partner across Research, Product Teams, Technical Operations, and Analytical functions. The leader will balance deep technical expertise with executive-level influence, ensuring robust, scalable vector platforms while building a high-performing organization capable of supporting both ex vivo and emerging in vivo applications.

On-site presence required in Santa Monica, CA or Oceanside, CA.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for technical strategy for viral vector platforms across clinical and commercial scale, including complex tech transfers, external manufacturing partnerships, and late-stage manufacturing readiness.
• Provide deep expertise in lentiviral vector (LVV) design, including construct architecture, promoter selection, and transgene optimization.
• Lead viral vector process development, including:
  • Upstream production systems (transient and stable)
  • Downstream purification and recovery operations
• Drive process scale-up and technology transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing sites (internal and external).
• Oversee LVV life cycle management and manufacturing support capabilities.
• Lead initiatives to improve viral vector productivity, robustness, and cost of goods.
• Advance next-generation capabilities, including:
  • In vivo viral vector development
  • Platform innovations and emerging delivery technologies
• Ensure viral vector development decisions are optimized across the full cell therapy value chain, from transduction efficiency and cell performance to manufacturing robustness and CMC sustainability.
• Provide strategic leadership for viral vector on cross-functional Product Teams.
• Partner closely with:
  • Research to translate early concepts into developable and scalable vector designs
  • T cell process development to align vector performance with cellular outcomes
  • Analytical development to ensure appropriate characterization and control strategies
• Contribute to integrated product development, ensuring vector design and process decisions align with clinical and commercial objectives.
• Drive alignment across functions in a matrixed environment, balancing competing priorities while maintaining product focus.
• Demonstrate strong working knowledge of cGMP regulations and compliance systems related to viral vector development, including inspection readiness, audit support, and direct engagement with regulatory agencies.
• Contribute to LVV CMC strategies, including phase-appropriate viral vector development and scale-up approaches.
• Support regulatory filings and health authority interactions as a technical expert.
• Provide input into comparability strategies for process changes, site transfers, and lifecycle evolution of LVV.
• Provide leadership oversight for viral vector development laboratories and GMP-adjacent environments, ensuring facility readiness, compliance, and operational excellence in support of clinical and commercial programs.
• Build, lead, and scale a high-performing viral vector development organization.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top scientific and leadership talent.
• Coach and develop future leaders, ensuring depth and succession within the organization.
• Foster a culture of:
  • Scientific rigor and accountability
  • Ownership and execution
  • Collaboration and transparency
• Demonstrate strong executive presence, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Influence decision-making at senior leadership and governance levels, providing clear, balanced perspectives on risks, trade-offs, and options.
• Drive clarity in ambiguity, enabling teams to make timely and well-informed decisions.
• Communicate effectively across:
  • Technical teams
  • Cross-functional stakeholders
  • Executive leadership
• Build credibility as a trusted partner and advisor, both internally and externally.
• Represent the organization in external collaborations, partnerships, and industry forums.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Virology, or related field with 15+ years of experience (or MS with 18+ years).
• Extensive experience in viral vector development and manufacturing support for cell and/or gene therapy.
• Demonstrated expertise in LVV and/or RVV systems.
• End-to-end experience from early development through commercialization.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Viral vector development across phases
  • Analytical characterization strategies
  • Manufacturing and tech transfer considerations for viral vector
• Experience leading cell therapy programs (e.g., CAR-T).
• Proven ability to lead in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment.
• Track record of influencing portfolio and strategic decisions for successful drug development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to in vivo gene delivery platforms.
• Sound knowledge in RVV development and CMC aspects.

Leadership Attributes

• Enterprise mindset — prioritizes product and patient impact over functional optimization.
• Technical depth with judgment — knows when to go deep and when to elevate.
• Clarity and decisiveness — simplifies complexity into actionable direction.
• Talent builder — develops leaders, not just teams.
• Strong influencing skills across matrixed environments.
• Ability to integrate strategy with execution.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $255,425.00 - $330,550.00. 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.