Scientist, Process Development (In-Vivo Upstream)

About the role

We’re here for one reason and one reason only – 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. But we're not finished yet. Join Kite, as we make even bigger advances in cancer therapies, and help shape where our business and medical science goes next.

Job Description

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.

• 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.
• Keeps accurate, detailed laboratory records and complies to all required training and safety guidelines.
• Applies 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.
• Interfaces 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
  • B.S. with 6+ years post-graduate relevant experience in bioprocess/biotechnology
  • M.S. with 4+ years post-graduate relevant experience in bioprocess/biotechnology
  • PhD/PharmD with 0 years of experience

  Required Qualifications:

  • Strong scientific understanding and demonstrated hands-on proficiency of cell culturing methods of mammalian cells in flasks and bioreactors
  • 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, GraphPad
  • 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 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

  Salary Range

  The salary range for this position is: $133,195.00 - $172,370.00. Kite considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary.

  Benefits

  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: here.

  Equal Opportunity Employer

  Kite Pharma provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion. For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors: Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.