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.
We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. 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 fulfill their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.
Job Description
Kite’s Analytical Development, Testing and Logistics (T&L) team is hiring a Senior Associate Scientist, Analytical Ops to design, execute and troubleshoot PCR- and ELISA-based testing and analytical characterization of cell therapy products across development stages. As a technical resource within the Molecular Biology and Impurities testing team, you will work with minimal supervision, lead analytical tasks and projects, and mentor junior colleagues. Additional activities (e.g., critical reagent qualification, Operational Excellence initiatives) will be conducted as needed. This role reports to the Manager of the T&L Molecular Biology and Impurities testing team.
Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):
Design and execute non-routine ELISA and/or PCR experiments to support process development and product characterization
Develop, qualify, execute and document PCR methods to study and characterize processes used to produce T cell therapies
Select appropriate methods and techniques, and develop and refine analytical methods and experimental approaches
Troubleshoot analytical methods and instruments; recommend alternatives and research new methods and techniques
Analyze and interpret data using advanced analysis software; draw and defend scientific conclusions
Support transfer of ELISA and/or PCR assays from method developers to the analytical testing group
Perform reagent titration and lot-checking/verification, and maintain the proficiency testing database
Review notebooks and verify data to uphold ALCOA+ principles and data integrity
Author, review and edit technical documents, including validation protocols and reports and analytical development reports
Lead improvement projects (e.g., Operational Excellence) within the team
Serve as a technical resource: provide user training on instruments and sample analysis, and mentor and cross-train analysts on analytical methods
Present results and conclusions in group meetings and communicate effectively with cross-functional partners
Basic Qualifications:
3+ years of relevant experience with an MS degree in Chemistry, Biology or a related scientific field
OR
5+ years of relevant experience with a BA or BS degree in Chemistry, Biology or a related scientific field
Preferred Qualifications:
2+ years of hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, microbiology and cell-based assays
In-depth knowledge of ELISA or PCR method development, instruments, method controls and reagent inventory management systems
Proficiency with aseptic technique and general laboratory assays (e.g., cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology)
Understanding of patient material, product and process characterization
Demonstrated ability to develop methods, techniques and evaluation criteria, and to interpret experimental results
Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Smartsheet, Prism, JMP and other data analysis applications
Highly collaborative, with excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication…