Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering & Discovery Platforms

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Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering & Discovery Platforms to join Kite Research. This role is well suited for an early‑career scientist who will contribute to binder discovery, library screening, and optimization workflows in a highly collaborative discovery environment. The Associate Scientist will report to a senior technical lead responsible for protein engineering platforms and will play a key role in executing platform‑enabled experiments that support multiple discovery programs. This position emphasizes strong experimental execution, data quality, and reproducibility, with opportunities to develop deeper expertise in protein engineering, directed evolution, and discovery pipeline workflows.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Execution & Data Generation

• Execute well‑defined protein engineering, screening, and optimization experiments in support of discovery programs.

• Perform library handling, selections, expression, purification, and analytical characterization according to established protocols.

• Generate high‑quality, well‑documented experimental data to support iterative discovery cycles.

Platform Support & Workflow Enablement

• Support core protein engineering platforms by reliably executing standard workflows and contributing to continuous improvement efforts.

• Assist with sample preparation, assay setup, and data handoff for downstream analysis (e.g., NGS‑enabled screens, binding or functional assays).

• Follow established technical standards for quality, throughput, and reproducibility.

Collaboration & Team Integration

• Work closely with the supervising scientist and cross‑functional partners (e.g., Cell Biology, Automation, Data Science) to ensure experiments align with program goals.

• Participate in team discussions, experimental planning meetings, and data reviews.

• Communicate results clearly through lab notebooks/LIMS, data repositories, and team presentations.

Documentation, Compliance & Best Practices

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic lab notebooks and relevant data systems.

• Adhere to laboratory safety, compliance, and quality standards.

• Contribute to protocol updates and documentation as workflows evolve.

Growth & Skill Development

• Develop technical competence in protein engineering and discovery workflows through hands‑on execution and mentorship.

• Demonstrate increasing independence in experimental troubleshooting and execution over time.

• Seek and incorporate feedback to improve scientific rigor, efficiency, and collaboration.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant scientific experience
  OR

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or MS in Protein Science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline

• Hands‑on laboratory experience in protein expression, purification, or biochemical assays

• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to data quality and reproducibility

• Experience with library‑based screening or selection methods (e.g., phage, yeast, or related display technologies)

• Familiarity with standard protein characterization techniques (e.g., ELISA, SPR/BLI, SDS‑PAGE)

• Experience working in a collaborative, fast‑paced research environment

Attributes for Success

• Reliable experimentalist who executes protocols with consistency and care

• Organized and thorough in data documentation and communication