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Sr. Associate Scientist, Analytical Operations - Cell Therapy

Kite Pharma
Santa Monica, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 6 Jun 2025
💰 $149,160/yr($115,260/yr$149,160/yr)

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.

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 fulfil their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.


Job Description

Kite is seeking a highly motivated individual, with Analytical Development (AD) method and testing experience. Specifically, across multiple testing platforms, including Cytokine Immunoassay, cell-based Potency, Flow Cytometry and PCR-based Molecular Biology. The successful candidate will join the Testing and Logistics (T&L) team, in Analytical Development, and be responsible for testing and releasing of data on defined turn-around times (TAT). This analyst will also be responsible for maintaining inventory and qualification of reagents, as needed. In addition, the staff member will complete Electronic Laboratory Notebook entries and data verification using Good Documentation Practices (GDP). The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and detail-oriented. This role will require reporting on site 3 – 5 days per week.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Responsible for high-volume testing across several Immunoassay, cell-based Potency, Flow Cytometry and PCR-based, Molecular Biology analytical test methods
  • Perform data analysis, data review, and data reporting
  • Responsible for adhering to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) related to testing documentation and data verification, within a LIMS, to ensure data integrity
  • Responsible to attend scheduling meetings, weekly, to understand testing assignments and priorities
  • Responsible to learn and gain proficiency on new methods and platforms, according to shifting business needs
  • Troubleshooting technical challenges with peers and leadership, in team meetings, as needed
  • Perform laboratory duties to support maintenance of laboratory cleanliness, order, inventory and 5S practices
  • Perform some critical reagent preparation and qualification procedures
  • Track inventory of critical reagents needed to sustain high-volume testing
  • Write, review and edit technical documents, including SOPs, Memorandums, protocols, and reports, as required
  • Support the maintenance and calibration of laboratory instruments (e.g. CytoFLEX, Tecan, ddPCR etc.)
  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned, to reflect changes in business processes/needs

Requirements

  • MS degree in the field of Biological Sciences, or related field, with 3+ years of experience OR
  • BA or BS degree in the field of Biological Sciences, or related field, with 5+ years of experience

Additional Qualifications

  • 4+ years of Immunoassay, Flow Cytometry (including 3+ color Flow Cytometry), ELISA, Cell Culture and PCR experience, in academia or industry
  • Technical expertise in analytical instrument, troubleshooting, and proficiency with flow cytometry software (e.g., FlowJo, FACSDiva, CytExpert, FACS Express)
  • Previous experience with cell therapy products, is a plus
  • Proficiency with using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Experience with JMP statistical software, is a plus
  • Proficiency with Smartsheet, is a plus
  • Excellent organization and communication skills, as well as strong problem solving and analytical skills, and the ability to work in a cross-functional/matrix environment


 

The salary range for this position is: $115,260.00 - $149,160.00. Kite considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. 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*.

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