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We are seeking a highly capable and experimentally driven Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Discovery to join Kite Research. This role will be focused on the planning, execution, and screening of new binder discovery and optimization campaigns.
This is a lab‑based, hands‑on role for a Scientist who enjoys translating discovery hypotheses into well‑designed experimental campaigns and carrying them through execution. The Scientist will take ownership of binder campaign design and screening strategy while remaining deeply engaged at the bench, generating high‑quality experimental data that directly informs program decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Binder Campaign Design & Experimental Planning (Primary Focus)
Design and plan new binder discovery and optimization campaigns, including selection strategies, screening formats, and experimental milestones.
Translate platform capabilities, target biology, and program goals into executable experimental plans.
Select appropriate discovery and screening approaches (e.g., display formats, selection stringency, screening depth) based on target‑specific requirements.
Laboratory Execution & Screening
Execute hands‑on laboratory experimentation supporting binder discovery and optimization, including cloning, expression, screening, and hit triage activities.
Lead screening and down‑selection workflows, generating clear, decision‑ready data on binder performance (e.g., binding, specificity, functional activity).
Perform experimental troubleshooting and iterative refinement of screening strategies based on data trends and program needs.
Data Interpretation & Program Contribution
Analyze and interpret screening and characterization data to guide next experimental steps and optimization strategies.
Communicate results, risks, and recommendations clearly to management and broader project teams.
Contribute experimentally and scientifically to multiple discovery programs in parallel, balancing depth with throughput.
Collaboration & Platform Enablement
Work closely with Associate Scientists and Research Associates to ensure efficient execution of experimental workflows.
Collaborate with computational, Cell Biology, and Translational partners to align binder screening outputs with downstream assay and development needs.
Provide experimental feedback that helps refine discovery platforms, screening assays, and campaign design principles.
Documentation & Scientific Rigor
Maintain thorough experimental documentation using electronic lab notebooks and sample‑tracking systems (LIMS).
Ensure reproducibility, traceability, and data integrity across all experimental activities.
Contribute to a culture of rigorous experimental standards and continuous scientific improvement.
Basic Qualifications
Advanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD)
OR
Master’s degree with 4+ years of relevant scientific experience
OR
Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of relevant scientific experience
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Protein Science, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline
Strong hands‑on experience in protein engineering, binder discovery, or related experimental workflows
Demonstrated ability to design and execute experimental screening campaigns in a laboratory setting
Experience generating and interpreting data to guide experimental decisions
Experience with display‑based discovery platforms (e.g., phage, yeast, or related systems)
Familiarity with binding and functional screening assays relevant to binder discovery
Experience working in fast‑paced, multi‑program discovery environments
Strong scientific communication skills and comfort collaborating across disciplines
Attributes for Success
Scientist‑executor who enjoys owning experiments from planning through data generation
Comfortable balancing experimental design responsibilities with sustained bench work
Thoughtful, data‑driven decision‑maker who adapts strategies based on results
Collaborative partner who works effectively with senior scientists and experimental teams
Motivated by scientific progress, experimental rigor, and impact on discovery programs
This role is intended to serve as a key experimental and scientific driver of binder discovery and screening campaigns.
For additional benefits information, visit:
https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
Kite is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies with a goal of providing rapid, long-term durable response and eliminating the burden of chronic care. The company is focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered cell therapies designed to empower the immune system's ability to recognize and kill tumors. Kite is based in Santa Monica, CA. For more information on Kite, please visit www.kitepharma.com. Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kitepharma.
Kite Pharma is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.
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Kite Pharma will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.
Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.
Kite Pharma provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.
Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.