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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.
Kite Pharma is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with deep expertise in lentiviral and viral vector technologies to support next‑generation gene and cell therapy programs. The successful candidate will play a critical role in leading a vector core team to produce viral vectors on a regular basis supporting research activities throughout the organization. In addition, they will initiate and design experiments for the optimization, and characterization of viral delivery platforms. They will work cross-functionally interfacing with teams in discovery, analytical development and process development.
This role is ideal for a hands‑on scientist who combines strong technical leadership with managerial and leadership skills who can drive complex projects in a fast‑paced, collaborative biotech environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage a vector core team to produce lenti and retroviral vectors supporting Research teams and activities in the organization.
Lead experimental design and execution for lentiviral and viral vector–based gene delivery strategies supporting CAR‑T, TCR‑T, and emerging gene therapy modalities
Exceptional record keeping and Lab information management system policy adherence
Develop, optimize, and characterize viral vector production, for in vivo and ex vivo lentiviral systems
Apply deep understanding of viral biology, vector engineering, and gene expression control to improve efficiency, safety, and scalability
Serve as a technical expert for viral delivery, providing guidance to discovery, translational, and process development teams
Collaborate cross‑functionally with Research teams, core groups, analytical development, process development, and regulatory partners
Interpret complex datasets, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and drive data‑driven decision making
Author technical reports, protocols, and contribute to IND‑enabling documentation as needed
Present results at internal forums and external scientific meetings
Mentor direct reports and contribute to building best practices within the viral vector group
Basic Qualifications
Advanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience
OR
Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 6+ years of relevant scientific experience
OR
Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of relevant scientific experience
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience
Demonstrated, hands‑on expertise in lentiviral vector design, optimization, production, and transduction
Strong background in viral gene delivery for cell or gene therapy applications
Strong leadership and managerial skills
Proven ability to work in a highly matrixed environment
Deep knowledge of mammalian cell culture, transfection/transduction methods, and molecular biology techniques (e.g., ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, ELISA)
Proven ability to independently design and execute complex experiments
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience supporting CAR‑T or engineered cell therapy programs
Knowledge of non‑lentiviral viral systems (e.g., retroviral, AAV vectors)
Experience with scale‑up, process development, or tech transfer of viral vectors
Experience with high throughput screening, automation, and use of liquid handers (Biomek, TECAN etc)
Experience with viral vector producer cell line improvement and optimization strategies.
Track record of publications, patents, or successful program contributions
Key Competencies
Scientific rigor and experimental excellence
Cross‑functional collaboration and leadership
Strategic thinking with attention to detail
Ability to thrive in a fast‑moving, results‑driven environment
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.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.
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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.