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 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
The salary range for this position is: