Associate Scientist – Protein Sciences

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

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to support our Protein Sciences team. This individual will contribute as a hands-on laboratory scientist, executing protein production, purification, and analytical workflows that support multiple CAR-T and cell therapy programs.

This is a 100% bench-focused, individual contributor role. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists across Protein Science and Research to generate high-quality data and reagents, while contributing to efficient laboratory operations and experimental execution.

Key Responsibilities

Protein Production & Purification

• Execute recombinant protein expression and purification workflows across multiple expression systems (e.g., mammalian cell culture, transient transfections)

• Perform protein purification using AKTA chromatography systems (affinity, SEC, ion exchange)

• Maintain cell cultures and support transfection workflows

Analytical Characterization

• Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins and antibodies, including:

  • SDS-PAGE and Western blot

  • UPLC/HPLC-based purity assessment

  • Binding assays (e.g., Octet/BLI)

• Document and summarize experimental data clearly to support team decision-making

Protein Modification & Assay Support

• Perform antibody and protein conjugation workflows with appropriate analytical follow-up

• Prepare reagents and materials to support downstream functional assays (e.g., flow cytometry or cell-based assays in collaboration with Cell Biology partners)

Lab Operations & Execution

• Maintain organized lab practices, including reagents, consumables, and shared equipment

• Ensure accurate experimental documentation in electronic lab notebooks and LIMS

• Follow established SOPs and contribute to maintaining reproducibility and data quality standards

Collaboration

• Work closely with cross-functional partners to execute experiments aligned with defined protocols and timelines

• Communicate experimental progress and results effectively to project teams

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

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, or related field

• 2–4+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience in academic or industry settings

• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification workflows

• Hands-on experience with AKTA systems and chromatography methods

• Familiarity with protein characterization techniques (SDS-PAGE, HPLC, BLI/Octet, etc.)

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfections

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality data generation and documentation

• Ability to follow protocols, troubleshoot at the experiment level, and work effectively in a fast-paced lab environment

Key Characteristics for Success in This Role

• Strong hands-on bench execution skills

• High level of organization and reproducibility

• Ability to independently execute experiments with appropriate controls

• Collaborative mindset and willingness to support team priorities

 

The salary range for this position is: $109,650.00 - $141,900.00. 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*.

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.
 

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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 [email protected] 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.

For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.