Research Scientist, Cell Biology - Immunology

Kite, a Gilead Company, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cancer immunotherapy products designed to harness the power of a patient’s own immune system to selectively target and kill cancer cells. Our core technology involves the genetic engineering of T cells, or white blood cells, to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for the treatment of advanced solid and hematological malignancies. We are on a rapid growth trajectory and have a highly energized and accomplished team.

Discovery Research is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to lead characterization studies that address product efficacy and safety. The successful candidate will report to a Director and will be expected to independently design and perform experiments, organize and analyze results, and communicate and present findings in team meetings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include, but not limited to):

• Lead assay and study design and implement fit-for-purpose or hypothesis-based experiments for next-generation CAR T products.

• Provide scientific insights and in-depth data interpretation to inform decision making within the research team and with key stakeholders.

• Document experimental results to enable future IND and/or patent applications.

• Collaborate with other scientists to evaluate novel T cell therapies to advance ongoing projects.

• Work independently with timelines and deliverables in mind.

• Effectively communicate plans and results in both oral and written form.

• Utilization of appropriate technology, i.e. Outlook, PowerPoint, FlowJo, Prism and other programs to create and distribute reports and key information.

• Contribute to a dynamic, exciting culture that embraces teamwork and innovation.

• Self-motivated, creative, and independent.

• Positive interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with individuals from a variety of levels and functions.

• Opportunity to manage and mentor junior scientists in formal and informal settings.

• Opportunity to present research in cross-functional setting.

Basic Qualifications:

Advanced scientific degree (i.e. MD, PharmD, PhD)

OR

Master’s Degree and 4+ years of scientific experience

OR

Bachelor’s Degree and 6+ years of scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced scientific degree with experience in the following techniques: Tissue culture and sterile technique, Primary immune cell culture, Immunoassays, Multi-color flow cytometry, and Cell proliferation assays.

• Experience in exploring disease biology with a focus on solid tumors.

• Strong background in cancer immunotherapy, human immunology, and/or gene therapy.

• Capable of high-performance work in independent and team settings.

• Experience working with engineered T cells and/or other immune cell types (i.e., NK cells, myeloid cells, etc.).

• Direct experience in cell engineering using viral or non-viral methods or gene editing.

• Understanding of protein engineering and synthetic biology principles applied to cell therapy .

• Demonstrated independence in experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.

• Experience in T-cell functional characterization assays including in vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation, cytokine/chemokine measurements, cell signaling, activation, differentiation, and exhaustion.

• Proficient in cell culture aseptic technique.

• Proficient in multi-parameter flow cytometry (panel design, sample acquisition, data processing) and data analysis (FACSDiva, FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, Excel).

• Maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail; strong organizational and record keeping skills.

• Maintain a high degree of ethical standards and trustworthiness.

• Ability to think and adapt to a rapidly changing environment and demands.

• Able to reach rational conclusions through processing of complex information.

• Promotes innovation through creative solutions.

• Energized by accomplishments and excellence in the workplace.

• Excellent time management skills.