Research 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 Research Scientist to join our Protein Sciences team. This individual will lead from the bench while owning end‑to‑end responsibility for the design, expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant proteins supporting multiple CAR‑T and cell therapy programs. The successful candidate will function as an individual scientific contributor and operational leader, partnering closely with Cell Biology, Protein Science, and cross‑functional teams, while also serving as a day‑to‑day lab and capability owner across protein production and analytics workflows. Key Responsibilities Molecule Design & Scientific Contribution * Design and engineer fit‑for‑purpose recombinant proteins, including immunogens, target proteins, antibodies, and protein variants to support discovery and development programs * Contribute to molecule design decisions, construct strategy, and experimental planning in partnership with project teams * Apply protein engineering principles to optimize expression, stability, and performance Protein Production & Analytics * This role is primarily wet-lab-based and requires regular on-site laboratory presence * Execute and optimize protein expression and purification across multiple expression systems (including cell maintenance and transfections). Experience with AKTA chromatography platforms is required. * Perform antibody and protein conjugations, with appropriate analytical characterization * Lead biophysical and biochemical characterization, including SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, UPLC/HPLC analysis, and binding assays (e.g., Octet/BLI) * Interpret and communicate analytical data to inform project decisions and next‑step prioritization Technology Development & Continuous Improvement * Develop, optimize, and implement new protein production and analytical workflows to improve quality, throughput, and reproducibility * Identify gaps in capabilities and proactively propose solutions or process improvements Operational & Lab Leadership * Function as a lab lead, including oversight of shared equipment, reagent organization, documentation standards, and day‑to‑day lab operations * Demonstrated commitment to high‑quality documentation and data integrity, with proven experience using electronic lab notebooks and LIMS platforms (e.g., Benchling) to support reproducibility, traceability, and cross‑team collaboration. Design workflow templates and contribute to improvement of workflow digitization. * Coordinate work across multiple projects, balancing priorities and timelines with minimal supervision Team & Communication * Train, mentor, and technically support junior scientists and staff * Communicate plans, data, and conclusions clearly in both written reports and oral presentations * Provide strong scientific and operational partnership through effective cross-functional communication and collaboration 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 Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, or related field * Industry and/or post‑doctoral experience with demonstrated scientific independence, supported by peer-reviewed publications and presentations * Demonstrated ability to operate in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment, with strong time management and adaptability * Deep expertise in recombinant protein expression, purification, and analytics * Demonstrated ability to own complex workflows end‑to‑end, from design through data interpretation * Proven troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills in a fast‑paced, multi‑program environment * Demonstrated expertise in biomolecular binding affinity and kinetics measurements using Biolayer Interferometry (BLI, e.g., Octet) and/or Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) * Experience acting as an informal lab lead or operational owner * Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to high‑quality data generation * Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills * Ability to work onsite in a laboratory environment The salary range for this position is: $146,540.00 - $189,640.00. 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: * 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 . Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at /kitepharma. For jobs in the United States: 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@ for assistance. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster. NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT 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.

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