Associate Scientist, Cell Biology

Kite Pharma•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join our In Vivo Discovery team focused on developing targeted vectors to reprogram cells in vivo for the treatment of cancer. This individual will drive hands-on execution of small animal model studies and complementary in vitro experiments (e.g., routine cell culture and cell-based assays) to evaluate experimental constructs and connect mechanistic findings to in vivo outcomes. The successful candidate brings strong critical thinking and scientific judgment, operates with high integrity, and is comfortable flexing between mouse work and bench-based assays, planning experiments against timelines, troubleshooting technical challenges, and generating high-quality, reproducible data while following research protocols and SOPs with precision and consistency. The successful candidate will function as an individual scientific contributor comfortable with interactions at all levels in the organization, be a quick learner, detail-oriented, multi-tasker, self-reliant, problem-solving scientist with utmost integrity, and excellent interpersonal skills who is able to contribute to a dynamic, exciting culture that embraces teamwork and innovation.

Requirements

Master’s and 2 years of relevant experience OR Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of relevant experience
Ability to work onsite in a laboratory environment

Nice To Haves

Degree in Immunology or Cell Biology is preferred.
4+ years experience in an academic or industry setting is preferred.
Prior experience mouse handling and interventions including intravenous (tail vein) and intraperitoneal injections are highly preferred.
Demonstrated critical thinking and scientific judgment, with a track record of independently troubleshooting and optimizing methods to deliver high-quality, reproducible data.
Ability to flex seamlessly between hands-on mouse studies and bench-based in vitro experiments, adapting daily priorities to meet program needs and study schedules.
Experience with mammalian cell culture and primary cells is ideal.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to high‑quality data generation.
Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Prism, and other programs to create and distribute reports and key information
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

Plan and execute experiments (in vivo and in vitro) against project timelines, goals, and study endpoints; coordinate day-to-day study logistics as needed.
Lead and execute hands-on in vivo mouse studies including routine animal handling, dosing/injections (e.g., intravenous tail vein and intraperitoneal, as applicable), IVIS imaging support, blood collection, tissue harvest/dissection, and sample processing in accordance with approved protocols and SOPs.
Design, perform, and optimize complementary in vitro experiments (e.g., routine mammalian cell culture, primary human cell handling, and cell-based assays) to evaluate experimental constructs and connect in vitro findings to in vivo outcomes; engineer, culture, and characterize CAR T cells in vitro as needed.
Support immunophenotyping and biomarker readouts, including flow cytometry (with appropriate training/supervision); analyze results and translate findings into actionable next steps.
Set up and run ELISA and other plate-based assays, analyze and interpret data with attention to quality and reproducibility, and present results in team meetings.
Independently troubleshoot and optimize in vivo procedures and in vitro assays using critical thinking and scientific judgment to reduce variability and improve robustness.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners to align study plans, sample logistics, and data outputs with program objectives; summarize findings in clear technical updates and presentations.
Contribute to a positive, high-performing team culture by sharing best practices and mentoring/training junior staff in mouse study execution, assay performance, data analysis, and laboratory organization.
Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary human cells using sterile technique in a biosafety cabinet.
Organize and maintain experimental work in an electronic lab notebook.
Occasional weekend work might be required.