Associate Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization
Kite Pharma•Foster City, CA
•Onsite
About The Position
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail‑oriented Associate Scientist to join the Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization group within Kite Research. This role is primarily bench‑focused and execution‑driven, with a strong emphasis on hands‑on laboratory support for high‑throughput protein expression, purification, and analytical characterization. The Associate Scientist will be a critical contributor to discovery and optimization programs, serving as a reliable experimental operator who enables scale, speed, and data quality across multiple protein engineering efforts. This position is well‑suited for an individual who thrives in a fast‑paced research environment, values rigor and reproducibility, and is excited to build deep technical expertise in protein production and analytics.
Requirements
- Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant scientific experience OR Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant scientific experience
- Hands‑on laboratory experience in recombinant protein expression and purification
- Demonstrated ability to execute repetitive, high‑throughput wet‑lab workflows with accuracy and consistency
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and experimental traceability
- Experience with parallelized or automated protein expression/purification workflows
- Familiarity with common protein analytics and characterization methods (e.g., SEC, ELISA, biophysical assays)
- Experience working in electronic lab notebooks and sample/LIMS systems
- Prior experience supporting protein engineering, antibody, or binder discovery programs
- Highly reliable experimental executor who takes pride in high‑quality bench work
- Organized, methodical, and comfortable managing multiple samples and workflows in parallel
- Learns quickly from feedback and adapts to evolving experimental needs
- Collaborative team member who enables the productivity of Scientists and program teams
- Motivated to build deep technical expertise in protein expression, purification, and analytics within a discovery research environment
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, Bioengineering, or a related discipline
Responsibilities
- Execute high‑throughput cloning, expression, and purification of recombinant proteins and binders across multiple formats (e.g., bacterial, mammalian, or yeast systems, as applicable).
- Perform parallelized small‑scale and mid‑scale protein production to support binder discovery and optimization workflows.
- Prepare purified proteins for downstream applications, ensuring appropriate quality, concentration, and documentation.
- Rigorously track samples, constructs, and yields using electronic lab notebooks and sample management systems.
- Perform routine and advanced protein analytical assays , such as SDS‑PAGE, SEC, ELISA, and concentration/quality assessments.
- Support binding and functional characterization efforts (e.g., sample preparation for SPR/BLI, cell‑based assays, or functional screens).
- Assess protein quality, stability, and suitability for downstream assays; flag issues and propose troubleshooting steps.
- Provide consistent, high‑quality experimental execution in support of binder discovery, optimization, and validation campaigns.
- Work from protocols while developing the technical judgment to recognize deviations, failures, or optimization opportunities.
- Generate clear, reproducible, and decision‑ready experimental data that feeds directly into program workflows.
- Contribute to the robustness and scalability of protein production and analytical workflows.
- Identify opportunities to improve throughput, reproducibility, or data quality through protocol refinement and standardization.
- Maintain well‑organized lab spaces, reagents, and shared resources to support efficient team operation.
- Collaborate closely with Scientists and computational partners within the larger Protein Science team.
- Communicate experiment status, results, and issues clearly in team discussions and written records.
- Engage constructively with cross‑functional partners (e.g., Cell Biology, Translational teams) as needed for sample handoff and assay support.
Benefits
- company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
- discretionary annual bonus
- discretionary stock-based long-term incentives
- paid time off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
