Exec Director, Viral Vector Process Development

Kite Pharma • Santa Monica, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is accountable for end-to-end viral vector development, from construct design through clinical and commercial manufacturing support, and serves as a key partner across Research, Product Teams, Technical Operations, and Analytical functions. The leader will balance deep technical expertise with executive-level influence, ensuring robust, scalable vector platforms while building a high-performing organization capable of supporting both ex vivo and emerging in vivo applications.

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.

Requirements

• PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Virology, or related field with 15+ years of experience (or MS with 18+ years)
• Extensive experience in viral vector development and manufacturing support for cell and/or gene therapy
• Demonstrated expertise in LVV and/or RVV systems
• End-to-end experience from early development through commercialization
• Strong understanding of: Viral vector development across phases Analytical characterization strategies Manufacturing and tech transfer considerations for viral vector
• Experience leading cell therapy programs (e.g., CAR-T)
• Proven ability to lead in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment
• Track record of influencing portfolio and strategic decisions for successful drug development

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to in vivo gene delivery platforms
• Sound knowledge in RVV development and CMC aspects
• Enterprise mindset — prioritizes product and patient impact over functional optimization
• Technical depth with judgment — knows when to go deep and when to elevate
• Clarity and decisiveness — simplifies complexity into actionable direction
• Talent builder — develops leaders, not just teams
• Strong influencing skills across matrixed environments
• Ability to integrate strategy with execution

Responsibilities

• Accountable for technical strategy for viral vector platforms across clinical and commercial scale, including complex tech transfers, external manufacturing partnerships, and late‑stage manufacturing readiness.
• Provide deep expertise in lentiviral vector (LVV) design, including construct architecture, promoter selection, and transgene optimization.
• Lead viral vector process development, including: Upstream production systems (transient and stable) Downstream purification and recovery operations.
• Drive process scale-up and technology transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing sites (internal and external).
• Oversee LVV life cycle management and manufacturing support capabilities.
• Lead initiatives to improve viral vector productivity, robustness, and cost of goods.
• Advance next-generation capabilities, including: In vivo viral vector development Platform innovations and emerging delivery technologies.
• Ensure viral vector development decisions are optimized across the full cell therapy value chain, from transduction efficiency and cell performance to manufacturing robustness and CMC sustainability.
• Provide strategic leadership for viral vector on cross-functional Product Teams.
• Partner closely with: Research to translate early concepts into developable and scalable vector designs.
• Partner closely with T cell process development to align vector performance with cellular outcomes.
• Partner closely with Analytical development to ensure appropriate characterization and control strategies.
• Contribute to integrated product development, ensuring vector design and process decisions align with clinical and commercial objectives.
• Drive alignment across functions in a matrixed environment, balancing competing priorities while maintaining product focus.
• Strong working knowledge of cGMP regulations and compliance systems related to viral vector development, including inspection readiness, audit support, and direct engagement with regulatory agencies.
• Contribute to LVV CMC strategies, including phase-appropriate viral vector development and scale-up approaches.
• Support regulatory filings and health authority interactions as a technical expert.
• Provide input into comparability strategies for process changes, site transfers, and lifecycle evolution of LVV.
• Provide leadership oversight for viral vector development laboratories and GMP‑adjacent environments, ensuring facility readiness, compliance, and operational excellence in support of clinical and commercial programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading large organizations within a highly matrixed cell and gene therapy environment.
• Build, lead, and scale a high-performing viral vector development organization.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top scientific and leadership talent.
• Coach and develop future leaders, ensuring depth and succession within the organization.
• Foster a culture of: Scientific rigor and accountability Ownership and execution Collaboration and transparency.
• Demonstrate strong executive presence, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Influence decision-making at senior leadership and governance levels, providing clear, balanced perspectives on risks, trade-offs, and options.
• Drive clarity in ambiguity, enabling teams to make timely and well-informed decisions.
• Communicate effectively across: Technical teams Cross-functional stakeholders Executive leadership.
• Build credibility as a trusted partner and advisor, both internally and externally.
• Represent the organization in external collaborations, partnerships, and industry forums.

Benefits

• company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• discretionary annual bonus
• discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role)
• paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree