Research Associate, Cell Biology - Biomarker Operations

Gilead Sciences • Santa Monica, CA

2d • $74,715 - $96,690

About The Position

The Research Associate, Biomarker Operations supports biomarker and biospecimen activities across global oncology clinical trials, with a primary focus on Multiple Myeloma and hematologic malignancies. The role partners with Translational Medicine, Clinical Operations, clinical study teams, and external laboratory vendors to coordinate sample collection, tracking, shipment, testing, and data reconciliation.

The successful candidate helps deliver high-quality biomarker operations throughout the clinical trial lifecycle by managing biospecimen workflows, supporting laboratory vendors, maintaining study documentation, and contributing to study startup and ongoing execution. The role also uses AI-enabled tools, automation, analytics, and other digital technologies to improve sample management, streamline workflows, enhance reporting, identify operational risks, and support data-driven study decisions. As part of an evolving AI-first operating model, the position is expected to use tools such as Microsoft Copilot, analytics platforms, workflow automation solutions, and data visualization technologies.

Kite is a biopharmaceutical company developing cancer immunotherapies, including CAR and T cell receptor-engineered cell therapies. The company is based in Santa Monica, California.

Requirements

• High school degree and 3 years of relevant experience, or an associate degree and 2 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and work independently while balancing competing priorities.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate across functions and manage stakeholders.
• Digital and AI fluency, with an interest in process improvement and operational innovation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting Multiple Myeloma, hematologic malignancy, cell therapy, or immuno-oncology clinical programs.
• Experience managing bone marrow aspirate and biopsy samples.
• Experience managing PBMC, serum, plasma, cfDNA, tissue, and other biomarker sample types.
• Experience working with central laboratories, specialty testing vendors, and biorepositories.
• Familiarity with GCP, GCLP, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and clinical trial operations, including biospecimen tracking and inventory management.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, sample tracking systems, and operational reporting tools.
• Experience using AI-enabled productivity, analytics, or project management platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Power BI, Smartsheet, Jira, Monday.com, or similar tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology, clinical laboratory science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 1–4 years of experience in clinical research, biomarker operations, laboratory operations, biospecimen management, or a related field.
• Experience supporting oncology clinical studies.
• Familiarity with Multiple Myeloma clinical research and associated specimen types, including bone marrow and peripheral blood samples.
• Knowledge of biospecimen handling, processing, shipment, and laboratory testing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end biospecimen operations for global oncology clinical trials.
• Track specimen collection, processing, shipment, receipt, testing, and storage.
• Reconcile sample inventories and help resolve sample-related queries and discrepancies.
• Monitor sample shipments and coordinate issue resolution with sites, laboratories, and vendors.
• Maintain specimen tracking databases and study-specific sample management tools.
• Maintain accurate documentation and chain-of-custody records throughout the study lifecycle.
• Assist with developing and reviewing laboratory manuals, collection guidelines, and sample handling instructions.
• Review protocols and Schedules of Assessments to identify biomarker collection and testing requirements.
• Support study startup, including laboratory vendor setup, sample logistics planning, and site training.
• Participate in study team meetings and biomarker operational discussions.
• Support implementation of biomarker strategies and sample management plans across multiple studies.
• Coordinate sample transfers and testing requests with central laboratories, specialty testing laboratories, and biorepositories.
• Track laboratory deliverables, sample status, and turnaround timelines.
• Identify, communicate, and escalate operational risks and issues in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure compliance with study requirements and timelines.
• Support biomarker data reconciliation activities.
• Maintain study documentation, sample transfer records, operational trackers, and status reports.
• Assist in generating sample metrics, dashboards, and study updates.
• Ensure documentation complies with SOPs, GCP requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Use AI-powered tools and digital solutions to support study planning, sample tracking, vendor oversight, and operational reporting.
• Use automation and data-driven insights to improve workflow efficiency and proactively identify operational risks.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, metrics, and performance reports to support clinical trial execution and decisions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement through adoption of AI and digital technologies.

Benefits

• May be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus.
• May be eligible for discretionary stock-based long-term incentives; eligibility may vary by role.
• Paid time off.
• Company-sponsored medical insurance.
• Company-sponsored dental insurance.
• Company-sponsored vision insurance.
• Company-sponsored life insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED