Research Associate, In Vivo Discovery

Gilead Sciences • Philadelphia, PA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Kite is seeking a highly motivated, entry-level Research Associate to join its In Vivo Discovery team. The team develops targeted vectors to reprogram cells in vivo for cancer treatment. Under close supervision from experienced scientists, the Research Associate performs hands-on laboratory experiments, routine procedures, and simple to moderately complex assays, following established protocols and good laboratory practices. The role may also support small-animal studies evaluating experimental constructs and connecting mechanistic findings to in vivo outcomes.

The Research Associate collects and analyzes data with guidance, maintains thorough experimental records, and communicates findings to support ongoing research projects. The role emphasizes building core laboratory skills and scientific understanding, learning techniques and instrumentation, and collaborating in a team-oriented research environment. The position involves onsite laboratory work and occasional weekend work may be required.

Requirements

• One of the following basic education and experience combinations: high school degree and 3 years of relevant experience; associate degree and 2 years of relevant experience; or bachelor's degree.
• Ability to work onsite in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to work occasional weekends, if required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or a related life science field.
• 0–2 years of hands-on laboratory research experience in an academic or industry setting, which may include internship or co-op experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and primary cells.
• Prior experience with lentiviral vector production and flow cytometry.
• Prior mouse-handling and intervention experience, including intravenous tail-vein and intraperitoneal injections.
• Experience in a collaborative research environment, such as an academic laboratory, biotechnology company, or pharmaceutical setting.
• Solid foundation in biological sciences and basic laboratory techniques, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Familiarity with basic data analysis and common software tools, such as spreadsheets and graphing programs.
• Strong electronic laboratory notebook and experimental record-keeping skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative, team-oriented working style and willingness to share knowledge and contribute to team goals.
• Eagerness to learn new techniques or equipment, openness to feedback, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality data generation.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Prism, and other programs used to create and distribute reports and key information.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform assigned laboratory experiments of simple to moderate complexity under close supervision, following established protocols and procedures.
• Support mouse studies, including routine animal handling, dosing and injections such as intravenous tail-vein and intraperitoneal injections, IVIS imaging support, blood collection, tissue harvest and dissection, and sample processing in accordance with approved protocols and SOPs.
• Execute routine experimental tasks accurately and consistently after training, following good laboratory practices and safety guidelines.
• Identify and troubleshoot basic technical issues, making minor adjustments independently and seeking guidance for more complex problems.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data; recognize trends and contribute to interpretation with input from experienced team members.
• Maintain detailed, organized laboratory records, including electronic laboratory notebooks and data logs.
• Assist with preparing technical summaries and presentations to communicate findings to the team and supervisors.
• Collaborate with research team members, communicate progress to supervisors and project leads, and incorporate feedback into ongoing work.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and quality standards and help maintain a clean, safe, compliant laboratory environment.
• Learn new experimental techniques and operate new instrumentation with guidance, improving skills through feedback and practice.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented laboratory culture by being reliable and proactive, assisting colleagues, and helping train new team members on basic procedures when needed.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary human cells using sterile technique in a biosafety cabinet.

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