Scientist, Method Automation

Kite Pharma•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

Everyone at Kite is grounded by one common goal – curing cancer. Every single day, we seek to establish a direct line between that purpose and our day-to-day work. Join us in this mission! Scientist, Method Automation ; Analytical Development, Method Development and Automation Reporting to the Principal Scientist, Method Development and Automation Team Job Overview: We are seeking a motivated Scientist, Method Automation to support automated and process analytical technology (PAT)-enabled analytical workflows within Analytical Development. This role will contribute to method automation, assay workflow optimization, technology evaluations, and data-rich testing approaches that improve efficiency, reproducibility, data integrity, and transfer readiness. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional partners to translate manual or semi-manual methods into robust automated workflows, generate high-quality technical data, and support method lifecycle activities for cell therapy and related biopharmaceutical programs. Why this role matters: This role provides hands-on growth at the intersection of analytical development, automation, digital tools, and PAT while supporting workflows that reduce manual variability and improve analytical consistency.

Requirements

PhD 0+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
MS with 4+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
BS with 6+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.

Nice To Haves

PhD 3+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
MS with 6+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
BS with 8+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
Experience with liquid handling or automation platforms such as Hamilton, TECAN, Biomek, Integra, or comparable systems.
Experience with high-throughput assays, analytical method lifecycle activities, QC transfer, or regulated method execution.
Exposure to PAT, digital laboratory integration, LIMS, ELN, structured data systems, instrument connectivity, electronic batch records, or analytics platforms.
Experience with design of experiments, data-rich experimentation, automation scripting, Python, multivariate analysis, machine learning, or comparable tools.
Working knowledge of GMP, ALCOA+, 21 CFR Part 11, ICH guidance, regulated documentation, investigations, deviations, change controls, or transfer practices.
Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, automating, executing, or transferring analytical methods in a biopharmaceutical, cell therapy, gene therapy, biologics, or complex therapeutic setting.
Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, integrated analytical instruments, assay workflow optimization, or comparable enabling technologies.
Working knowledge of analytical method development, data analysis, troubleshooting, technical documentation, GMP expectations, and data integrity principles.
Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills in cross-functional, fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

Support development, optimization, automation, and lifecycle activities for analytical workflows across relevant assay formats.
Assist in translating manual and semi-manual methods into automated workflows using liquid handlers, integrated systems, instrument software, and digital tools.
Execute experiments supporting method development, robustness, comparability, verification, validation, QC transfer, and troubleshooting.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automation platforms, assay workflows, instrument integrations, and enabling technologies for reliable and compliant execution.
Contribute to automation, PAT, and digital integration evaluations, including LIMS, ELN, structured data systems, instrument connectivity, electronic batch records, and analytics platforms.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners to support method readiness, sampling strategies, transfer expectations, documentation, data review, and continuous improvement.