Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Discovery

Kite Pharma•Foster City, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly capable and experimentally driven Scientist, Protein Engineering & Binder Discovery to join Kite Research. This role will be focused on the planning, execution, and screening of new binder discovery and optimization campaigns. This is a lab‑based, hands‑on role for a Scientist who enjoys translating discovery hypotheses into well‑designed experimental campaigns and carrying them through execution. The Scientist will take ownership of binder campaign design and screening strategy while remaining deeply engaged at the bench, generating high‑quality experimental data that directly informs program decisions.

Requirements

Advanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) OR Master’s degree with 4+ years of relevant scientific experience OR Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of relevant scientific experience

Nice To Haves

PhD in Protein Science, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline
Strong hands‑on experience in protein engineering, binder discovery, or related experimental workflows
Demonstrated ability to design and execute experimental screening campaigns in a laboratory setting
Experience generating and interpreting data to guide experimental decisions
Experience with display‑based discovery platforms (e.g., phage, yeast, or related systems)
Familiarity with binding and functional screening assays relevant to binder discovery
Experience working in fast‑paced, multi‑program discovery environments
Strong scientific communication skills and comfort collaborating across disciplines
Scientist‑executor who enjoys owning experiments from planning through data generation
Comfortable balancing experimental design responsibilities with sustained bench work
Thoughtful, data‑driven decision‑maker who adapts strategies based on results
Collaborative partner who works effectively with senior scientists and experimental teams
Motivated by scientific progress, experimental rigor, and impact on discovery programs

Responsibilities

Design and plan new binder discovery and optimization campaigns, including selection strategies, screening formats, and experimental milestones.
Translate platform capabilities, target biology, and program goals into executable experimental plans.
Select appropriate discovery and screening approaches (e.g., display formats, selection stringency, screening depth) based on target‑specific requirements.
Execute hands‑on laboratory experimentation supporting binder discovery and optimization, including cloning, expression, screening, and hit triage activities.
Lead screening and down‑selection workflows, generating clear, decision‑ready data on binder performance (e.g., binding, specificity, functional activity).
Perform experimental troubleshooting and iterative refinement of screening strategies based on data trends and program needs.
Analyze and interpret screening and characterization data to guide next experimental steps and optimization strategies.
Communicate results, risks, and recommendations clearly to management and broader project teams.
Contribute experimentally and scientifically to multiple discovery programs in parallel, balancing depth with throughput.
Work closely with Associate Scientists and Research Associates to ensure efficient execution of experimental workflows.
Collaborate with computational, Cell Biology, and Translational partners to align binder screening outputs with downstream assay and development needs.
Provide experimental feedback that helps refine discovery platforms, screening assays, and campaign design principles.
Maintain thorough experimental documentation using electronic lab notebooks and sample‑tracking systems (LIMS).
Ensure reproducibility, traceability, and data integrity across all experimental activities.
Contribute to a culture of rigorous experimental standards and continuous scientific improvement.