Scientist, RNA Biology

Gilead Sciences • Foster City, CA

2d • $146,540 - $189,640

About The Position

Kite is seeking a highly motivated, hands-on Scientist to establish and advance research-scale RNA capabilities for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) discovery and development. The role serves as a technical lead for RNA manufacturing and analytics, ensuring high-quality RNA payloads are available for formulation, encapsulation, and biological evaluation across targeted and non-targeted LNP programs. The scientist will independently develop and execute RNA workflows, troubleshoot complex technical issues, interpret multidimensional quality data, and translate findings into clear decisions. The position calls for deep expertise in mRNA production and characterization, including RNA sequence design, nucleotide chemistry, purification, analytical methods, and fit-for-purpose release criteria. Experience with LNPs or other nucleic acid delivery systems is strongly preferred.

Requirements

• Doctorate in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, RNA Biology, or a related field; or a master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Deep expertise in mRNA production and characterization, including RNA sequence design, nucleotide chemistry, purification, and analytical methods.
• Ability to independently develop and execute RNA workflows, troubleshoot complex technical issues, interpret multidimensional quality data, and translate findings into clear decisions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, RNA Biology, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience.
• Demonstrated experience applying RNA payload expertise within LNP formulation, encapsulation, or another nucleic acid delivery platform.
• Depth in one or more advanced RNA areas, such as circular or self-amplifying RNA, modified nucleotides, cap chemistry, untranslated-region engineering, RNA structure, or innate immune sensing.
• Experience scaling or automating RNA production and purification workflows using chromatography, tangential-flow filtration, design of experiments, or related process-development approaches.
• Experience establishing specifications, reference standards, qualified assays, method-transfer packages, or comparability strategies for research-stage RNA products.
• Ability to connect RNA critical quality attributes with cell-based expression, potency, tolerability, or durability readouts.
• Experience supporting cell therapy, in vivo cell engineering, oncology, or other cancer-focused research programs.
• Evidence of scientific impact through publications, patents, technology development, or leadership of an RNA therapeutics, drug-delivery, or molecular-engineering platform.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end research-scale RNA production, including DNA template preparation, in vitro transcription, capping, polyadenylation or encoded poly(A) strategies, purification, concentration, buffer exchange, sterile handling, and storage.
• Develop, optimize, and standardize workflows for linear mRNA and expand capabilities for circular RNA, self-amplifying RNA, and other emerging RNA formats as program needs evolve.
• Design and evaluate RNA sequence and chemistry variables, including untranslated regions, coding-sequence optimization, poly(A) architecture, cap structures, and modified nucleotides, to improve expression, stability, and tolerability.
• Establish fit-for-purpose RNA quality-control methods and acceptance criteria for identity, concentration, purity, integrity, size distribution, capping efficiency, poly(A) characteristics, residual DNA, double-stranded RNA, endotoxin, bioburden where appropriate, and functional activity.
• Operate, maintain, qualify, and troubleshoot research instruments used for RNA production and analysis, including liquid-handling systems, chromatography and tangential-flow filtration platforms, capillary electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, fluorometric assays, and quantitative or digital PCR systems.
• Partner with LNP formulation scientists to define RNA input specifications, assess compatibility with formulation processes, support RNA encapsulation, and determine how payload quality affects encapsulation efficiency, particle attributes, expression, and biological activity.
• Develop data packages and documentation that enable comparability across RNA lots, constructs, production methods, and LNP formulations.
• Lead investigations of failed or variable RNA and LNP experiments, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Independently generate hypotheses, design experiments, analyze results, and recommend clear next steps for platform and program teams.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, cell biologists, formulation scientists, analytical scientists, automation experts, and in vivo teams to advance RNA-LNP programs for cancer therapies.
• Maintain rigorous electronic records, methods, reagent inventories, instrument logs, and safe laboratory practices; contribute to scalable and transferable workflows.
• Mentor junior scientists and serve as a technical resource for RNA design, manufacturing, analytics, and troubleshooting.

Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus may be available.
• Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives may be available; eligibility may vary by role.
• Paid time off.
• Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior