Sr Associate Scientist, Analytical Ops

Gilead Sciences • Santa Monica, CA

3d

About The Position

Kite’s Analytical Development, Testing and Logistics (T&L) team is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist, Analytical Ops to design, execute, and troubleshoot PCR- and ELISA-based testing and analytical characterization of cell therapy products across development stages. As a technical resource on the Molecular Biology and Impurities testing team, the role works with minimal supervision, leads analytical tasks and projects, and mentors junior colleagues. Additional activities, such as critical reagent qualification and Operational Excellence initiatives, are conducted as needed.

The role reports to the Manager of the T&L Molecular Biology and Impurities testing team. Kite is a biopharmaceutical company developing cancer immunotherapies, including CAR and TCR engineered cell therapies.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of relevant experience with an MS degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field, or at least 5 years of relevant experience with a BA or BS degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, microbiology, and cell-based assays.
• In-depth knowledge of ELISA or PCR method development, instruments, method controls, and reagent inventory management systems.
• Proficiency with aseptic technique and general laboratory assays, such as cell culture, flow cytometry, and molecular biology.
• Understanding of patient material, product, and process characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria, and to interpret experimental results.
• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, with close attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Smartsheet, Prism, JMP, and other data analysis applications.
• Highly collaborative, with excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working with minimal direction in a fast-paced environment and adjusting to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute non-routine ELISA and/or PCR experiments to support process development and product characterization.
• Develop, qualify, execute, and document PCR methods to study and characterize processes used to produce T-cell therapies.
• Select appropriate methods and techniques, and develop and refine analytical methods and experimental approaches.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instruments, recommend alternatives, and research new methods and techniques.
• Analyze and interpret data using advanced analysis software, and draw and defend scientific conclusions.
• Support transfer of ELISA and/or PCR assays from method developers to the analytical testing group.
• Perform reagent titration and lot-checking/verification, and maintain the proficiency testing database.
• Review notebooks and verify data to uphold ALCOA+ principles and data integrity.
• Author, review, and edit technical documents, including validation protocols and reports and analytical development reports.
• Lead team improvement projects, such as Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Provide instrument and sample-analysis user training, and mentor and cross-train analysts on analytical methods.
• Present results and conclusions in group meetings and communicate with cross-functional partners.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus.
• Potential eligibility 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: Senior