Sr Scientist, Analytical Ops

Kite Pharma•Santa Monica, CA

5d•$153,935 - $199,210

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the Method Development and Automation team within Analytical Development. This high-impact role will help shape the next generation of automated, process analytical technology (PAT)-enabled, and AI-supported analytical workflows that improve throughput, reproducibility, data integrity, operational efficiency, infrastructure utilization, and readiness for deployment across Process Development, QC, and Manufacturing environments. This is a multidisciplinary role applying the foundation of automation, PAT, and AI for building next-generation data-rich analytical workflows and digital infrastructure for cell therapy development and manufacturing readiness. The successful candidate will lead the design and implementation of automated analytical methods, integrated laboratory workflows, and practical AI-enabled capabilities that streamline operations and improve infrastructure efficiency. This individual will work at the intersection of analytical science, automation, digital integration, process understanding, and AI-enabled workflow optimization to enable scalable, compliant, and data-rich testing strategies that support product development, lifecycle management, QC transfer, operational decision-making, and real-time or near-real-time process insight. Why this role matters: This role offers the opportunity to build capabilities that directly influence how analytical methods are developed, automated, transferred, sustained, and digitally scaled. The successful candidate will help accelerate testing timelines, improve data quality, reduce manual variability, strengthen infrastructure utilization, identify AI-enabled operational efficiencies, and advance analytical insights that support process monitoring, control strategy, and QC readiness.

Requirements

Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, automating, or transferring analytical methods in a regulated or quality-focused 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.
Experience identifying or implementing AI, advanced analytics, workflow automation, data integration, or digital infrastructure solutions that improve operational efficiency, laboratory productivity, or decision support.
Working knowledge of analytical method development, experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, technical documentation, GMP expectations, and data integrity principles.
Strong communication, collaboration, prioritization, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional and fast-paced environments.
PhD with 2+ years elevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
OR MS with 6+ years, elevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
OR BS with 8+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will bring strong scientific judgment, hands-on automation expertise, curiosity for emerging analytical technologies and AI-enabled operational tools, and the ability to influence in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Experience developing, optimizing, automating, and deploying analytical methods in biopharma, cell therapy, gene therapy, biologics, or other complex therapeutic environments.
Hands-on expertise with liquid handling and automation platforms such as Hamilton, TECAN, Biomek, Integra, or comparable systems.
Experience with high-throughput assays and analytical method lifecycle activities, including robustness, comparability, verification, validation, QC transfer, and lifecycle management.
Experience with PAT, digital laboratory integration, AI-enabled workflow optimization, LIMS, ELN, structured data systems, instrument connectivity, electronic batch records, or advanced analytics platforms.
Experience with data-rich experimentation, design of experiments, multivariate analysis, chemometrics, advanced analytics, automation scripting, Python, machine learning, AI-assisted data interpretation, or comparable tools.
Demonstrated interest or experience in applying AI to operational workflows, laboratory infrastructure planning, data accessibility, knowledge management, documentation efficiency, or cross-system process improvement.
Working knowledge of GMP, ALCOA+, 21 CFR Part 11 expectations, ICH guidance, regulated documentation, change control, deviation, investigation, and transfer practices.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence technical direction, mentor scientists or end users, and build sustainable automation, PAT, AI, or analytical technology capabilities.

Responsibilities

Lead development, optimization, automation, and lifecycle management of analytical workflows across plate-based, culture-based, molecular, impurity, and related assay formats.
Translate manual and semi-manual methods into robust, reproducible automated workflows using liquid handlers, integrated systems, instrument software, and digital tools.
Design and execute studies supporting method development, robustness, comparability, verification, validation, QC transfer, and lifecycle management.
Evaluate, implement, and sustain automation platforms, PAT tools, instrument integrations, consumables, and enabling technologies that improve throughput, reproducibility, process monitoring, and compliant execution.
Advance fit-for-purpose PAT opportunities that enable rapid, real-time, in-line, on-line, or at-line measurements linked to critical quality attributes, critical process parameters, and key process decisions.
Integrate automation and PAT outputs with LIMS, ELN, structured data systems, instrument connectivity, electronic batch records, and advanced analytics platforms.
Identify, evaluate, and implement practical AI-enabled opportunities that improve operational efficiency, reduce manual or repetitive work, enhance data accessibility, streamline documentation or review workflows, and strengthen laboratory infrastructure utilization.
Partner with IT, data science, automation, and laboratory stakeholders to define use cases, data requirements, governance expectations, and adoption pathways for AI-supported workflows in analytical development and manufacturing-adjacent environments.
Partner across Process Development, MSAT, QC, Manufacturing, Attribute Sciences, and Analytical Lifecycle Management to align automation and PAT strategies with control strategy, GMP readiness, sampling strategy, and transfer expectations.
Author, review, and present technical documentation, data packages, recommendations, and project updates in support of compliant execution, investigations, change controls, and technology transfer.
Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor, helping build scalable automation, PAT, AI, digital, and analytical technology capabilities across teams.