Sr. Scientist, Viral Vector

We're here for one reason and one reason only – to cure cancer. Every moment is dedicated to developing treatments and every action moves us one step closer to our goal. We've made incredible scientific breakthroughs and our pioneering personalized CAR T-cell therapies have changed the paradigm. But we're not finished yet. Join Kite, as we make even bigger advances in cancer therapies, and help shape where our business and medical science goes next. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.Job DescriptionKite Pharma is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with deep expertise in lentiviral and viral vector technologies to support next-generation gene and cell therapy programs. The successful candidate will play a critical role in leading a vector core team to produce viral vectors on a regular basis supporting research activities throughout the organization. In addition, they will initiate and design experiments for the optimization, and characterization of viral delivery platforms. They will work cross-functionally interfacing with teams in discovery, analytical development and process development. This role is ideal for a hands-on scientist who combines strong technical leadership with managerial and leadership skills who can drive complex projects in a fast-paced, collaborative biotech environment.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage a vector core team to produce lenti and retroviral vectors supporting Research teams and activities in the organization.Lead experimental design and execution for lentiviral and viral vector–based gene delivery strategies supporting CAR-T, TCR-T, and emerging gene therapy modalities.Maintain exceptional record keeping and Lab information management system policy adherence.Develop, optimize, and characterize viral vector production, for in vivo and ex vivo lentiviral systems.Apply deep understanding of viral biology, vector engineering, and gene expression control to improve efficiency, safety, and scalability.Serve as a technical expert for viral delivery, providing guidance to discovery, translational, and process development teams.Collaborate cross-functionally with Research teams, core groups, analytical development, process development, and regulatory partners.Interpret complex datasets, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and drive data-driven decision making.Author technical reports, protocols, and contribute to IND-enabling documentation as needed.Present results at internal forums and external scientific meetings.Mentor direct reports and contribute to building best practices within the viral vector group.Basic QualificationsAdvanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 6+ years of relevant scientific experience.Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of relevant scientific experience.Preferred QualificationsPh.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.Hands-on expertise in lentiviral vector design, optimization, production, and transduction.Strong background in viral gene delivery for cell or gene therapy applications.Strong leadership and managerial skills.Proven ability to work in a highly matrixed environment.Deep knowledge of mammalian cell culture, transfection/transduction methods, and molecular biology techniques (ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, ELISA).Proven ability to independently design and execute complex experiments.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Experience supporting CAR-T or engineered cell therapy programs.Knowledge of non-lentiviral viral systems (retroviral, AAV vectors).Experience with scale-up, process development, or tech transfer of viral vectors.Experience with high throughput screening, automation, and use of liquid handlers (Biomek, TECAN etc).Experience with viral vector producer cell line improvement and optimization strategies.Track record of publications, patents, or successful program contributions.Key CompetenciesScientific rigor and experimental excellence.Cross-functional collaboration and leadership.Strategic thinking with attention to detail.Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, results-driven environment.The salary range for this position is: $169,320.00 – $219,120.00. Kite considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.For additional benefits information, visit: https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeingKite is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies with a goal of providing rapid, long-term durable response and eliminating the burden of chronic care. The company is focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered cell therapies designed to empower the immune system's ability to recognize and kill tumors. Kite is based in Santa Monica, CA. For more information on Kite, please visit www.kitepharma.com.Kite Pharma is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.J-18808-Ljbffr