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 modalitiesExceptional record keeping and Lab information management system policy adherenceDevelop, optimize, and characterize viral vector production, for in vivo and ex vivo lentiviral systemsApply deep understanding of viral biology, vector engineering, and gene expression control to improve efficiency, safety, and scalabilityServe as a technical expert for viral delivery, providing guidance to discovery, translational, and process development teamsCollaborate cross‑functionally with Research teams, core groups, analytical development, process development, and regulatory partnersInterpret complex datasets, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and drive data‑driven decision makingAuthor technical reports, protocols, and contribute to IND‑enabling documentation as neededPresent results at internal forums and external scientific meetingsMentor direct reports and contribute to building best practices within the viral vector groupBasic 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 ORMaster’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 6+ years of relevant scientific experience ORBachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of relevant scientific experiencePreferred QualificationsPh.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experienceDemonstrated, hands‑on expertise in lentiviral vector design, optimization, production, and transductionStrong background in viral gene delivery for cell or gene therapy applicationsStrong leadership and managerial skillsProven ability to work in a highly matrixed environmentDeep knowledge of mammalian cell culture, transfection/transduction methods, and molecular biology techniques (e.g., ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, ELISA)Proven ability to independently design and execute complex experimentsStrong written and verbal communication skillsExperience supporting CAR‑T or engineered cell therapy programsKnowledge of non‑lentiviral viral systems (e.g., retroviral, AAV vectors)Experience with scale‑up, process development, or tech transfer of viral vectorsExperience with high throughput screening, automation, and use of liquid handers (Biomek, TECAN etc)Experience with viral vector producer cell line improvement and optimization strategies.Track record of publications, patents, or successful program contributionsKey CompetenciesScientific rigor and experimental excellenceCross‑functional collaboration and leadershipStrategic thinking with attention to detailAbility to thrive in a fast‑moving, results‑driven environmentThe 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-wellbeing Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.Kite 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. Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kitepharma.For jobs in the United States: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. In order 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.For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACTYOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACTKite Pharma will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.Kite Pharma provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors:Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.