Associate Director, Viral Vector Downstream Manufacturing

Scorpion Therapeutics; United States; Remote; USD 165,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company is seeking an Associate Director of Downstream Manufacturing Operations to lead teams in vector production, ensuring compliance and optimizing operations. This role involves strategic leadership and active participation in cross-functional projects to enhance manufacturing processes and safety standards.

Benefits

Stock Incentives

Paid Time Off

Benefits

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 2+ years or MS/MA with 8+ years in manufacturing.
• Experience in bio manufacturing management in a cGMP environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Downstream Manufacturing team for vector production.
• Manage operations, ensuring compliance and safety.
• Identify and implement process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Team Development

Process Improvement

Critical Thinking

Education

Ph.D.

MS/MA

BS/BA

High School Diploma

Tools

Electronic Batch Records

Job description

If you're aiming for a job like this, you need an edge.

JobsAI gives you that edge—by helping you upgrade your resume, analyze hiring managers’ LinkedIn profiles, and prepare with a built-in interview coach.

This is the smarter, faster way to compete in today’s job market.

Check out JobsAI

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 the future of our business and medical science.

People Leadership

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone of the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader, now or in the future, you are key to evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed, and empowered to fulfill their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.

Job Description

Role and Responsibilities:

Kite Pharma, a Gilead Sciences company, has an opportunity for an experienced Associate Director of Downstream Manufacturing Operations at our Oceanside biologics facility in Southern California. We seek motivated, team-oriented leaders with expertise in manufacturing vectors, large molecules, and vaccines. Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, you will lead the purification, fill finish, and packaging manufacturing teams.

The Associate Director will oversee GMP manufacturing activities related to buffer preparation, purification, fill finish, and packaging. We are looking for a motivated leader with experience in building teams and optimizing operations. The role may involve serving as a project lead or team representative on cross-functional projects, and you will be responsible for developing your team’s capabilities.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the Kite Vector Downstream Manufacturing team responsible for buffer prep, cell purification, and fill & finish/packaging of vector production.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership, training, coaching, staff development, and performance reviews.
• Manage Downstream Manufacturing operations, including Production and cGMP Cleaning, as strong manufacturing partners.
• Plan and implement activities related to campaign or production readiness, NPI, and changeover operations to ensure schedules are met.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase yield, capacity, efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain safety and compliance.
• Define success metrics and evaluate performance.
• Partner with other departments to ensure alignment of timelines, deliverables, and operations.
• Oversee deviations, CAPAs, incidents, and change management within Manufacturing.
• Represent the department in cross-functional projects, providing guidance and insights.
• Identify risks and develop plans to prevent issues.
• Lead supervisors to ensure safety and compliance, fostering a culture of operational excellence.
• Support audits and inspections by governmental agencies and internal teams.

This is an exempt (salary) position requiring weekend and off-hours coverage.

Basic Requirements:

• A Ph.D. with 2+ years of manufacturing experience in the pharmaceutical industry OR
• An MS/MA with 8+ years of experience OR
• A BS/BA with 10+ years of experience OR
• High School Diploma with 14+ years of manufacturing experience.

Preferred Requirements:

• 10+ years of bio manufacturing management in a cGMP environment.
• Experience in cell banking, purification, fill, and finish/packaging.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of quality systems, validation, and regulatory guidelines.
• Experience with Single-Use Technology and automated process systems.
• Experience with clinical and commercial production.
• Proficiency with Electronic Batch Records.
• Background in disposable technology and multi-product facilities.
• Positive attitude and quick learner.
• Adherence to safety and compliance standards.
• Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and willing to work off hours and weekends.

Salary Range:

$165,495 - $214,170, with potential bonuses, stock incentives, benefits, and paid time off. Actual compensation varies based on experience and location. For more info, visit Gilead Benefits.

About Kite

Kite is a biopharmaceutical company developing cancer immunotherapies, including CAR and TCR therapies. Based in Santa Monica, CA, more info at www.kitepharma.com. Follow us on Twitter @KitePharma.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gilead Sciences provides equal employment opportunities and fosters an inclusive environment free of discrimination and harassment. For accommodations, contact [e-mail].

Learn more about your rights under various employment laws and policies.