Research Associate, Cell Biology - Biomarker Operations

Kite Pharma; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Discretionary bonus

Stock-based incentives

Paid time off

Job summary

Kite Pharma, Inc. in Santa Monica, CA, is seeking a Research Associate, Biomarker Operations to coordinate biomarker and biospecimen activities across global oncology trials, focusing on Multiple Myeloma and hematologic malignancies.

You will partner with Translational Medicine, Clinical Operations, study teams, and external labs to manage sample collection, tracking, shipment, testing, and data reconciliation.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting oncology biomarker and biospecimen operations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex workflows.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled productivity and analytics platforms.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate end-to-end biospecimen operations for global oncology trials.
• Assist with lab manuals, guidelines, and sample handling procedures.
• Coordinate sample transfers with vendors and track turnaround timelines.
• Maintain study documentation, dashboards and data reconciliation.
• Leverage AI tools to improve planning, reporting and operational oversight.

Skills

Project coordination

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor management

Digital & AI fluency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Tools

Copilot

Power BI

Smartsheet

Jira

Monday.com

Job description

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 fulfill their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.

Job Description

The Research Associate, Biomarker Operations supports the execution of biomarker and biospecimen activities across oncology clinical trials, with a particular focus on Multiple Myeloma and hematologic malignancies. This role partners closely with Translational Medicine, Clinical Operations, study teams, and external laboratory partners to coordinate sample collection, tracking, shipment, testing, and data reconciliation activities. The successful candidate will help ensure high-quality biomarker operations throughout the clinical trial lifecycle by managing biospecimen workflows, supporting vendor relationships, maintaining study documentation, and contributing to study startup and execution activities.

The individual will also leverage AI-enabled tools, automation, and data-driven technologies to streamline workflows, enhance operational efficiency, improve reporting and sample oversight, and support data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate has experience in oncology clinical research, strong organizational and project coordination skills, digital and AI fluency, and a passion for advancing translational science through operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

The Research Associate, Biomarker Operations supports the execution of biomarker and biospecimen activities across global oncology clinical trials, with a primary focus on Multiple Myeloma and hematologic malignancies. This role partners closely with Translational Medicine, Clinical Operations, Clinical Study Teams, and external laboratory vendors to coordinate sample collection, tracking, shipment, testing, and data reconciliation activities.

The successful candidate will contribute to the execution of high-quality biomarker operations throughout the clinical trial lifecycle by managing complex biospecimen workflows, supporting laboratory vendors, maintaining study documentation, and enabling study startup and ongoing trial execution. In addition, this individual will leverage AI-enabled, automation, and digital technologies to enhance sample management, optimize operational workflows, support vendor oversight, improve reporting capabilities, and generate actionable insights that inform study decisions.

As part of an evolving AI-first operating model, this role will be expected to utilize tools such as Microsoft Copilot, advanced analytics platforms, workflow automation solutions, and data visualization technologies to streamline routine tasks, increase operational efficiency, improve data quality, identify risks proactively, and accelerate decision-making across biomarker programs.

Key Responsibilities

Biospecimen & Sample Management

• Support end-to-end biospecimen operations for global oncology clinical trials.
• Track specimen collection, processing, shipment, receipt, testing, and storage activities.
• Reconcile sample inventories and support resolution of sample-related queries and discrepancies.
• Monitor sample shipments and coordinate issue resolution with sites, laboratories, and vendors.
• Maintain specimen tracking databases and study-specific sample management tools.
• Ensure accurate documentation and chain-of-custody records throughout the study lifecycle.

Study Support

• Assist with the development and review of laboratory manuals, collection guidelines, and sample handling instructions.
• Support protocol and Schedule of Assessments reviews to identify biomarker collection and testing requirements.
• Participate in study startup activities, including laboratory vendor setup, sample logistics planning, and site training support.
• Contribute to study team meetings and biomarker operational discussions.
• Support implementation of biomarker strategies and sample management plans across multiple studies.

Vendor Coordination

• Serve as an operational point of contact for central laboratories, specialty testing laboratories, and biorepositories.
• Coordinate sample transfers and testing requests with vendors.
• Track laboratory deliverables, sample status, and turnaround timelines.
• Identify, communicate, and elevate operational risks and issues in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure compliance with study requirements and timelines.

Data, Documentation & Reporting

• Support biomarker data reconciliation activities.
• Maintain study documentation, sample transfer records, operational trackers, and status reports.
• Assist with generation of sample metrics, dashboards, and study updates.
• Ensure documentation complies with SOPs, GCP requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

AI-Enabled Operations & Innovation

• Leverage AI-powered tools and digital solutions to support study planning, sample tracking, vendor oversight, and operational reporting.
• Utilize automation and data-driven insights to improve biomarker workflow efficiency and proactively identify operational risks.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, metrics, and performance reports to support clinical trial execution and decision-making.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives through the adoption of AI and digital technologies.

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Degree and 3 years of relevant experience

OR

• Associates and 2 years of relevant experience

OR

• Bachelor’s

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Multiple Myeloma, hematologic malignancy, cell therapy, or immuno-oncology clinical programs.
• Experience managing bone marrow aspirate and biopsy samples.
• Experience managing PBMC, serum, plasma, cfDNA, tissue, and other biomarker sample types.
• Experience working with central laboratories, specialty testing vendors, and biorepositories.
• Familiarity with GCP, GCLP, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and clinical trial operational processes, including biospecimen tracking and inventory management.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, sample tracking systems, and operational reporting tools.
• Experience using AI-enabled productivity, analytics, or project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Power BI, Smartsheet, Jira, Monday.com, or similar tools).
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 1-4 years of experience in clinical research, biomarker operations, laboratory operations, biospecimen management, or a related field.
• Experience supporting oncology clinical studies.
• Familiarity with Multiple Myeloma clinical research and associated specimen types, including bone marrow and peripheral blood samples.
• Knowledge of biospecimen handling, processing, shipment, and laboratory testing workflows.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Key Competencies

• Strong project coordination and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and data accuracy
• Proactive problem-solving mindset
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
• Vendor management and communication
• Ability to work independently while managing competing priorities
• Digital and AI fluency with a passion for process improvement and operational innovation

The salary range for this position is: $74,715.00 - $96,690.00. 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.

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