Research Associate, Cell Biology - Biomarker Operations

Gilead Sciences Inc.; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Kite Pharma in Santa Monica, CA, is looking for a Research Associate, Biomarker Operations to support biomarker and biospecimen activities across global oncology trials, with a focus on Multiple Myeloma and hematologic malignancies. You will coordinate sample collection, testing, tracking, and data reconciliation with Translational Medicine, Clinical Operations, and labs.

This role leverages AI-enabled tools to enhance workflows, vendor oversight, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Experience in biomarker operations within oncology trials.
• Knowledge of biospecimen handling and sample tracking.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate end-to-end biospecimen operations for global oncology trials.
• Track sample collection, processing, shipment, receipt, testing, and storage.
• Maintain study documentation, tracking databases, and QA records.
• Collaborate with vendors and sites to ensure timeliness and accuracy.
• Develop dashboards and reports to support study decisions.

Skills

Biomarker ops

Clinical trials coord

Vendor management

Data reconciliation

AI-enabled data analysis

Power BI familiarity

Microsoft Copilot

Education

High School Diploma

Associates degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

LIMS

Power BI

Jira

Smartsheet

Copilot

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 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
• Associates and 2 years of relevant experience
• 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. Kite 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.

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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 [e-mail] for assistance.

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.