Scientist, Analytical Ops- Mass Spectrometry

Gilead Sciences Inc.; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Stock incentives

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision/Life insurance

Job summary

Kite Pharma is seeking a Scientist in Santa Monica, CA to apply mass spectrometry and proteomics for quality attributes of viral vectors and cell therapies. You will plan studies, analyze data, and communicate results to cross‑functional partners.

The role involves developing MS methods, collaborating with analytic and process teams, and contributing to a safe, compliant lab environment. PhD or equivalent with substantial experience required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent with hands-on MS/proteomics experience.
• Experience designing MS studies and interpreting data.
• Strong communication & scientific writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute MS studies for viral vector and cell therapy products.
• Characterize host cell proteins and post-translational modifications.
• Develop MS methods and troubleshoot instrumentation and workflows.
• Analyze complex data sets and present conclusions to teams.
• Prepare and review technical documents and reports.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Proteomics

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry/related discipline

Master’s degree with 4+ years of experience

Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of experience

Tools

Mass spectrometry platforms

Sample preparation workflows

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the Director, Attribute Sciences Biophysical Characterization, the Scientist will apply mass spectrometry and proteomics technologies to assess product quality attributes, guide process development, and expand product knowledge for viral vector-based gene delivery platforms and T-cell therapies. The successful candidate will independently plan and execute studies, analyze and interpret data, and communicate results clearly to cross‑functional partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute mass spectrometry studies to assess viral vector and cell therapy final-product attributes.
• Perform in‑house studies on biological samples, including characterization of host cell proteins, post‑translational modifications, and relative protein abundance.
• Develop and apply mass spectrometry methods, and troubleshoot instrumentation, sample preparation, and data‑processing workflows.
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets and present conclusions and recommendations to cross‑functional teams.
• Author, review, and edit technical documents, including study plans, SOPs, protocols, and reports.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and traceable experimental documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports.
• Collaborate with Cell and Vector Attribute Sciences teams to inform product‑characterization and product‑knowledge strategies that advance pipeline programs.
• Stay current with analytical platforms, cell and gene therapy industry practices, and emerging innovations relevant to viral vector and cell therapy products.
• Contribute to a safe, compliant, inclusive, and collaborative laboratory environment.

Level‑Specific Scope

• Technical execution: Independently plans and executes defined studies and method‑development activities; applies established and emerging methods with sound scientific judgment.
• Data interpretation: Interprets results, identifies trends and limitations, and communicates scientifically sound conclusions.
• Project ownership: Owns assigned deliverables, timelines, documentation, and coordination with key partners.
• Technical influence: Shares expertise and contributes to team problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Communication: Presents results clearly and authors high‑quality technical documentation.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline
• OR Master’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience
• OR Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years hands‑on experience applying mass spectrometry to proteomics and protein‑characterization applications.
• Experience operating multiple mass spectrometry platforms and analyzing data generated from those systems.
• Experience with sample preparation and workflows for host cell protein profiling, post‑translational modification characterization, and relative protein quantitation.
• Proficiency in interpreting and statistically analyzing large proteomics data sets using appropriate data‑analysis software and workflows.
• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working with viral vectors, biologics, cell therapy products, or other complex biological matrices.
• Experience with orthogonal particle characterization technologies, such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and imaging‑based methods (e.g., electron microscopy or flow imaging) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of analytical development, method qualification, data integrity, and documentation expectations in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment.
• Highly collaborative, with strong interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

Success in This Role

• Delivers scientifically rigorous studies and defensible conclusions that increase product and process understanding.
• Builds effective partnerships across analytical, process development, and program teams.
• Balances hands‑on laboratory execution with high‑quality data analysis, documentation, and communication.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is: $133,195.00 - $172,370.00. 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

Company Background

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 .

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

Notice: Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Kite 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.

Your Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act

Kite 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.