Scientist, In Vivo Process Development Downstream

Kite Pharma; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 133,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Kite Pharma seeks a Scientist, In Vivo Process Development Downstream to design and execute downstream/purification experiments for Lentivirus manufacturing. You will apply advanced chemistry and engineering principles, deliver scalable processes, and lead process optimization with broad autonomy.

The role emphasizes scientific leadership, documentation, training, and collaboration across teams to advance cancer therapies. Strong cGMP knowledge and mentoring skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong scientific understanding of downstream unit operations for large biomolecules (e.g. protein, virus)
• Sound understanding of bioprocess scale-up principles for large biomolecules
• Working knowledge of cGMP principles
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and data analysis software such as JMP, GraphPad
• Proven ability to collaborate in a dynamic team environment
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to details

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize scalable, safe, and cost-effective downstream process for Lentivirus manufacturing
• Develop technical solutions using advanced scientific/engineering principles to ensure scientific soundness and performance
• Support manufacturing activities and process optimization at scale
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, planning work, and ensuring proper documentation
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and comply with training and safety guidelines
• Apply statistics and basic modelling to design experiments and interpret data
• Train and mentor colleagues in process execution and troubleshooting
• Communicate technical outcomes in reports and presentations
• Interface with multidisciplinary groups to promote collaboration
• Work independently with broad autonomy under minimal direction

Skills

Downstream development

Scale-up biology

DOE methods

Mentorship

Communication

GMP knowledge

Education

BS in science/engineering

MS in science/engineering

PhD/PharmD

Tools

JMP

GraphPad

MS Office

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

Job Description

The Scientist, In Vivo Process Development Downstream role designs and executes downstream/purification experiments to support development of manufacturing processes for Lentivirus.

This role applies advanced chemistry, biochemistry, and/or engineering principles to deliver robust, scalable processes, supports manufacturing activities and process optimization at scale, and operates with broad autonomy and limited oversight. The Scientist is accountable for end-to-end process performance, scientific soundness, and technical leadership while training and mentoring colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize scalable, safe, and cost-effective downstream process for Lentivirus manufacturing.
• Develops technical solutions to complex problems requiring ingenuity and creativity, applying advanced scientific/engineering principles to ensure scientific soundness and performance.
• Supports manufacturing activities and process optimization at scale, contributing technical expertise to improve process performance and scalability.
• Manages day-to-day laboratory operations, including planning work, maintaining efficient lab execution, and ensuring effective documentation practices.
• Keep accurate, detailed laboratory records and comply to all required training and safety guidelines.
• Apply statistical methodologies and basic modelling approaches to design experiments, perform data analysis, and interpret data.
• Trains, guides, and mentors colleagues by sharing technical skills, coaching on process execution, and troubleshooting, and strengthening team capability.
• Communicates technical outcomes in technical reports and presentations
• Interface with multidisciplinary groups to solve complex issues and promote collaboration.
• Works independently with broad autonomy and limited oversight; determines approaches for moderately complex assignments under minimal direction.

Education And Experience

• B.S., M.S, PhD/PharmD in science or engineering
• BS with 6+ years post-graduate relevant experience in bioprocess/biotechnology, or
• MS with 4+ years post-graduate relevant experience in bioprocess/biotechnology, or
• PhD/PharmD

Required Qualifications

• Must have strong scientific understanding and demonstrated hands-on proficiency of downstream unit operations for large biomolecules (e.g. protein, virus) such as chromatography and filtration.
• Sound understanding of bioprocess scale-up principles for large biomolecules
• Working knowledge of cGMP principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and data analysis software such as JMP, GraphPad
• Proven ability to collaborate in a dynamic team environment
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to details

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Prior experience with process development of viral vectors
• Prior experience with the use of Design of Experiments (DOE) to support process development experiments.
• Prior experience with fermentation/cell culture and analysis of large biomolecules
• Hands-on experience with large scale bioprocessing in either non-GMP or GMP setting
• Demonstrated mentorship and team leadership

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

• 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.

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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.

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

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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.

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: