Scientist, Method Automation

Kite Pharma; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Stock-based incentives

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Job summary

Kite Pharma in Santa Monica, CA seeks a Scientist, Method Automation to advance automated analytical workflows for cell therapy programs. The role focuses on translating manual methods into robust automated processes and delivering high-quality data for method lifecycle activities.

The candidate will work with cross-functional teams to optimize workflows, support technology evaluations, and ensure data integrity within GMP-compliant environments.

Qualifications

• PhD 0+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
• MS with 4+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
• BS with 6+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Support development, optimization, automation, and lifecycle activities for analytical workflows across relevant assay formats.
• Assist in translating manual and semi-manual methods into automated workflows using liquid handlers, integrated systems, instrument software, and digital tools.
• Execute experiments supporting method development, robustness, comparability, verification, validation, QC transfer, and troubleshooting.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automation platforms, assay workflows, instrument integrations, and enabling technologies for reliable and compliant execution.
• Contribute to automation, PAT, and digital integration evaluations, including LIMS, ELN, structured data systems, instrument connectivity, electronic batch records, and analytics platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to support method readiness, sampling strategies, transfer expectations, documentation, data review, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical development

Method automation

Automated workflows

Data integrity

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Education

PhD

MS

BS

Tools

Hamilton

TECAN

Biomek

Integra

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

Everyone at Kite is grounded by one common goal – curing cancer. Every single day, we seek to establish a direct line between that purpose and our day-to-day work. Join us in this mission!Everyone at Kite is grounded by one common goal – curing cancer. Every single day, we seek to establish a direct line between that purpose and our day-to-day work. Join us in this mission!

Scientist, Method Automation ; Analytical Development, Method Development and Automation

Reporting to the Principal Scientist, Method Development and Automation Team

Job Overview:

We are seeking a motivated Scientist, Method Automation to support automated and process analytical technology (PAT)-enabled analytical workflows within Analytical Development. This role will contribute to method automation, assay workflow optimization, technology evaluations, and data-rich testing approaches that improve efficiency, reproducibility, data integrity, and transfer readiness.

The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional partners to translate manual or semi-manual methods into robust automated workflows, generate high-quality technical data, and support method lifecycle activities for cell therapy and related biopharmaceutical programs.

Why this role matters:

This role provides hands-on growth at the intersection of analytical development, automation, digital tools, and PAT while supporting workflows that reduce manual variability and improve analytical consistency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support development, optimization, automation, and lifecycle activities for analytical workflows across relevant assay formats.

• Assist in translating manual and semi-manual methods into automated workflows using liquid handlers, integrated systems, instrument software, and digital tools.

• Execute experiments supporting method development, robustness, comparability, verification, validation, QC transfer, and troubleshooting.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automation platforms, assay workflows, instrument integrations, and enabling technologies for reliable and compliant execution.

• Contribute to automation, PAT, and digital integration evaluations, including LIMS, ELN, structured data systems, instrument connectivity, electronic batch records, and analytics platforms.

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to support method readiness, sampling strategies, transfer expectations, documentation, data review, and continuous improvement.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD 0+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.

or

• MS with 4+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.

or

• BS with 6+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD 3+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.

or

• MS with 6+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.

or

• BS with 8+ years of relevant experience in analytical development, method development, method automation, bioassay development, or a related biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
• Experience with liquid handling or automation platforms such as Hamilton, TECAN, Biomek, Integra, or comparable systems.
• Experience with high-throughput assays, analytical method lifecycle activities, QC transfer, or regulated method execution.
• Exposure to PAT, digital laboratory integration, LIMS, ELN, structured data systems, instrument connectivity, electronic batch records, or analytics platforms.
• Experience with design of experiments, data-rich experimentation, automation scripting, Python, multivariate analysis, machine learning, or comparable tools.
• Working knowledge of GMP, ALCOA+, 21 CFR Part 11, ICH guidance, regulated documentation, investigations, deviations, change controls, or transfer practices.
• Hands‑on experience developing, optimizing, automating, executing, or transferring analytical methods in a biopharmaceutical, cell therapy, gene therapy, biologics, or complex therapeutic setting.
• Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, integrated analytical instruments, assay workflow optimization, or comparable enabling technologies.
• Working knowledge of analytical method development, data analysis, troubleshooting, technical documentation, GMP expectations, and data integrity principles.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and problem‑solving skills in cross‑functional, fast‑paced environments.

Career Growth Opportunities:

• Build hands‑on expertise in analytical development, automation, PAT, digital integration, and data‑rich workflows.
• Grow toward independent ownership of automated methods, technology evaluations, and method lifecycle activities.
• Develop cross‑functional experience with Process Development, QC, Manufacturing, MSAT, Attribute Sciences, and Analytical Lifecycle Management partners.

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. Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kitepharma.

For jobs in the United States:

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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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.