Scientist, RNA Biology

Kite Pharma; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kite Pharma, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to establish and advance robust RNA production and analytics for research-grade payloads used in LNP discovery and development.

You will lead RNA workflows, troubleshoot complex issues, and translate results into actionable decisions in a fast-paced cancer therapy program. The role requires deep expertise in mRNA production, nucleotide chemistry, purification, and analytical methods, with preferred experience in LNPs and related delivery

Qualifications

• Doctorate or MSc with relevant experience in RNA biology or related field.
• Experience in RNA production, purification, and QC.
• Experience with LNP or nucleic acid delivery platforms preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end RNA production workflows from DNA template to storage.
• Develop workflows for linear and circular RNA formats.
• Design and evaluate RNA sequence and chemistry variables.
• Establish RNA QC methods and acceptance criteria.
• Operate and troubleshoot RNA production/instrumentation.
• Collaborate with LNP formulation scientists on input specs.
• Develop data packages for comparability across RNA lots.
• Lead investigations of failed RNA/LNP experiments.
• Generate hypotheses and design experiments.
• Mentor junior scientists and act as a technical resource.
• Maintain rigorous electronic records and safe lab practices.

Skills

RNA design

mRNA production

Analytical methods

Mentorship

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Bioengineering

MS with 4+ years of experience

BS with 6+ years of experience

Tools

Chromatography

Tangential-field filtration

Capillary electrophoresis

qPCR systems

HPLC

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

Kite is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to establish and advance robust capabilities for the design, production, purification, and quality control of research‑grade RNA payloads used in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) discovery and development. This scientist will serve as a technical lead for RNA manufacturing and analytics, ensuring that high‑quality RNA is available for formulation, encapsulation, and biological evaluation across targeted and non‑targeted LNP programs.

This is a hands‑on laboratory role for a scientist who can independently develop and execute RNA workflows, troubleshoot complex technical issues, interpret multidimensional quality data, and translate findings into clear decisions. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in mRNA production and characterization, including RNA sequence design, nucleotide chemistry, purification, analytical methods, and fit‑for‑purpose release criteria. Experience with LNPs or other nucleic acid delivery systems is strongly preferred.

Job Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end research‑scale RNA production, including DNA template preparation, in vitro transcription, capping, polyadenylation or encoded poly(A) strategies, purification, concentration, buffer exchange, sterile handling, and storage.
• Develop, optimize, and standardize workflows for linear mRNA, while expanding capabilities for circular RNA, self‑amplifying RNA, and other emerging RNA formats as program needs evolve.
• Design and evaluate RNA sequence and chemistry variables, including untranslated regions, coding‑sequence optimization, poly(A) architecture, cap structures, and modified nucleotides, to improve expression, stability, and tolerability.
• Establish fit‑for‑purpose RNA quality‑control methods and acceptance criteria for identity, concentration, purity, integrity, size distribution, capping efficiency, poly(A) characteristics, residual DNA, double‑stranded RNA, endotoxin, bioburden where appropriate, and functional activity.
• Operate, maintain, qualify, and troubleshoot research instruments used for RNA production and analysis, including liquid‑handling systems, chromatography and tangential‑flow filtration platforms, capillary electrophoresis, high‑performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, fluorometric assays, and quantitative or digital PCR systems.
• Partner closely with LNP formulation scientists to define RNA input specifications, assess compatibility with formulation processes, support RNA encapsulation, and determine how payload quality affects encapsulation efficiency, particle attributes, expression, and biological activity.
• Develop data packages and documentation that enable comparability across RNA lots, constructs, production methods, and LNP formulations.
• Lead investigations of failed or variable RNA and LNP experiments, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Independently generate hypotheses, design experiments, analyze results, and recommend clear next steps for platform and program teams.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, cell biologists, formulation scientists, analytical scientists, automation experts, and in vivo teams to advance RNA‑LNP programs for cancer therapies.
• Maintain rigorous electronic records, methods, reagent inventories, instrument logs, and safe laboratory practices; contribute to scalable and transferable workflows.
• Mentor junior scientists and serve as a technical resource for RNA design, manufacturing, analytics, and troubleshooting.

Basic Qualifications

Doctorate in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, RNA Biology, or a related field

OR

Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience

OR

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, RNA Biology, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience
• Demonstrated experience applying RNA payload expertise within LNP formulation, encapsulation, or another nucleic acid delivery platform.
• Depth in one or more advanced RNA areas, such as circular or self‑amplifying RNA, modified nucleotides, cap chemistry, untranslated‑region engineering, RNA structure, or innate immune sensing.
• Experience scaling or automating RNA production and purification workflows using chromatography, tangential‑flow filtration, design of experiments, or related process‑development approaches.
• Experience establishing specifications, reference standards, qualified assays, method‑transfer packages, or comparability strategies for research‑stage RNA products.
• Ability to connect RNA critical quality attributes with cell‑based expression, potency, tolerability, or durability readouts.
• Experience supporting cell therapy, in vivo cell engineering, oncology, or other cancer‑focused research programs.
• Evidence of scientific impact through publications, patents, technology development, or leadership of an RNA therapeutics, drug‑delivery, or molecular‑engineering platform.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

The salary range for this position is: $146,540.00 - $189,640.00. 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.

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.

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

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.