Senior Associate Scientist, Analytical Ops — ELISA/PCR Lead

Gilead Sciences Inc.; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

discretionary annual bonus

discretionary stock-based long-term in

paid time off

a benefits package

company-sponsored medical

company-sponsored dental

company-sponsored vision

company-sponsored life insurance plans

Job summary

Kite Pharma in Santa Monica, CA is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist for Analytical Ops to design, execute, and troubleshoot PCR- and ELISA-based testing for cell therapy products across development stages. You will mentor junior colleagues and lead analytical tasks with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities include developing ELISA/PCR methods, troubleshooting instruments, data interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration while upholding ALCOA+ data integrity.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience with an MS degree in Chemistry, Biology or a related scientific field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience with a BA or BS degree in Chemistry, Biology or a related scientific field.
• 2+ years hands-on experience with qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, microbiology and cell-based assays.
• In-depth knowledge of ELISA or PCR method development, instruments, method controls and reagent inventory management systems.
• Proficiency with aseptic technique and general laboratory assays (cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology).
• Understanding of patient material, product and process characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop methods, techniques and evaluation criteria, and to interpret experimental results.
• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Smartsheet, Prism, JMP and other data analysis applications.
• Highly collaborative, with excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working with minimal direction in a fast-paced environment, adjusting to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute non-routine ELISA and/or PCR experiments to support process development and product characterization
• Develop, qualify, execute and document PCR methods to study and characterize processes used to produce T cell therapies
• Select appropriate methods and techniques, and develop and refine analytical methods and experimental approaches
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instruments; recommend alternatives and research new methods and techniques
• Analyze and interpret data using advanced analysis software; draw and defend scientific conclusions
• Support transfer of ELISA and/or PCR assays from method developers to the analytical testing group
• Perform reagent titration and lot-checking/verification, and maintain the proficiency testing database
• Review notebooks and verify data to uphold ALCOA+ principles and data integrity
• Author, review and edit technical documents, including validation protocols and reports and analytical development reports
• Lead improvement projects (e.g., Operational Excellence) within the team
• Serve as a technical resource: provide user training on instruments and sample analysis, and mentor and cross-train analysts on analytical methods
• Present results and conclusions in group meetings and communicate effectively with cross-functional partners

Job description

Kite Pharma in Santa Monica, CA is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist for Analytical Ops to design, execute, and troubleshoot PCR- and ELISA-based testing for cell therapy products across development stages. You will mentor junior colleagues and lead analytical tasks with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities include developing ELISA/PCR methods, troubleshooting instruments, data interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration while upholding ALCOA+ data integrity.