Protein Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist to join the Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization group within Kite Research. This role is primarily bench-focused and execution-driven, with a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory support for high-throughput protein expression, purification, and analytical characterization.
The Associate Scientist will be a critical contributor to discovery and optimization programs, serving as a reliable experimental operator who enables scale, speed, and data quality across multiple protein engineering efforts. This position is well-suited for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced research environment, values rigor and reproducibility, and is excited to build deep technical expertise in protein production and analytics.
Key Responsibilities
High-Throughput Protein Expression & Purification (Primary Focus)

• Execute high-throughput cloning, expression, and purification of recombinant proteins and binders across multiple formats (e.g., bacterial, mammalian, or yeast systems, as applicable).
• Perform parallelized small-scale and mid-scale protein production to support binder discovery and optimization workflows.
• Prepare purified proteins for downstream applications, ensuring appropriate quality, concentration, and documentation.
• Rigorously track samples, constructs, and yields using electronic lab notebooks and sample management systems.

Protein Characterization & Analytics

• Perform routine and advanced protein analytical assays, such as SDS-PAGE, SEC, ELISA, and concentration/quality assessments.
• Support binding and functional characterization efforts (e.g., sample preparation for SPR/BLI, cell-based assays, or functional screens).
• Assess protein quality, stability, and suitability for downstream assays; flag issues and propose troubleshooting steps.

Experimental Execution in Discovery Programs

• Provide consistent, high-quality experimental execution in support of binder discovery, optimization, and validation campaigns.
• Work from protocols while developing the technical judgment to recognize deviations, failures, or optimization opportunities.
• Generate clear, reproducible, and decision-ready experimental data that feeds directly into program workflows.

Workflow Support & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the robustness and scalability of protein production and analytical workflows.
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, reproducibility, or data quality through protocol refinement and standardization.
• Maintain well-organized lab spaces, reagents, and shared resources to support efficient team operation.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate closely with Scientists and computational partners within the larger Protein Science team
• Communicate experiment status, results, and issues clearly in team discussions and written records.
• Engage constructively with cross-functional partners (e.g., Cell Biology, Translational teams) as needed for sample handoff and assay support.

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant scientific experience
  OR
• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, Bioengineering, or a related discipline
• Hands-on laboratory experience in recombinant protein expression and purification
• Demonstrated ability to execute repetitive, high-throughput wet-lab workflows with accuracy and consistency
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and experimental traceability
• Experience with parallelized or automated protein expression/purification workflows
• Familiarity with common protein analytics and characterization methods (e.g., SEC, ELISA, biophysical assays)
• Experience working in electronic lab notebooks and sample/LIMS systems
• Prior experience supporting protein engineering, antibody, or binder discovery programs

Attributes for Success

• Highly reliable experimental executor who takes pride in high-quality bench work
• Organized, methodical, and comfortable managing multiple samples and workflows in parallel
• Learns quickly from feedback and adapts to evolving experimental needs
• Collaborative team member who enables the productivity of Scientists and program teams
• Motivated to build deep technical expertise in protein expression, purification, and analytics within a discovery research environment

This role will report into the Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization group complementing it through strong bench-level execution and experimental scale.
The salary range for this position is: $109,650.00 - $141,900.00. 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.
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