Vector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Job Description
Kite Pharma is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with deep expertise in lentiviral and viral vector technologies to support next-generation gene and cell therapy programs. The successful candidate will play a critical role in leading a vector core team to produce viral vectors on a regular basis supporting research activities throughout the organization. In addition, they will initiate and design experiments for the optimization, and characterization of viral delivery platforms. They will work cross-functionally interfacing with teams in discovery, analytical development and process development.
This role is ideal for a hands-on scientist who combines strong technical leadership with managerial and leadership skills who can drive complex projects in a fast-paced, collaborative biotech environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a vector core team to produce lenti and retroviral vectors supporting Research teams and activities in the organization.

• Lead experimental design and execution for lentiviral and viral vector-based gene delivery strategies supporting CAR-T, TCR-T, and emerging gene therapy modalities
• Exceptional record keeping and Lab information management system policy adherence

• Develop, optimize, and characterize viral vector production, for in vivo and ex vivo lentiviral systems
• Apply deep understanding of viral biology, vector engineering, and gene expression control to improve efficiency, safety, and scalability
• Serve as a technical expert for viral delivery, providing guidance to discovery, translational, and process development teams
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Research teams, core groups, analytical development, process development, and regulatory partners
• Interpret complex datasets, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and drive data-driven decision making
• Author technical reports, protocols, and contribute to IND-enabling documentation as needed
• Present results at internal forums and external scientific meetings
• Mentor direct reports and contribute to building best practices within the viral vector group

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience
  OR
• Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 6+ years of relevant scientific experience
  OR
• Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of relevant scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience
• Demonstrated, hands-on expertise in lentiviral vector design, optimization, production, and transduction
• Strong background in viral gene delivery for cell or gene therapy applications

• Strong leadership and managerial skills
• Proven ability to work in a highly matrixed environment
• Deep knowledge of mammalian cell culture, transfection/transduction methods, and molecular biology techniques (e.g., ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, ELISA)
• Proven ability to independently design and execute complex experiments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience supporting CAR-T or engineered cell therapy programs
• Knowledge of non-lentiviral viral systems (e.g., retroviral, AAV vectors)
• Experience with scale-up, process development, or tech transfer of viral vectors
• Experience with high throughput screening, automation, and use of liquid handers (Biomek, TECAN etc)
• Experience with viral vector producer cell line improvement and optimization strategies.
• Track record of publications, patents, or successful program contributions

Key Competencies

• Scientific rigor and experimental excellence
• Cross-functional collaboration and leadership
• Strategic thinking with attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, results-driven environment

The salary range for this position is: $169,320.00 - $219,120.00. 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 ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.
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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:
Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.