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
