Research Scientist – Molecular Biology

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 fulfil their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.

Job Description

Position Summary

Kite, a Gilead company, is a leader in engineered cell therapies focused on developing innovative cancer treatments. We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join the Molecular Biology group to support the design, generation, and evaluation of genetic constructs for engineered T cell therapies, including CAR-based modalities.

This is a laboratory-based, execution-focused role requiring strong technical expertise in molecular and cell biology. The successful candidate will contribute to construct generation, assay execution, and data analysis, while progressively developing independence in experimental design and planning. This role contributes to the generation of high-quality constructs and datasets that enable data-driven improvements in engineered T cell therapies, and provides opportunities to build expertise in construct design, scalable workflows, and expression biology within a collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

Molecular Biology & Experimental Execution

• Execute end-to-end cloning workflows to generate DNA constructs (e.g., CARs and engineered proteins) using manual and automated approaches, with attention to scalability and reproducibility

• Perform core molecular biology techniques, including:

  • PCR and DNA assembly (e.g., Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate, In-Fusion)

  • Site-directed mutagenesis

  • Plasmid preparation and sequence verification

• Apply established design principles related to vector architecture, coding sequence optimization, and protein domain organization

• Identify and implement improvements to throughput, robustness, and scalability, including use of automated liquid handling systems

• Maintain high standards for experimental rigor, documentation, and data quality

Cell Biology & Analytical Assays

• Support lentiviral vector-based workflows for T cell engineering

• Execute and analyze assays including:

  • Flow cytometry (expression and phenotype)

  • ddPCR / qPCR (e.g., vector copy number, transcript levels)

  • Western blotting (protein expression and integrity)

• Perform mammalian cell transfection

• Troubleshoot experimental challenges independently, escalating when appropriate

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Analyze experimental data to assess construct performance and identify trends

• Contribute to iterative improvement of construct designs and experimental workflows

• Maintain well-organized datasets to support reproducibility and cross-project learning

Collaboration & Communication

• Work effectively in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment

• Partner with scientists across teams to support construct design strategies and project execution

• Clearly communicate experimental plans, results, and technical challenges

• Adapt quickly to evolving priorities in a fast-paced research setting

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Virology, or related field
  OR

• MS with 2+ years, or BS with 4+ years of relevant industry experience

• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in molecular biology and cell-based assay execution

Required Technical Skills

• Strong experience with:

  • Molecular cloning and DNA assembly methods

  • PCR and site-directed mutagenesis

  • Plasmid design and sequence analysis

  • DNA design tools (e.g., Geneious, SnapGene, or similar)

• Proficiency in:

  • Flow cytometry

  • ddPCR and/or qPCR

  • Western blotting

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection

• Ability to independently execute well-defined experiments with strong attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with viral vector systems, particularly lentiviral platforms

• Exposure to T cell biology or cell therapy applications

• Familiarity with transgene expression design (e.g., regulatory elements, RNA features)

• Experience with laboratory automation and liquid handling systems

• Exposure to RNA structure prediction tools (e.g., NuFold, RhoFold, or similar)

• Experience with microscopy for protein expression analysis

• Familiarity with laboratory data systems (e.g., Benchling, Biovia, or similar)

• Exposure to computational or AI-assisted tools for sequence design or workflow automation

• Publication record demonstrating scientific rigor and contribution to research

 

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. Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kitepharma.
 

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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.

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

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.