Sr Research Associate, Cell Biology

  • Kite Pharma
  • Santa Monica, California
  • Full Time

Were 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. Weve 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

Kite is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Senior Research Associate to join our automation core team focused on developing next-generation cancer immunotherapies. In this role, you will support the design and execution of in vitro assays, assist in the characterization of engineered T cells, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. This is a great opportunity to grow your skills and contribute to meaningful research in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Assist in the setup and execution of automation core laboratory assays to support cancer immunotherapy research.

  • Maintain and utilize automated laboratory equipment, such as automated liquid handlers, reagent dispensers, plate washers, and plate readers.

  • Perform phenotypic and functional analyses of engineered T cells under supervision.

  • Help develop and troubleshoot T cell functional assays with guidance from senior scientists.

  • Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using standard software tools.

  • Create data analysis solutions for visualization and interpretation of experimental results.

  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory procedures and results.

  • Collaborate with team members across departments to support ongoing research projects.

  • Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on experimental design and results.

  • Taking charge of routine tasks relating to laboratory operations as assigned by the laboratory manager (e.g. organization and maintenance of lab supplies).

  • Other duties as assigned.


Basic Qualifications
  • Relevant scientific experience in the field of (tumor) immunology and T cell immunology

  • Masters degree and 0+ years of scientific experience; OR

  • Bachelors degree and 2+ years of scientific experience; OR

  • Associate degree and 4+ years of scientific experience; OR

  • High School diploma and 5+ years relevant experience


Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience (academic or industry) in any of the following areas is a plus: c ell biology, immunology, or related areas.

  • Experience with basic lab techniques, such as cell culture, flow cytometry, or ELISA.

  • Additional experience with automated liquid handlers, cell-based assays, multi-color flow cytometry, and data analysis and visualization solutions, such as R, Spotfire, or Tableau.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and ability to communicate results to a diverse cross-functional audience.

  • Proactive, self-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills, appropriate sense of urgency and the ability to work independently.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with challenging workload and to quickly get acquainted with novel methods and approaches.

The salary range for this position is: $86,275.00 - $111,650.00. 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:

* 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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Gilead Sciences Inc. 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.

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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.

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For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.

Job ID: 481089430
Originally Posted on: 6/13/2025

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