Associate Scientist, Analytical Ops: Sample Management - Biotech

  • 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 Pharmas Analytical Development, Testing and Logistics (T&L) team is recruiting an Associate Scientist to support sample management, routine testing and other activities (e.g., LIMS maturation), as needed. The individual will report to the Manager of the Analytical Developments, Sample Management team, and will be responsible for management of storing materials, in-process samples and final products. The individual will also receive material from various departments and input proper documentation into our laboratory data management systems. In addition, this individual will conduct some routine testing, using various laboratory methods (e.g., ELISA, Molecular Biology), operational excellence and reagents. This role will require reporting on site, 5 days per week, and occasional weekend support will be required.

Responsibilities and Duties

Cryopreserve cell therapy samples from clinical trial and development programs

Inventory samples and retrieve samples for analytical testing

Work with different departments to create sample processing and sampling requirements

Support sample management for routine in-process testing

Perform data documentation to capture sample processing procedures and sample parameters

Perform cell counting/viability, data analysis, for cell samples

Provide training to team members on sample and inventory management systems

Draft/revise SOPs and work instructions for sample management activities

Project lead for improvement projects (i.e., Operational Excellence) within the team

Conduct some laboratory testing (e.g., ELISA, Molecular Biology)

Other responsibilities , as assigned

Onsite 5 days a week, and occasional weekend support will be required

Basic Qualifications:

4+ years of experience with a BA or BS degree in chemistry, biology, or related scientific field

2+ years of experience with MS degree in chemistry or biology, or related scientific field

Preferred Qualifications:

Proficiency with aseptic technique

Prior biological sample management experience, is a plus

Knowledge of general lab assays is required (e.g., Cell culture, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Molecular Biology), but hands-on experience is preferred

Ability to follow laboratory procedures, with attention to detail

Basic to intermediate understanding of sample collection, processing protocols, and shipping condition requirements

Experience with maintaining inventory, across multiple, critical equipment temperature-controlled units

Understanding of GxP requirements

Ability to think critically, and demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Meaningful organizational and record-keeping skills

Comfortable in an exciting environment , and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities

Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and willing to accept temporary responsibilities outside of the initial job description

Excellent interpersonal communication skills

Previous customer service experience, is a plus

Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is essential, and knowledge in LIMS systems (e.g., Benchling, Lab Vantage) and languages (e.g., R and Python), is a plus

The salary range for this position is: $99,705.00 - $129,030.00. 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: 480252714
Originally Posted on: 6/7/2025

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