Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering (Wet Lab–Focused, ML Enabled)

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Job Description

We are seeking a highly productive and innovative Senior Scientist Protein Engineering (Wet LabFocused ML Enabled) to join Kite Research. This role is designed for a senior level individual contributor who excels in hands on protein engineering and binder optimization and who effectively integrates computational and machine learningguided design into experimental workflows to accelerate discovery.

The Senior Scientist will be a core execution engine within Discovery driving binder identification and optimization through high throughput wet lab experimentation while partnering closely with computational colleagues to translate in silico ideas into experimentally validated designs. This role requires sustained bench level excellence scientific creativity and the ability to advance multiple fast moving programs simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

Wet Lab Protein Engineering & Binder Optimization (Primary Focus)

• Design build and experimentally validate protein binders using display based discovery and optimization methods.

• Execute and optimize affinity maturation scaffold engineering and property optimization workflows (e.g. binding function specificity developability).

• Apply target specific protein engineering strategies including exploration of non canonical scaffolds or architectures when standard approaches are insufficient.

• Independently plan and execute complex experimental campaigns generating high quality decision ready data.

High Throughput Experimental Execution

• Drive high volume cloning expression and screening efforts across multiple concurrent Discovery programs.

• Serve as a reliable experimental backbone for priority programs balancing speed rigor and reproducibility.

• Rapidly iterate designs based on experimental feedback to accelerate learning cycles.

Integration of ML Guided & In Silico Design (Supporting Focus)

• Collaborate closely with computational and ML scientists to experimentally test ML designed libraries and constructs.

• Translate in silico designs into wet lab ready constructs and provide experimental feedback to refine models.

• Contribute experimental insight that helps benchmark validate and improve computational design approaches.

Program Contributions & Scientific Collaboration

• Contribute to multiple Discovery programs concurrently in this central experimental role contributing from early binder discovery through optimization.

• Integrate multiple experimental modalities (e.g. phage display yeast display functional cell based assays) into cohesive discovery strategies.

• Work cross functionally with Cell Biology and Translational teams to ensure binder properties align with downstream requirements.

Workflow Improvement & Knowledge Sharing

• Identify and implement improvements that increase experimental efficiency robustness or throughput.

• Share best practices and technical insights through close collaboration and informal mentorship.

• Contribute to a culture of execution excellence and continuous improvement within Discovery.

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

• Masters degree in Molecular Biology Cell Biology Virology Bioengineering or a related field with 6 years of relevant scientific experience
  OR

• Bachelors degree in Molecular Biology Cell Biology Virology Bioengineering or a related field with 8 years of relevant scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Protein Science Biochemistry Structural Biology Bioengineering or a closely related discipline with 2 years of related experience

• Strong hands on experience in protein engineering binder discovery or directed evolution

• Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex high throughput experimental workflows

• Experience integrating computational or ML guided designs into wet lab experiments

• Familiarity with display technologies (phage yeast) and functional screening assays

• Track record of exceptional experimental productivity across multiple discovery efforts

• Experience contributing directly to programs advancing toward development

• Strong scientific communication skills and collaborative mindset

Attributes for Success

• Exceptionally strong bench level execution and experimental intuition

• Comfortable translating computational ideas into experimental reality

• Creative problem solver for difficult targets and engineering challenges

• Highly organized resilient and effective in fast paced discovery environments

• Trusted collaborator whose experimental output materially advances team success

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 systems ability to recognize and kill tumors. Kite is based in Santa Monica CA. For more information on Kite please visit . Sign up to follow @KitePharma on Twitter at jobs in the United States:

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