Associate Scientist – Protein Sciences

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Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to support our Protein Sciences team. This individual will contribute as a hands-on laboratory scientist executing protein production purification and analytical workflows that support multiple CAR-T and cell therapy programs.

This is a 100% bench-focused individual contributor role. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists across Protein Science and Research to generate high-quality data and reagents while contributing to efficient laboratory operations and experimental execution.

Key Responsibilities

Protein Production & Purification

• Execute recombinant protein expression and purification workflows across multiple expression systems (e.g. mammalian cell culture transient transfections)

• Perform protein purification using AKTA chromatography systems (affinity SEC ion exchange)

• Maintain cell cultures and support transfection workflows

Analytical Characterization

• Perform biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins and antibodies including:

  • SDS-PAGE and Western blot

  • UPLC/HPLC-based purity assessment

  • Binding assays (e.g. Octet/BLI)

• Document and summarize experimental data clearly to support team decision-making

Protein Modification & Assay Support

• Perform antibody and protein conjugation workflows with appropriate analytical follow-up

• Prepare reagents and materials to support downstream functional assays (e.g. flow cytometry or cell-based assays in collaboration with Cell Biology partners)

Lab Operations & Execution

• Maintain organized lab practices including reagents consumables and shared equipment

• Ensure accurate experimental documentation in electronic lab notebooks and LIMS

• Follow established SOPs and contribute to maintaining reproducibility and data quality standards

Collaboration

• Work closely with cross-functional partners to execute experiments aligned with defined protocols and timelines

• Communicate experimental progress and results effectively to project teams

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree (MD PharmD PhD)
  OR

• Masters degree with 4 years of relevant scientific experience
  OR

• Bachelors degree with 6 years of relevant scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Biochemistry Molecular Biology Protein Science or related field

• 24 years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience in academic or industry settings

• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification workflows

• Hands-on experience with AKTA systems and chromatography methods

• Familiarity with protein characterization techniques (SDS-PAGE HPLC BLI/Octet etc.)

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfections

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality data generation and documentation

• Ability to follow protocols troubleshoot at the experiment level and work effectively in a fast-paced lab environment

Key Characteristics for Success in This Role

• Strong hands-on bench execution skills

• High level of organization and reproducibility

• Ability to independently execute experiments with appropriate controls

• Collaborative mindset and willingness to support team priorities

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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