Research Scientist – Molecular Biology

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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: $146540.00 - $189640.00. 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 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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