Research Associate - In Vivo Discovery

We’re 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. We’ve 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 fulfill their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our In Vivo Discovery team focused on developing targeted vectors to reprogram cells in vivo for the treatment of cancer. The Research Associate, Research Discovery role is an entry-level scientific professional who performs hands-on laboratory experiments as part of a research team. Working under close supervision from experienced scientists, this individual executes routine experimental procedures and simple to moderately complex assays, following established protocols and good laboratory practices to ensure reliable results. This individual may also support the execution of small animal model studies to evaluate experimental constructs and connect mechanistic findings to in vivo outcomes. The Research Associate systematically collects and analyzes data with guidance, maintains clear and thorough documentation of experiments, and communicates findings to support ongoing projects. This role emphasizes building core laboratory skills and scientific understanding, adaptability in learning new techniques, and collaboration within a team-oriented research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and perform assigned laboratory experiments of simple to moderate complexity under close supervision, following established protocols and procedures to obtain reliable results.

• Support hands-on in vivo mouse studies including routine animal handling, dosing/injections (e.g., intravenous tail vein and intraperitoneal, as applicable), IVIS imaging support, blood collection, tissue harvest/dissection, and sample processing in accordance with approved protocols and SOPs.

• Execute routine experimental tasks accurately and consistently after proper training, adhering to good laboratory practices and all safety guidelines.
• Identify and troubleshoot basic technical issues during experiments, implementing minor adjustments independently and seeking guidance from experienced scientists for more complex problems.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data to recognize trends or outcomes, contributing to data interpretation with input from experienced team members.
• Maintain detailed and organized laboratory records (electronic laboratory notebooks, data logs) to document procedures, observations, and results clearly and thoroughly. Assist in preparing technical summaries or presentations to communicate findings to the team and supervisors.
• Work collaboratively with research team members and communicate progress regularly to supervisors and project leads, ensuring alignment with project goals and incorporating feedback into ongoing work.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols and quality standards, helping to maintain a clean, safe, and compliant lab environment.
• Demonstrate adaptability by learning new experimental techniques or operating new instrumentation with guidance and continuously improve skills through feedback and practice.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented lab culture by being reliable and proactive, offering assistance to colleagues and helping to train new team members on basic laboratory procedures when needed.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary human cells using sterile technique in a biosafety cabinet.
• Occasional weekend work might be required.

Basic Requirements

• High School Degree and 3 years of relevant experience

OR

•  Associates and 2 years of relevant experience

OR

• Bachelor’s

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid foundation in biological sciences and basic laboratory techniques, with the ability to perform routine experimental procedures and follow protocols with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Familiarity with basic data analysis methods; able to process experimental data and use common software tools (e.g., spreadsheets, graphing programs) to summarize and visualize results.
• Excellent documentation and record-keeping skills to maintain clear and thorough electronic lab notebooks and records of experiments, observations, and outcomes.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal) to effectively report experimental results and observations to team members and supervisors.
• Knowledge of and commitment to laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices, ensuring quality and compliance in all experimental activities.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet project deadlines.
• Collaborative working style and a positive team-oriented attitude, with a willingness to work closely with colleagues, share knowledge, and contribute to team goals.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to new techniques or equipment, with an openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related life science field
• 0–2 years of hands-on laboratory research experience in an academic or industry setting (this may include internships or co-op experience).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and primary cells is suggested.
• Prior experience with lentiviral vector production and flow cytometry is preferred.

• Prior experience mouse handling and interventions including intravenous (tail vein) and intraperitoneal injections are preferred.

• Experience in a collaborative research environment (academic lab, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical setting) is a plus, demonstrating ability to work effectively in team-driven projects.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to high quality data generation.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Prism, and other programs to create and distribute reports and key information.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work onsite in a laboratory environment.

The salary range for this position is: $74,715.00 - $96,690.00. 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:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* 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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Kite Pharma 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 [email protected] for assistance.

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Kite Pharma will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the  legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.
 

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