Scientist, Analytical Ops- Mass Spectrometry

About the role

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.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, Attribute Sciences Biophysical Characterization, the Scientist will apply mass spectrometry and proteomics technologies to assess product quality attributes, guide process development, and expand product knowledge for viral vector-based gene delivery platforms and T-cell therapies. The successful candidate will independently plan and execute studies, analyze and interpret data, and communicate results clearly to cross-functional partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute mass spectrometry studies to assess viral vector and cell therapy final-product attributes.
• Perform in-house studies on biological samples, including characterization of host cell proteins, post-translational modifications, and relative protein abundance.
• Develop and apply mass spectrometry methods, and troubleshoot instrumentation, sample preparation, and data-processing workflows.
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets and present conclusions and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Author, review, and edit technical documents, including study plans, SOPs, protocols, and reports.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and traceable experimental documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports.
• Collaborate with Cell and Vector Attribute Sciences teams to inform product-characterization and product-knowledge strategies that advance pipeline programs.
• Stay current with analytical platforms, cell and gene therapy industry practices, and emerging innovations relevant to viral vector and cell therapy products.
• Contribute to a safe, compliant, inclusive, and collaborative laboratory environment.

Level-Specific Scope

Scientist

• Technical execution: Independently plans and executes defined studies and method-development activities; applies established and emerging methods with sound scientific judgment.
• Data interpretation: Interprets results, identifies trends and limitations, and communicates scientifically sound conclusions.
• Project ownership: Owns assigned deliverables, timelines, documentation, and coordination with key partners.
• Technical influence: Shares expertise and contributes to team problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Communication: Presents results clearly and authors high-quality technical documentation.
• Basic Qualifications

Additional information

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline

• OR
• Master's degree with 4+ years of relevant experience
• OR
• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience applying mass spectrometry to proteomics and protein-characterization applications.
• Experience operating multiple mass spectrometry platforms and analyzing data generated from those systems.
• Experience with sample preparation and workflows for host cell protein profiling, post-translational modification characterization, and relative protein quantitation.
• Proficiency in interpreting and statistically analyzing large proteomics data sets using appropriate data-analysis software and workflows.
• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with viral vectors, biologics, cell therapy products, or other complex biological matrices.
• Experience with orthogonal particle characterization technologies, such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and imaging-based methods (e.g., electron microscopy or flow imaging) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of analytical development, method qualification, data integrity, and documentation expectations in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment.
• Highly collaborative, with strong interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Success in This Role

• Delivers scientifically rigorous studies and defensible conclusions that increase product and process understanding.
• Builds effective partnerships across analytical, process development, and program teams.
• Balances hands-on laboratory execution with high-quality data analysis, documentation, and communication.

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this position is: $133,195.00 - $172,370.00. 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.

Your Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act

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.

• 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.
• Kite Pharma provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.

For Current Kite Pharma Employees and Contractors

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.