Sr Director, Analytical Operations

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 fulfil their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.

We are looking for a Sr Director, Analytical Operations to join our team at our Kite headquarters in Santa Monica, CA.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Lead Analytical activities in support of engineered T cell products, including oversight of cross functional team
• Design, develop, execute and document analytical method development and qualification in support of process development, product release and stability, and product characterization of T cell therapies in Process Development
• Identify, develop and implement appropriate analytical technologies and methods to study and characterize processes for production of T cell therapies, including process improvements and efficiencies
• Lead and implement quality by design (QbD) and design of experiment (DOE) approaches to method development to quickly identify robust operating regions within phase-appropriate pre-defined acceptance criteria aimed to meet ICH guidelines
• Lead analytical laboratory staff in the selection, design and implementation of novel analytical methods, including FACS/flow cytometry, with emphasis on automation and high throughput technologies Manage method and analytical technology transfers to/ from contract testing labs and Kite facilities as appropriate
• Lead the analytical arm of OOS investigations, deviations and CAPAs
• Ensure standard operating procedures, analytical test methods, analytical sampling plans, batch records, and monitoring, trending and improvement process for all Kite analytical methods meet the highest industry standard
• Draft and review of CMC sections and supporting documents for Regulatory filings. Participate in PAI, defend regulatory audits and draft responses
• Responsible for personnel recruitment, development and retention
• Ensure a collaborative work environment with key client groups in Research, Quality, Manufacturing and Process Development to support analytical method and process development as well as the characterization of Kite's T cell products; e.g. lead maturation of research analytical methodology into Development and GMP, and analytical method technology transfer to and from Kite partners

Basic Qualifications:

• Doctorate and 12+ years of biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry leadership experience OR
• Master's and 12+ years of biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry leadership experience OR
• Bachelor's and 14+ years of biotech and/or pharmaceutical industry leadership experience

Preferred qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or related discipline
• Proven leadership ability in pharmaceutical manufacturing of biotechnology products, aseptic processing, cell therapy products, analytical method development, technology transfer, and method qualification/validation and process development
• Proven ability to work with both subordinate staff and corporate senior leadership team
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to lead a diverse, expert technical staff team with attention to detail, to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem solving skills, and work with and lead others
• Expertise with analytical method development and qualification and analysis of cell therapy products Well versed in various analytical techniques such as FACS, ELISAs, PCR, FTIR, UV and Fluorescence spectroscopy, enzyme assays and other applicable methods to the testing of biopharmaceuticals, preferred.
• Excellent understanding of cellular processes and metabolism and experience working with human primary cells, including T cells, and flow cytometry
• Knowledge of QbD approaches to analytical method development including risk assessment, DOE, and statistical analysis
• Strong knowledge of technical writing for BLA, IND
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and other applications
• Ability to function efficiently and independently in a changing environment
• Comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities

The salary range for this position is: $221,000.00 - $286,000.00. 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.