Executive Director, Cell Biology - Head of Discovery Research

at  Kite Pharma

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are shaping a Discovery Research engine at Kite to strengthen innovation beyond CAR-T drug discovery. You will be responsible for defining and executing the strategy of cell therapy research as it relates to oncology and inflammation.
You will be developing and guiding at high levels, participating at the executive level, yet retaining the scientific expertise to be a subject matter expert in cancer immunology, solid tumor biology, leveraging human disease translational data to reverse translate to drug discovery strategies and a fundamental understanding of cellular engineering and T-cell biology. You will also create and effectively communicate plan and pull through strategy in a cross-functional, multi-disciplinary organization.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Doctorate and 14+ years of scientific experience
OR
Master’s and 14+ years of scientific experience
OR
Bachelor’s and 16+ years of scientific experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Expertise in the following areas:
• Oncology
• Cellular and molecular biology
• Adoptive cellular therapies
• Cellular immunology
• Cell engineering (viral and non-viral vectors)
• Clinical pharmacology
• Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent in biomedical sciences with focus in immunology. Dual degree M.D. Ph.D. preferred
• 20 years industry experience including R&D leadership track in organizations developing cell therapies in the immuno-oncology space
• Demonstrated leadership background in dynamic matrix-based organizations that manage or support multiple immunotherapy programs, with experience in shaping highly functional teams and managing multimillion dollar budgets. Experience with managing through organizational growth and change (mergers acquisitions, IPOs)
• Strategic leadership experience including product portfolio management, corporate development activities, partnerships, collaborations, scientific and management boards
• Deep familiarity with all stages of research and development of immune-oncology products, including aspects related to efficacy and toxicities of genetically engineered T cell therapies
• Knowledgeable about state-of-the-art bioanalytical methods including single cell analysis platforms evaluating immune cells, proteomic and genomic aspects of T cells and tumor microenvironment, major platform technologies utilized in immune-oncology
• Extensive relevant publication record including cancer immunology related (> 100 peer reviewed publications, abstracts, oral presentations, book chapters, monographs), issued patents and patent applications
• Recognized profile nationally and internationally, with leadership and chairmanship activities in major organizations in the immune-oncology field (eg. SITC, AACR, ASH, ASCO)
  The salary range for this position is: $295,290.00 - $382,140.00. 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.

The following are important components of this role – to either provide or ensure provided by the leadership organization to be built:

• As a member of the Kite Research Leadership team, contribute to the long-term vision and plan of Research
• Demonstrate meaningful directon, personal accountability and interpersonal skills, and capability for mentoring (direct reports and others)
• Provide strategic and technical, molecular immunology/ T-cell biology and molecular biology guidance
• Reverse translating human disease biology into drug discovery strategies
• Lead/ contribute to the establishment of methods to characterize and understand the impact of cell engineering steps on the genome, biology and function of CART cell products
• Utilize clinical information to create hypothesis and validate them mechanistically to develop safer and more effective therapeutics
• Lead / contribute to relevant and impactful innovation programs internally and external collaborations to enhance CART characterization technologies and work-processes, aligned with emerging business drivers and Regulatory expectations
• Maintain familiarity with the relevant current literature and its application to CART design
• Be responsible for rapidly reacting in case of serious adverse events or other clinical related findings, that warrant generation of a data package and recommendation to clinical development and regulatory affairs.
• Foster an environment and culture focused on scientific innovation
• Present data / plan to scientists and stakeholders in internal and external venues (technical meetings, Project Team meetings, conferences)