Scientist, RNA Biology

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 Kite is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to establish and advance robust capabilities for the design, production, purification, and quality control of research-grade RNA payloads used in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) discovery and development. This scientist will serve as a technical lead for RNA manufacturing and analytics, ensuring that high-quality RNA is available for formulation, encapsulation, and biological evaluation across targeted and non-targeted LNP programs. This is a hands-on laboratory role for a scientist who can independently develop and execute RNA workflows, troubleshoot complex technical issues, interpret multidimensional quality data, and translate findings into clear decisions. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in mRNA production and characterization, including RNA sequence design, nucleotide chemistry, purification, analytical methods, and fit-for-purpose release criteria. Experience with LNPs or other nucleic acid delivery systems is strongly preferred.   Job Responsibilities • Own end-to-end research-scale RNA production, including DNA template preparation, in vitro transcription, capping, polyadenylation or encoded poly(A) strategies, purification, concentration, buffer exchange, sterile handling, and storage. • Develop, optimize, and standardize workflows for linear mRNA, while expanding capabilities for circular RNA, self-amplifying RNA, and other emerging RNA formats as program needs evolve. • Design and evaluate RNA sequence and chemistry variables, including untranslated regions, coding-sequence optimization, poly(A) architecture, cap structures, and modified nucleotides, to improve expression, stability, and tolerability. • Establish fit-for-purpose RNA quality-control methods and acceptance criteria for identity, concentration, purity, integrity, size distribution, capping efficiency, poly(A) characteristics, residual DNA, double-stranded RNA, endotoxin, bioburden where appropriate, and functional activity. • Operate, maintain, qualify, and troubleshoot research instruments used for RNA production and analysis, including liquid-handling systems, chromatography and tangential-flow filtration platforms, capillary electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, fluorometric assays, and quantitative or digital PCR systems. • Partner closely with LNP formulation scientists to define RNA input specifications, assess compatibility with formulation processes, support RNA encapsulation, and determine how payload quality affects encapsulation efficiency, particle attributes, expression, and biological activity. • Develop data packages and documentation that enable comparability across RNA lots, constructs, production methods, and LNP formulations. • Lead investigations of failed or variable RNA and LNP experiments, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions and process improvements. • Independently generate h