Executive Director – Viral Vector Process Development

Gilead Sciences

Leading viral vector development and manufacturing support for cancer therapies at Kite. Overseeing technical strategy and cross-functional collaboration for optimized vector platforms.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeSanta Monica • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $255,425 - $330,550 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in viral vector development and manufacturing support, with a focus on lentiviral vector design, process development, and technology transfer for cell and gene therapy. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive innovations in vector productivity and robustness.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Viral Vector DevelopmentLentiviral Vector DesignProcess DevelopmentTechnology TransferCell Therapy Programs

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Viral Vector ManufacturingTransgene OptimizationUpstream Production SystemsDownstream PurificationAnalytical Characterization StrategiesCell Performance OptimizationCMC SustainabilityConstruct ArchitecturePromoter SelectionProcess Scale-Up

Soft Skills

LeadershipCollaborationCross-Functional Team Management

Certifications & Qualifications

PhD in Biochemical EngineeringPhD in Molecular BiologyPhD in VirologyMS in Related Field

Industry Keywords

Gene TherapyCell TherapyCAR-TViral Vector PlatformsManufacturing ReadinessTech TransfersEmerging Delivery TechnologiesLife Cycle ManagementProductivity ImprovementRobustness

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Accountable for technical strategy for viral vector platforms across clinical and commercial scale, including complex tech transfers, external manufacturing partnerships, and late-stage manufacturing readiness.
Provide deep expertise in lentiviral vector (LVV) design, including construct architecture, promoter selection, and transgene optimization
Lead viral vector process development, including: Upstream production systems (transient and stable), Downstream purification and recovery operations
Drive process scale-up and technology transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing sites (internal and external)
Oversee LVV life cycle management and manufacturing support capabilities
Lead initiatives to improve viral vector productivity, robustness, and cost of goods
Advance next-generation capabilities, including: In vivo viral vector development, Platform innovations and emerging delivery technologies
Ensure viral vector development decisions are optimized across the full cell therapy value chain, from transduction efficiency and cell performance to manufacturing robustness and CMC sustainability.
Partner closely with: Research to translate early concepts into developable and scalable vector designs, T cell process development to align vector performance with cellular outcomes, Analytical development to ensure appropriate characterization and control strategies.

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Virology, or related field with 15+ years of experience (or MS with 18+ years)
Extensive experience in viral vector development and manufacturing support for cell and/or gene therapy
Demonstrated expertise in LVV and/or RVV systems
End-to-end experience from early development through commercialization
Strong understanding of: Viral vector development across phases, Analytical characterization strategies, Manufacturing and tech transfer considerations for viral vector
Experience leading cell therapy programs (e.g., CAR-T)
Proven ability to lead in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
paid time off
discretionary annual bonus
discretionary stock-based long-term incentives