Executive Director, Viral Vector Process Development

Gilead Sciences

Exec Director accountable for viral vector development at Kite Pharma. Leading technical strategies and cross-functional initiatives for cancer therapies and patient outcomes in California.

Posted 7/16/2026full-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, with a strong focus on lentiviral vector design and process scale-up for cell and gene therapy. Proven leadership in building and managing high-performing teams within the viral vector development space.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Biochemical EngineeringViral Vector DevelopmentLentiviral Vector DesignProcess Scale-UpCell Therapy Program Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Viral Vector ManufacturingAnalytical Characterization StrategiesTechnology TransferEnd-To-End Development ExperienceGene Therapy Expertise

Soft Skills

LeadershipTeam Building

Industry Keywords

Cell TherapyCAR-TViral Vector PlatformsCommercial ScaleClinical Scale

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Accountable for technical strategy for viral vector platforms across clinical and commercial scale
Provide deep expertise in lentiviral vector (LVV) design
Lead viral vector process development
Drive process scale-up and technology transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing sites
Ensure viral vector development decisions are optimized across the full cell therapy value chain
Contribute to integrated product development
Provide leadership oversight for viral vector development laboratories
Build, lead, and scale a high-performing viral vector development organization

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)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Discretionary annual bonus
Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives
Paid time off
Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans