Join Kite Pharma
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.
Job Description
The US Medical Senior Director, MA Evidence Generation at Kite Pharma, a Gilead Company, will provide scientific and strategic leadership for the design, execution, and interpretation of medical evidence generation activities supporting Kite's portfolio of innovative cell therapies. This role is central to shaping Kite's evidence ecosystem, driving innovation, and supporting and aligning priorities within the Integrated Evidence Generation Plan balancing regional and global medical strategies. The ideal candidate is an experienced clinical leader with extensive therapeutic expertise, a proven track record in collaborative trial design and management, and a passion for transforming patient outcomes.
Location
Santa Monica, CA (preferred) or Foster City, CA
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Evidence Planning
- Serve as a senior member of the Evidence Generation (EG) leadership team, co-driving the evolution of Kite's US evidence generation strategy and value proposition
- Support the development and execution of the Integrated Evidence Plan (IEP) for Kite assets in collaboration with the entire Evidence Generation Function, Global Medical Affairs Strategy and Product Teams
- Provide leadership to support the identification of critical evidence gaps and define the most appropriate research approaches (e.g., retrospective, prospective, interventional, RWE) to address the unmet needs
Study Oversight and Execution
Provide scientific and medical oversight for all Medical Affairs / Kite Sponsored Studies including interventional trials, non-interventional studies, and US Strategic AlliancesLead the development of clinical study concepts, protocols in collaboration with Medical and Clinical development teamsOversee the US Investigator-Sponsored Research (ISR) and Collaborative Research (CR) program within the evidence generation strategy, ensuring scientific merit, alignment with strategic priorities, and complianceServe as the Medical Monitor for assigned evidence generation studies, ensuring timely execution, data quality, and compliance with all relevant regulations (GCP, internal SOPs)Provide strategic oversight and clinical guidance to operational teams to ensure timely and impactful executionData Interpretation and Dissemination
Lead the medical review, interpretation, and communication of study results, including drafting publications, abstracts, posters, and internal / external presentationsServe as a medical expert for study data, engaging with internal and external stakeholders and external Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)Collaborate with Global Medical Strategy to ensure accurate and compliant dissemination of generated evidenceCross-Functional Collaboration and Compliance
Partner across Kite Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Translational Medicine, Regulatory Affairs, and Product Teams to build integrated cross-functional capabilitiesMentor and provide guidance to team members and cross-functional partners on evidence generation best practices, methodologies, and compliance requirementsEnsure all evidence generation activities are conducted in strict adherence to Kite / Gilead policies, local regulations, and the highest ethical standard and where necessary lead the development of the appropriate processes and systemsDesign and implement strategies to accelerate evidence generation through external platforms, technologies, and data-driven insightsRepresent the Evidence Generation function at core Kite governance bodies (e.g., Product Teams, Global Medical Teams, JSC), advising on external opportunities and informing and making strategic decisionsScientific Engagement
Champion medical innovation by integrating emerging scientific trends and technologies into US evidence generation strategiesLead external engagement efforts to enhance scientific credibility and foster meaningful partnerships with healthcare professionals and institutionsServe as a member of the central External Research Program screening / review committee and manage joint steering committees for strategic collaborationsQualifications
Required
MD or equivalent medical degreeMinimum of 5 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with at least 5 years in medical affairs, clinical development, or evidence generation rolesProven leadership in designing and managing clinical trials, including Phase IV and investigator-sponsored studiesUnderstanding of the cell therapy landscape, including regulatory and post-approval evidence needsPreferred
Experience in CAR-T or related advanced modalities (e.g., gene therapy, immuno-oncology)Demonstrated success in leading teams and cross-functional teams and external partnershipsStrong strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement and influencing skillsFamiliarity with digital platforms and real-world data methodologiesOther Requirements
Willingness to travel domestically up to 2030%Strong communication and stakeholder management skillsThe salary range for this position is : Other US Locations : $255,425 - $330,550. Bay Area : $281,010 - $363,660. 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.