Kalif Shear

About Kalif Shear

I am a dedicated and results-driven scientist specializing in analytical method development for T-cell therapies, with a strong foundation in flow cytometry, molecular biology, and preclinical immunology. With hands-on experience developing, qualifying, and transferring flow cytometry–based methods to support the release and regulatory submission (IND/BLA) of cell therapy products, I bring a deep understanding of the analytical rigor and translational relevance required to advance breakthrough therapies from bench to bedside.As a Subject Matter Expert across diverse flow cytometry instruments (CytoFLEX, FACSCanto, Accellix) and software platforms (FlowJo, FACSDiva, CytExpert), I’ve led the design and validation of assays that quantify vector copy number, transduction efficiency, and immunophenotypic markers essential for T-cell product characterization. My background includes algorithm development, data modeling using SQL, and scripting in JMP/JSL, R, and Python—skills that enable high-throughput, reproducible insights from complex biological datasets.I thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional environments where I can translate scientific discovery into scalable solutions. Whether developing robust in vitro assays, executing preclinical in vivo studies, or crafting technical documentation and presentations for diverse stakeholders, I am driven by a shared mission to make cell therapies safer, more effective, and accessible to patients in need.

Experience

1. Senior Associate Scientist

   Kite Pharma

   Feb 2025 — Present

   Perform flow cytometry based analytical method development and qualification to enable product release of Kite’s T cell therapies• Develop vector titer method(VCN, transduction % quantification)• Develop and perform validation and robustness testing• Execute and support tech transfer of in-house flow cytometry method • Support IND and BLA submissions• SME in a broad array of flow cytometry platforms, including: CytoFLEX S, CytoFLEX LX, FACSCanto, FACSLyric, Accellix• SME in a broad array of flow cytometry analysis software platforms, including: FlowJo, CytExpert, FACSDiva, FCS Express• Design, plan, conduct, document, analyze and interpret preclinical in vivo studies in support of multiple programs, based on plan, project timelines and goals• Perform data analysis of scientific data sets using JMP• Prepared and delivered expansive data presentations to communicate to a diverse cross-functional audience• Algorithm design/support to facilitate flow cytometry data analysis• Data modeling using SQL• Write JMP/JSL scripts using SAS, Python, R, to perform analyses and visualizations of scientific data• Draft, run, and facilitate development reports, SOPs, and study plans to support Kite and project goals• Provide mechanistic data from pre-clinical mouse studies and/or in vitro cell-based assays, utilizing flow cytometry, molecular biology, or other analytical techniques through the characterization of immune parameters such as cell expansion, distribution and phenotype, cytokine profile, from ex vivo sample

Education

• The George Washington University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Molecular Biology

  2014 — 2017