Semsi Ensari, PhD Kite Pharma

Currently, Semsi Ensari is a Senior Director at Kite Pharma leading Process Technology and Materials Development team which is responsible to develop and evaluate new technology, materials, and process automation for introduction into clinical and commercial manufacturing of cell and gene therapies. Previously, Semsi built and led a team of Southern California MSAT leads in support of clinical and commercial manufacturing of cell therapy and viral vector manufacturing operations. Prior joining Kite, Semsi held positions with increasing responsibilities in Research, Process Development and Manufacturing at Schering-Plough, Ambrx, and Genentech. Over the course of 20 years of service, Semsi has a proven track record in successfully developing, implementing and maintaining processes for clinical and commercial production of cell and gene therapies, therapeutic proteins, and antibodies. Semsi holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Bogazici University in Turkey, Master’s and PhD in Biochemical Engineering from University of California, Irvine.