Director, Medical Affairs Research

Gilead Sciences•Foster City, CA

About The Position

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference. Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. 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 Gilead and help create possible, together. At Gilead our pursuit of a healthier world for all people has yielded a cure for hepatitis C, revolutionary improvements in HIV treatment and prevention as well as advancements in therapies for viral and inflammatory diseases and certain cancers. We set and achieve bold ambitions in our fight against the world’s most devastating diseases, united in our commitment to confronting the largest public health challenges of our day and improving the lives of patients for generations to come. As the Director, Medical Affairs Research – Oncology, you will serve as a senior research lead within Oncology Medical Affairs, responsible for defining and executing medical affairs led evidence generation across the oncology portfolio. This role will be used to hire multiple Directors with complementary methodological expertise. Directors in this role must bring deep expertise in one or more of the following methodological areas: interventional (Phase 4 and collaborative) research, observational / real‑world evidence research, and implementation science. While each Director is expected to anchor in at least one primary area of expertise, all will collaborate closely to deliver integrated, fit‑for‑purpose evidence aligned to Integrated Evidence Plans (IEPs).

Requirements

Demonstrated scientific credibility and thought leadership in oncology research
Experience serving as major contributing author on manuscripts, abstracts, or scientific congress submissions.
Strong strategic thinking with ability to translate complex evidence gaps into actionable research plans
Proven ability to influence and collaborate across complex, matrixed organizations
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to operate effectively in a global environment
High standards of integrity, accountability, and commitment to compliant scientific exchange
Advanced scientific or medical degree (e.g., PhD, PharmD, MD, MPH) required.
Demonstrated history of scientific publications and/or authorship in peer‑reviewed journals within the candidate’s primary area of methodological expertise (interventional clinical research, observational / real‑world evidence, and/or implementation science).
Typically, 10+ years of experience in oncology research, medical affairs, or related pharmaceutical or academic settings.
Significant experience leading late‑phase research, including Phase 4, collaborative, and Medical Affairs‑led studies.
Strong understanding of regulatory, ethical, and compliance requirements governing Medical Affairs research activities.
Bachelor's Degree and Twelve Years’ Experience OR Masters' Degree and Ten Years’ Experience OR PhD, PharmD, MD, MPH and Eight Years’ Experience

Nice To Haves

Expertise in multiple areas is strongly preferred.
Interventional Research: Expertise in Phase 4 interventional trial design and conduct, including protocol development, feasibility assessment, execution oversight, and collaboration with academic and cooperative research groups.
Observational / Real‑World Evidence Research: Expertise in observational study design and analysis, including use of real‑world data sources such as claims, EHRs, registries, and linked datasets, with strong understanding of epidemiologic and methodological rigor.
Implementation Science Research: Expertise in implementation science frameworks and mixed‑methods research, focused on translating evidence into real-world oncology practice, addressing care gaps, and driving adoption and sustainability.

Responsibilities

Lead Oncology Medical Affairs Research strategy aligned to Integrated Evidence Plans across assets and disease areas
Provide scientific leadership for late‑phase oncology research, selecting and applying appropriate methodologies based on evidence gaps
Serve as Medical Affairs Study Lead (MASL) for Gilead‑sponsored and collaborative research studies
Define research questions and guide protocol development for interventional, observational, and/or implementation science studies
Oversee a portfolio of Oncology MAR studies, ensuring scientific rigor, operational feasibility, governance, and compliance
Influence cross‑functional partners across Development, HEOR, Commercial, Safety, and external stakeholders
Build and sustain external scientific partnerships including academic investigators, cooperative groups, data partners, and health systems
Translate study findings into scientific communications such as abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations
Provide mentorship and scientific leadership within Oncology Medical Affairs to strengthen research capability
Ensure adherence to regulatory, legal, and business conduct standards governing Medical Affairs research

Benefits

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.
For additional benefits information, visit: https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

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