Principal Scientist, Biology

Gilead Sciences•Foster City, CA

16h

About The Position

The Virology Department is seeking a highly motivated scientific leader to join our herpesvirus research team and help drive antiviral drug discovery programs targeting viruses associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as viruses relevant to immunocompromised populations. The successful candidate will advance established as well as new programs, evaluate emerging antiviral concepts, mentor scientists, and remain directly involved in experimental design, assay execution, data interpretation, and troubleshooting. This position offers the opportunity to shape Gilead’s growing antiviral portfolio in a fast-paced, collaborative, and well-resourced environment.

Requirements

BS virology, immunology, microbiology, or a related discipline with 10+ years of relevant research experience.
OR MS virology, immunology, microbiology, or a related discipline with 8+ years of relevant research experience.
OR PhD virology, immunology, microbiology, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant research experience.
Demonstrated expertise in virology with a record of independently advancing complex research through high-quality experimental design, execution, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
Experience mentoring or supervising lab-based scientists

Nice To Haves

Postdoctoral training in virology, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related discipline with 6+ years of relevant industry experience is strongly preferred
Expertise in herpesviruses, immunology, and a broad understanding of viral diseases associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and/or immunocompromised patients.
Experience in drug discovery and/or preclinical development is a plus
Extensive hands-on experience with assay development and cell-based virology, including viral infection models and antiviral potency assays.
Proven ability to design and execute scientific studies, interpret complex datasets, identify key risks and opportunities, and drive project decisions.
Demonstrated impact in antiviral drug discovery through program advancement, peer-reviewed publications, patents, regulatory contributions, and/or successful development of new technologies or approaches.
Strong leadership, mentoring, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work influence cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

Provide scientific and technical leadership for antiviral discovery programs, advancing initiatives from identification through candidate selection and progression
Lead the design and execution of in vitro virology studies, maintaining hands-on involvement in key cell-based assays, mechanistic studies, data interpretation, and resolution of complex scientific and technical challenges.
Identify and address critical scientific questions by evaluating novel antiviral targets, therapeutic concepts, technologies, disease models, and assays that strengthen scientific understanding and accelerate decision-making.
Serve as a scientific leader on cross-functional teams, providing strategic guidance on data interpretation, project direction, priorities, risks, trade-offs, and next steps.
Mentor and develop scientists, maintain high standards for experimental rigor and laboratory practices, and foster an inclusive, collaborative, and accountable research culture.
Communicate scientific insights effectively to project teams and senior leadership, and contribute to scientific publications, patents, regulatory submissions, and external presentations.