Principal Scientist — Reference Standard & Critical Reagents Lead

Gilead Sciences • Foster City, CA

4d

About The Position

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 a Principal Scientist, Reference Standard & Critical Reagents Lead at Gilead you will be vital to the success of Clinical Biologics QC. Providing strategic leadership and overseeing daily operations for reference standards and critical reagents.

Requirements

• Experience with Biologics Quality Control with knowledge of industry best practices and trends for reference standards, stability and/or raw materials.
• In-depth understanding and application of GMP principles, concepts, practices and standards in the US and internationally.
• Must be able to develop and improve complex concepts, techniques, standards and new applications based on quality principles and theories.
• Must be able to develop solutions to complex problems, which require a high degree of ingenuity, creativity and innovation.
• Must be able to exercise judgment and independently determine and take appropriate action where precedent may not exist.
• Proven ability to work with senior management to develop and ensure the implementation of Company-wide long-term solutions.
• Demonstrated an ability to develop a vision for Quality Control functions and have shaped the capabilities of the function to fulfill that vision.
• Demonstrated the ability to influence process and outcomes across functions.
• 10+ Years’ experiences with BS, OR 8 + Years' experience with MS OR 5+ Years' experience and PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field.
• Deep knowledge and experience in Biologics quality control.
• Stays ahead of shifting trends in industry.
• Must think critically and creatively and be able to work independently to determine appropriate resources for resolution of problems.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Shows excellent verbal and written communication skills and collaborative interpersonal skills.
• Create Inclusion - knowing the business value of diverse teams, modeling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams.
• Develop Talent - understand the skills, experience, aspirations and potential of their employees and coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employees are receiving the feedback and insight needed to grow, develop and realize their purpose.
• Empower Teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives, and holding them to account. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the full lifecycle of reference standards and critical reagents (primary, secondary/working, interim, compendial, in‑house, impurity), from receipt and qualification through use, requalification, and retirement.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply and inventory control of qualified reference standards to support GMP testing and product release.
• Coordinate qualification and bridging studies for working standards against primary standards, ensuring complete documentation and traceability.
• Define and ensure appropriate storage, handling, monitoring, and shipping conditions for reference standards, including management of excursions.
• Author, review, and maintain GMP documentation such as SOPs, qualification/requalification protocols and reports, CoAs/CoCs, and standard preparation and issuance records.
• Maintain accurate records in electronic systems (e.g., LIMS, ELN, EDMS) in compliance with ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
• Provide technical input to assay qualification/validation and review test methods and release documentation involving reference standards.
• Review and manage deviations, OOS/OOT results, risk assessments, and CAPAs.
• Ensure inspection readiness and support internal and external audits.
• Author, review, and maintain GMP documentation, including protocols, reports, SOPs, deviations, change controls, CAPAs, and study closeout documentation.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with QC, CMC, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to support stability commitments, filings, and health authority responses.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree