Scientist, Drug Metabolism

Gilead Sciences • Foster City, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Scientist, Drug Metabolism supports pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling across discovery and development, with an emphasis on large-molecule therapeutics, including biologics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and multispecific/T-cell engagers. The role applies mechanistic and translational modeling to support study design, human PK and dose predictions, and program decision-making. This is a site-based position at Gilead’s Foster City campus.

The scientist contributes to nonclinical study design and interpretation, quantitative DMPK strategies, translational modeling, dose selection, and first-in-human exposure predictions. The role also involves developing modeling and simulation workflows, communicating analyses and recommendations, supporting regulatory documents, and contributing quantitative modeling expertise to business development and licensing evaluations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. with 0 or more years of post-graduate industry experience in PK, drug metabolism, pharmaceutics, or a related field, focused on quantitative PK/PD modeling; alternatively, a master’s degree with 4 or more years of post-graduate industry experience in one of these fields with that focus.
• Strong foundation in PK/PD principles and mathematical modeling, including knowledge of large-molecule disposition, TMDD, target engagement, and translational PK.
• Experience with mechanistic PK/PD and multi-compartmental modeling.
• Proficiency in Phoenix/WinNonlin, MATLAB/SimBiology, R, GastroPlus, or equivalent tools.
• Ability to design and interpret modeling workflows, draw conclusions from quantitative analyses, and clearly communicate results to diverse audiences.
• Experience applying AI to model building and/or automation of modeling workflows.
• Intellectual curiosity and interest in advances in biologics DMPK and quantitative modeling.
• Evidence of scientific contributions through publications, presentations, and/or professional activities.

Nice To Haves

• Degree concentration in engineering or pharmacology.
• Experience with large-molecule therapeutics, including biologics, ADCs, multispecific antibodies/T-cell engagers, or other protein therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Provide PK and PK/PD modeling support across discovery and development, particularly for large molecules such as biologics, ADCs, and multispecific/T-cell engager therapeutics.
• Contribute to the design and interpretation of nonclinical PK, toxicology, and pharmacology studies.
• Work with interdisciplinary project teams on quantitative DMPK strategies and apply modeling approaches to program questions and decision-making.
• Develop and apply mechanistic PK/PD models to address translational questions, support dose selection, and predict first-in-human exposures, including large-molecule PK, TMDD, target engagement, and nonlinear disposition.
• Develop and apply modeling and simulation workflows for nonclinical study design and data interpretation, incorporating AI-based approaches where appropriate.
• Analyze modeling results and communicate recommendations to project teams, collaborators, and management.
• Work with project teams, line management, and CROs to support timely, high-quality analyses and documents for regulatory submissions.
• Contribute quantitative modeling expertise to business development and licensing evaluations.

Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus may be available.
• Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives may be available, with eligibility varying by role.
• Paid time off.
• Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level