Scientist, Structural Chemistry

Gilead Sciences•Foster City, CA

21h

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 Scientist, Structural Chemistry, at Gilead you will have the following responsibilities Specific Responsibilities: We are seeking a highly motivated, attentive, and self-driven candidate to join the Modelling Group. The successful candidate will work closely within inter-disciplinary project teams deployed in multiple therapeutic areas. In this critical role you will be responsible for proactively delivering structural and computational expertise to influence efforts in all stages of the discovery process ranging from target and lead identification to lead optimization and candidate selection. Experience in a broad variety of both structure- and ligand-based computational techniques is essential, particularly molecular docking, pharmacophore development, library design and analysis, AI/ML methods, and protein-ligand simulation. The ability to analyse chemical structures in relation to biological activity in order to guide novel compound design or help evolve the SAR, both independently and in collaboration with medicinal chemists, is crucial. Experience in modelling of biologics and knowledge of antibody discovery and development are desirable. Solid knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including DMPK, structural biology, and an understanding of IP and its analysis is expected. Excellent communication skills along with the ability to function as an effective member on multiple project teams are mandatory. The ability to develop tools for use by computational and medicinal chemists would be a great plus. Essential Functions: · Design and prioritize novel compounds using hypothesis-driven approaches informed by SAR, molecular modeling, AI/ML methods and tools, and structural data. · Plan, design, and implement computational strategies to advance chemical series via iterative DMTA cycles with a focus on improving potency, selectivity, and DMPK properties. · Maintain in-depth knowledge of best practices and emerging paradigms in drug discovery and apply such knowledge to the research direction that supports Company interests. · Work on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of intangible variables, requiring regular use of ingenuity and creativity. · Contribute to scientific literature and conferences through publication and presentation of research results. · Participate in development of patent applications. Requirements: · Typically requires a PhD in an appropriate scientific with expertise in computational chemistry and structure-based drug design. Knowledge, Experience & Skills: · Hands-on expertise with common commercial software packages (e.g. Schrodinger, MOE, OpenEye), techniques (MD, FEP, MM/GBSA), AI/ML tools and methods (e.g. generative design, structure and potency prediction), research and cheminformatics tools (e.g. Pipeline Pilot, RDKit, Vortex), and scripting languages (e.g. Python) is required. · Excellent communication skills (both verbal and technical) and interpersonal skills are essential. · Must be able to participate in highly effective teams. · Ability to exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. · Demonstration of technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought in suggesting experimental design and research strategy. · Must think critically and creatively and be able to work independently, determine appropriate resources for resolution of problems and have strong organizational and planning skills. People Leader Accountabilities: Create Inclusion - knowing the business value of diverse teams, modelling 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. The salary range for this position is: $146,540.00 - $189,640.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. 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. For jobs in the United States: Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster. NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law. Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team. Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion. For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors: Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday. Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

Requirements

PhD in an appropriate scientific field with expertise in computational chemistry and structure-based drug design.
Hands-on expertise with common commercial software packages (e.g. Schrodinger, MOE, OpenEye), techniques (MD, FEP, MM/GBSA), AI/ML tools and methods (e.g. generative design, structure and potency prediction), research and cheminformatics tools (e.g. Pipeline Pilot, RDKit, Vortex), and scripting languages (e.g. Python) is required.
Excellent communication skills (both verbal and technical) and interpersonal skills are essential.
Must be able to participate in highly effective teams.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
Demonstration of technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought in suggesting experimental design and research strategy.
Must think critically and creatively and be able to work independently, determine appropriate resources for resolution of problems and have strong organizational and planning skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a broad variety of both structure- and ligand-based computational techniques is essential, particularly molecular docking, pharmacophore development, library design and analysis, AI/ML methods, and protein-ligand simulation.
Experience in modelling of biologics and knowledge of antibody discovery and development are desirable.
Solid knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including DMPK, structural biology, and an understanding of IP and its analysis is expected.
The ability to develop tools for use by computational and medicinal chemists would be a great plus.

Responsibilities

Deliver structural and computational expertise to influence efforts in all stages of the discovery process ranging from target and lead identification to lead optimization and candidate selection.
Analyze chemical structures in relation to biological activity to guide novel compound design or help evolve the SAR, both independently and in collaboration with medicinal chemists.
Design and prioritize novel compounds using hypothesis-driven approaches informed by SAR, molecular modeling, AI/ML methods and tools, and structural data.
Plan, design, and implement computational strategies to advance chemical series via iterative DMTA cycles with a focus on improving potency, selectivity, and DMPK properties.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of best practices and emerging paradigms in drug discovery and apply such knowledge to the research direction that supports Company interests.
Work on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of intangible variables, requiring regular use of ingenuity and creativity.
Contribute to scientific literature and conferences through publication and presentation of research results.
Participate in development of patent applications.