Sr Associate Scientist, Biology

Gilead Sciences•Foster City, CA

2d•$126,820 - $164,120

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. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist to join the Research Oncology group and contribute to the discovery and development of novel oncology therapies. The successful candidate will have hands-on expertise in immunology, mammalian cell culture, primary immune cell biology, flow cytometry, target validation, and cell engineering. The candidate will demonstrate scientific rigor, strong experimental execution, and the ability to independently generate, interpret, and communicate high-quality data. The successful candidate will be proficient in developing and executing in vitro assays to support target validation, mechanism-of-action studies, lead discovery, and candidate characterization. Experience with primary immune cells, reporter assays, cytotoxicity assays, and engineered cellular systems is highly desirable. Exposure to in vivo pharmacology studies, including preclinical mouse models, tissue processing, and translational assessment, is preferred. Working within multidisciplinary teams, this individual will generate high-quality data, solve complex scientific challenges, and help advance innovative therapies from concept to candidate selection.

Requirements

5+ Years with BS
3+ Years with MS
Industry experience supporting drug discovery, translational research, assay development, screening sciences, pharmacology, bioanalysis, or a related scientific discipline.
Knowledge of immunology, protein biology, and mammalian cell culture techniques; hands-on bench research experience preferred
Ability to multitask experiments and data analysis across diverse projects
Experience working independently as well as within a collaborative team environment
Ability to communicate effectively within a large team
Excellent adaptability and flexibility, with great attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Immunology, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Oncology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience, OR Master’s degree in Immunology, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Oncology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
A background in in-vitro T cell characterization (functional and antigen-binding assays) is a plus
Experience with cell-based assays, immunoassays (flow cytometry or plate reader-based) and basic molecular biology techniques is also a plus
High-throughput screening experience and familiarity with liquid handlers are beneficial

Responsibilities

Develop cell-based assays using primary and engineered mammalian cells to evaluate and characterize drug candidates.
Design and execute experiments to screen and characterize preclinical and clinical-stage candidates within our engager pipeline.
Perform mammalian cell culture, gene engineering, and stable cell line generation to support discovery and mechanistic studies.
Isolate and characterize primary immune cells using flow cytometry and other cellular analysis techniques.
Conduct a range of cell-based functional assays, including reporter, proliferation, and cytotoxicity assays.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams across diverse therapeutic areas, with a primary focus on immuno-oncology/engagers.
Apply innovative experimental approaches, learn new technologies, and contribute to multiple projects in a fast-paced research environment.
Analyze and interpret experimental data and communicate findings through team discussions and cross-functional presentations.
Contribute to the design, execution, and interpretation of in vivo studies; hands-on experience with preclinical mouse models, dosing, tissue collection, and pharmacology studies is highly desirable.