Sr Director, Data Scientist

Gilead Sciences•Foster City, CA

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. Job Description Head of Technical Development Data & Digital Team (Senior Director) We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Technical Development Strategy and Operations team as Senior Director of Data & Digital Team . The successful candidate will lead the digital strategy, implementation roadmap, and cross-functional coordination to transform processes through innovative digital solutions. Candidate will also lead the team that supports existing in silico tools, will oversee implementation of emerging technologies (including AI), and champion data-driven, digitally empowered ways of working. The Head of The Data & Digital team will report to the Executive Director of Technical Development Strategy and Operations and partner closely with Technical Development leadership, IT, Manufacturing, CMC Regulatory and the broader Gilead digital ecosystem.

Requirements

BA/BS and 14+ years of relevant experience; OR MA/MS or PhD/PharmD and 12+ years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Additional training or certification in data science, informatics or digital transformation preferred.
At least 5 years in leadership role managing teams across informatics, data science, or digital technologies applied to R&D or technical operation
Proven experience integrating data and digital tools into R&D workflows (for example PAT, lab informatics, digital twins, AI/ML for process optimization or predictive quality)
Demonstrated enterprise mindset with ability to align Technical Development needs to enterprise platforms and solutions, ensuring scalability, interoperability, and long-term business value.
Proven success leading digital initiatives from strategy through implementation.
Established data acumen, understanding of advanced analytics, data architecture, and data engineering
Strong AI fluency with experience deploying both everyday AI tools for general use and custom AI and digital solutions in a technical environment
Knowledge of data governance principles, systems integrations, and metadata management is a plus.
Visionary leader who can define and execute a digital and data strategy for technical development
Excellent collaborator with scientists, engineers, IT, manufacturing and others
Change agent with the ability to inspire adoption and build digital fluency across teams
Track record of building and managing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams
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

Strategy and Roadmap Development Continuously refine a Technical Development Digital Enablement roadmap aligned to organizational priorities and enterprise platforms.
Translate Technical Development-specific digital needs into business cases for enterprise-level investments.
Lead the business case development and ROI analysis for new digital investments, effectively communicating trade-offs between speed, cost, and scope to leadership.
Program Delivery and Vendor Coordination In partnership with IT, identify, evaluate, and create strategic partnerships with established and emerging technology providers to bring cutting-edge solutions and expertise into the organization In partnership with key stakeholders, drive digital pilots and implementations Foster relationships with internal partners (e.g., IT, CMC RA) and external vendors
Innovation, Change Leadership, and Continuous Improvement Articulate a compelling vision for digital transformation within Technical Development Leverage data science AI models to transform the ways of working and accelerate development Drive strategic data-centric solutions to enable drug development Scan the digital landscape for emerging tools applicable to small molecule and biologics development.
Lead change management, including upskilling, communication planning, and user adoption.
Partner with broader Technical Development community to identify areas where digital can remove friction or enable leapfrog innovation.
Collaboration and Influence Serve as a bridge between Technical Development and PDM digital governance groups.
Represent Technical Development in PDM digital steering committees and structured content working groups.
Align efforts with data governance, structured data initiatives, and broader PDM digital programs.
Leadership & People Development : Create a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork and effective communication Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of data scientists

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.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume