Sr Scientist, Biology

Gilead Sciences•Foster City, CA

1d•$169,320 - $219,120

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 talented and motivated Senior Scientist to join the Discovery Sciences & Technologies (DST) group and advance drug discovery programs across Virology, Inflammation, and Oncology. DST designs and executes rigorous, quantitative, and physiologically relevant biochemical, biophysical, and cellular assays to support target validation, lead identification, lead optimization, candidate selection, and exploratory biomarker development. The successful candidate will represent DST on multidisciplinary project teams as a subject-matter expert in the in vitro pharmacology of small and large molecules. This individual will independently develop and apply mechanistic assay strategies, generate decision-enabling data, and influence project direction across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas.

Requirements

8+ Years with BS
6+ Years with MS
2+ Years with PhD

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field, with at least three years of drug discovery experience in a biopharmaceutical industry environment.
Demonstrated expertise in developing and deploying robust biochemical and cellular assays for target validation, lead generation, and structure–activity relationship-driven optimization.
Strong knowledge of quantitative pharmacology, experimental design, data interpretation, assay troubleshooting, and rigorous laboratory documentation.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced research environment, and operate effectively with a high degree of independence.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines, influence project decisions, and present effectively to senior leadership.
Experience supporting lead identification or optimization programs for small molecules, large molecules, or both.
Experience with integrated laboratory automation, high-throughput screening instrumentation, and data-intensive assay workflows.
Experience defining project assay strategy, applying orthogonal methods, or characterizing mechanism of action and target engagement.

Responsibilities

Develop fit-for-purpose screening and profiling cascades that enable lead identification, lead optimization, and candidate selection.
Design, execute, and troubleshoot biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays that address critical project questions.
Conduct mechanistic studies to characterize pharmacology, mechanism of action, selectivity, and target engagement.
Independently analyze complex datasets, draw scientifically rigorous conclusions, and recommend actionable next steps.
Serve as the DST functional-area expert on cross-functional project teams and influence program strategy through high-quality scientific guidance.
Communicate results, interpretations, risks, and recommendations clearly to project teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership.
Identify and implement emerging technologies and scientific approaches that strengthen DST capabilities and improve project execution.