About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating a healthier world for all people. For over 35 years, Gilead has pioneered breakthroughs in treating HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Headquartered in Foster City, California, our innovative therapies have transformed lives globally, from life-saving HIV treatments like Biktarvy to cutting-edge oncology solutions and novel anti-inflammatory drugs. At Gilead, collaboration, determination, and scientific excellence drive our mission to advance therapeutics and ensure equitable access worldwide.

Role Overview

As Director, Analytical Instruments, you will lead the Internal Quality Strategy and Operations team, overseeing instrument control and data acquisition for complex analytical instruments in Quality Control. Supporting both small molecule and biologics development, this role manages technologies like chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR, microplate readers, and more. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will partner with Quality, IT, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Finance to deliver compliant, efficient lab solutions. Embrace AI and digital transformation to optimize workflows in our Foster City, CA headquarters.

Strategic Impact

This leadership position ensures instruments meet USP 1058 standards, maintaining GMP compliance and data integrity. Drive ROI-focused investments and vendor partnerships with leaders like Waters, Agilent, and ThermoFisher to keep labs inspection-ready and innovative.

Key Responsibilities

Your role demands expertise in managing Group C instruments per USP 1058, including chromatography, endotoxin testing, particle size analysis, x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and software like Waters Empower, Mettler Toledo LabX, and MassHunter.

• Lead implementation, qualification, operations, enhancements, and decommissioning of analytical instruments and software.
• Develop business cases and ROI analyses for new investments, balancing speed, cost, and scope.
• Ensure GMP adherence, data integrity, and right-first-time execution across all instruments.
• Foster vendor relationships and coordinate delivery of compliant instruments to QC labs.
• Champion AI, automation, and data-driven strategies to transform lab processes and boost efficiency.
• Manage quality records for deviations, change controls, and CAPAs to meet timelines.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek a highly motivated leader with deep technical knowledge and strategic vision.

• Expertise in analytical instruments: chromatography, MS, NMR, microplate readers, titration, particle analysis, Mettler-Toledo systems, XRD, thermal analysis, optical rotation, IR spectroscopy.
• Proficiency in instrument software: Empower, LabX, Softmax Pro, MassHunter, OMNIC, OPUS, TRIOS, Tiamo.
• Strong grasp of USP 1058 and regulatory frameworks for biopharma QC.
• Proven team leadership in GMP environments, with skills in program delivery, vendor coordination, and compliance.
• Analytical mindset for identifying pain points, metrics, and improvement opportunities.
• Experience with AI/emerging tech for lab automation and digital empowerment.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead offers a premium compensation package tailored for top talent.

• Competitive base salary estimated at $230,000-$300,000, plus bonuses and equity.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Generous 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, and financial planning support.
• Flexible work options, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities in Foster City, with onsite fitness and dining.

Career Growth

At Gilead, people leaders are pivotal to our culture of inclusion and empowerment. This Director role offers pathways to executive leadership in Quality Strategy or broader operations. Benefit from mentorship, leadership training, and cross-functional projects advancing HIV, oncology, and inflammatory disease therapies. Join a team where your impact scales globally.

Why Join Gilead

Gilead is more than a biopharma leader; we're a force against humanity's biggest health challenges. Work on groundbreaking science in HIV (e.g., lenacapavir), oncology (e.g., Trodelvy), and inflammation (e.g., Livdelzi). Our Foster City campus fosters innovation, with collaborative spaces and a commitment to diversity. Be part of a relentless drive to make a difference—every role contributes to life-changing outcomes.

Role FAQs

What is the work location?

This role is based in Foster City, California, at Gilead's headquarters.

What salary can I expect?

Estimated $230,000-$300,000 USD annually, based on biopharma Director rates in the Bay Area, with incentives.

Is leadership experience required?

Yes, you will lead a team managing instrument lifecycle and operations.

What technologies will I work with?

Complex instruments like MS, NMR, chromatography, and software from Waters, Agilent, ThermoFisher.

How does this role support Gilead's mission?

By ensuring compliant, efficient QC tools that accelerate therapies for HIV, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.

Ready to lead analytical innovation at Gilead? Apply now and help create possible, together.