About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California, dedicated to creating a healthier world for all people. For over 35 years, Gilead has pioneered breakthroughs in treating some of the world's most challenging diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. The company's portfolio extends to innovative therapies in oncology and inflammatory diseases, ensuring broad access to life-changing treatments globally. With a mission-driven culture emphasizing collaboration, determination, and scientific innovation, Gilead employs top talent to advance bold ambitions in drug discovery and development.

Role Overview

The Executive Director, Statistical Programming, reports directly to the Head of Biometrics and leads the Statistical Programming function across all Therapeutic Areas (TAs) at Gilead Sciences. Based in Foster City, California, this senior leadership role demands a visionary leader with a proven track record in functional oversight, strategic deployment of AI-enabled tools, and managing scalable hybrid resourcing models. The ideal candidate excels in people leadership, organizational development, and fostering cross-functional partnerships to deliver high-impact analytic and reporting deliverables in the biopharmaceutical space.

Strategic Impact in Biopharma

In this role, you'll shape the future of statistical programming at Gilead, integrating modern analytics platforms and automation to support therapies for HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Your expertise will ensure efficient workflows, regulatory compliance, and data integrity, directly contributing to Gilead's pipeline of transformative medicines.

Key Responsibilities

As Executive Director, Statistical Programming, your leadership will drive operational excellence and innovation:

• Lead the Biometrics Statistical Programming function supporting all TAs, providing strategic inputs for scalable, efficient workflows.
• Collaborate with Biostatistics, Clinical Data Management, Clinical Development, Global Patient Safety, and Regulatory Affairs for aligned deliverables.
• Oversee execution through internal and external resources, anticipating workload needs and developing staffing plans.
• Negotiate timelines across competing priorities, ensuring high-quality outputs on schedule.
• Promote adherence to SOPs, validation practices, and regulatory standards while fostering a culture of accuracy and reproducibility.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this executive role at Gilead Sciences, candidates must possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biostatistics, Computer Science, or a related field, with 16+ years of relevant industry experience in Statistical Programming for biopharmaceutical data.
• Extensive experience with SAS® and industry-standard tools; preference for modern analytics platforms, automation, or AI environments.
• Proven functional leadership, including supervising people leaders, coaching, and organizational development.
• Deep knowledge of drug development processes, regulatory expectations, and standards for programming and reporting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and strategic judgment skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership.

Leadership Capabilities

Strong interpersonal skills, ability to delegate effectively, and experience in implementing process improvements are essential. You'll provide frameworks for decision-making, empowering teams to adopt best practices in a fast-paced biopharma environment.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a premium compensation package tailored for executive talent:

• Competitive base salary with significant performance bonuses and equity opportunities.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Robust 401(k) plan with generous company matching.
• Flexible paid time off, parental leave, and hybrid work arrangements.
• Tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and access to cutting-edge technology.

Career Growth

Joining Gilead as Executive Director positions you for accelerated career advancement within a global leader in biopharma. With opportunities to advise senior leadership on programming strategy and technology modernization, you'll mentor high-potential teams and lead transformative initiatives. Gilead's commitment to employee development ensures continuous learning, cross-TA exposure, and pathways to even broader executive roles.

Why Join Gilead

Gilead Sciences stands at the forefront of addressing unmet medical needs in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. As a key player in this mission, you'll collaborate with world-class scientists and leaders, leveraging innovative tools like AI to accelerate therapies that save lives. Foster City, California, offers an inspiring work environment with proximity to Silicon Valley's tech ecosystem, combining biopharma excellence with a vibrant, innovative culture. Every team member plays a critical role in Gilead's bold ambitions—join us to create possible, together.

Role FAQs

Q: What experience level is required?
A: 16+ years in Statistical Programming within biopharma, with leadership over multiple teams.

Q: Is AI experience mandatory?
A: Preferred, with a focus on innovative tools for scalable workflows.

Q: What TAs does this role support?
A: All Therapeutic Areas, including HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Q: Is relocation support available?
A: Gilead offers competitive relocation packages for qualified candidates.

Q: How does Gilead support work-life balance?
A: Through flexible scheduling, generous PTO, and employee wellness initiatives.