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, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Our relentless pursuit of innovation has led to life-changing therapies that improve lives and ensure global access to cutting-edge treatments. With a mission rooted in collaboration, determination, and scientific excellence, Gilead continues to tackle major health challenges through bold ambitions and a world-class team.

At Gilead, every employee plays a critical role in discovering and developing scientific innovations. We foster an inclusive culture where people leaders drive employee experiences, empowering teams to feel developed and motivated. Joining Gilead means contributing to therapies that address HIV management, revolutionary cancer immunotherapies, and solutions for inflammatory conditions, making a tangible difference in patients' lives worldwide.

Role Overview

The Gilead Asset Team Leader - Oncology position in Foster City, California, is a strategic leadership role overseeing the development of multiple biologic molecules, typically 4-5 programs in areas like Cancer Immunotherapy or Tumor Intrinsic Cell Death. This leader manages early portfolio strategies from Phase I through Proof of Concept, ensuring alignment with Gilead's organizational goals. As a key people leader, you will drive cross-functional teams, mitigate risks, and deliver milestones in oncology drug development.

This full-time role demands an enterprise mindset, exceptional decision-making, and the ability to influence without direct authority. It's perfect for seasoned professionals passionate about oncology and biopharma innovation, offering the chance to shape global asset strategies in a dynamic, high-impact environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Asset Leadership

Lead Gilead asset teams in crafting and executing cohesive strategies for oncology programs. Conduct resource assessments, manage timelines, and implement risk mitigation to align with broader company objectives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Accountability

Enable seamless collaboration across functions, ensuring transparent information flow and timely milestone delivery. Monitor progress against Target Product Profiles, Asset Plans, and Lifecycle Plans while adhering to budgets.

Integrated Strategy and Governance

Develop comprehensive global strategies covering development, manufacturing, commercialization, and lifecycle management. Facilitate decisions, perform scenario planning, and present data objectively to senior leadership and the Portfolio Committee, setting clear Go/No Go points.

Team and Stakeholder Leadership

Align multidisciplinary teams around a unified vision, fostering inclusive, high-performing environments. Build relationships with internal and external partners to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Scientific Advocacy and Portfolio Strategy

Champion asset strategies and scientific rationales to diverse audiences. Collaborate with Therapeutic Area Leaders and Business Development on disease area strategies for discovery and lifecycle planning.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must possess an advanced scientific, medical, or commercial background with deep expertise in drug development, particularly in oncology therapeutic areas. Translational drug development experience is essential, alongside proven cross-functional leadership in global initiatives.

Key capabilities include leading multidisciplinary teams, integrating discovery, development, regulatory, and commercial elements across asset lifecycles, and delivering impact without direct authority. Exceptional communication, organizational, and decision-making skills are required, with a track record of influencing senior leaders and resolving complex issues.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a premium compensation package, including an estimated salary range of $280,000 to $380,000 annually, reflecting biopharmaceutical sector rates in Foster City with a competitive buffer. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans with matching contributions, generous paid time off, and family leave programs.

Employees enjoy wellness programs, onsite fitness facilities, flexible work arrangements, and tuition reimbursement. As a people leader, you'll access leadership development resources, mentoring, and opportunities for global exposure, all within a collaborative culture that prioritizes inclusion and innovation.

Career Growth

Gilead invests heavily in employee development, providing tailored training, leadership academies, and stretch assignments. This Asset Team Leader role serves as a launchpad for executive positions in R&D, portfolio management, or therapeutic area leadership. With Gilead's growth in oncology, HIV, and inflammatory diseases, high performers advance rapidly, gaining visibility with senior leadership and governance bodies.

Our commitment to evolving culture ensures every leader is equipped to empower teams, fostering long-term career trajectories in biopharma.

Why Join Gilead

Join Gilead to work on groundbreaking therapies in oncology, HIV, and inflammatory diseases, directly impacting millions. Our Foster City headquarters offers a state-of-the-art campus with cutting-edge labs and collaborative spaces. Be part of a mission-driven team that's relentless in pursuit of possible, with a culture that values every voice and drives real change.

Gilead's bold ambitions mean you'll tackle high-stakes challenges, collaborate globally, and see your strategies translate into real-world therapies.

Role FAQs

What experience is required for this role?

An advanced degree in a scientific or medical field, plus proven expertise in translational drug development and oncology, with cross-functional leadership experience.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Gilead offers competitive relocation support for qualifying candidates moving to Foster City, California.

What is the team structure?

You'll lead cross-functional asset teams, overseeing 4-5 biologic programs from early development stages.

How does this role contribute to Gilead's mission?

By driving oncology asset strategies, you'll advance therapies for cancer immunotherapy and tumor cell death, aligning with Gilead's fight against major diseases.

What are the next career steps?

Progress to Therapeutic Area Head, VP of R&D, or Portfolio Executive roles, with robust development support.