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 some of the world's most challenging diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. The company has achieved a cure for hepatitis C, revolutionary advancements in HIV treatment and prevention, and significant progress in therapies for viral, inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead's mission drives relentless innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring global access to life-changing therapies. With a bold ambition to confront public health challenges, Gilead fosters an inclusive environment where every employee contributes to scientific discoveries that improve patient lives for generations.

Role Overview

As a Principal Scientist in Oncology Research, specifically in Tumor-Intrinsic Biology, you will lead a cutting-edge discovery lab at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, California. This full-time leadership role involves spearheading creative science initiatives, developing strategic projects, and forging cross-functional collaborations to uncover novel medicines for cancer patients. You will serve as a scientific thought leader, balancing innovation with rigorous experimentation to build a differentiated preclinical pipeline. This position offers the chance to impact oncology drug discovery while advancing your career in a world-class biopharma environment.

Key Responsibilities

Your role will encompass a blend of leadership, innovation, and strategic contributions:

• Mentor and lead a lab-based scientific team, fostering their project success and career development.
• Collaborate with experts in oncology, immune-oncology, protein engineering, chemistry, translational medicine, biomarkers, and clinical development.
• Identify and mitigate project risks while communicating effectively with teams and leaders.
• Proactively ideate to accelerate early-stage discovery, deepen disease mechanism understanding, and pioneer new technologies and targeting modalities.
• Monitor the external landscape, propose rigorous research for target discovery and validation, and contribute to due diligence for partnerships and acquisitions.
• Author research reports, INDs, patent filings, and establish an external presence through publications and presentations.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this Principal Scientist role, candidates must demonstrate exceptional scientific and leadership prowess:

• Ph.D. degree with 5+ years of experience in tumor biology, drug discovery, target identification, and technology development; post-doctoral training highly preferred.
• Strong track record of impact, evidenced by first- or senior-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
• Deep knowledge in cancer genomics and oncogenic signaling.
• Broad technical expertise in cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo cancer models, with experience in biochemical analysis of protein (and protein-nucleic acid) complexes as a plus.
• Demonstrated success leading teams to data-driven, creative decisions.
• Team-centric mindset with managerial excellence, strong communication, and interpersonal skills.

Why These Qualifications Matter

Gilead seeks leaders who can navigate complex scientific challenges in oncology, driving from discovery to clinical impact. Your expertise will directly fuel Gilead's pipeline in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a comprehensive compensation package designed to reward excellence and support wellbeing:

• Base salary range of $195,670 - $253,220, determined by experience, qualifications, and location.
• Discretionary annual bonus and stock-based long-term incentives.
• Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Paid time off and extensive benefits package.
• Access to wellbeing programs and professional development resources.

For more details, visit Gilead's compensation and benefits page.

Career Growth

At Gilead, career advancement is a priority. As a Principal Scientist, you will evolve our culture as a people leader, empowering teams and driving inclusion. Opportunities abound for cross-functional projects, external collaborations, and leadership in bold ambitions. Gilead invests in your growth through mentorship, training, and exposure to global health challenges in oncology, HIV, and beyond.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means contributing to therapies that transform lives, from HIV prevention to oncology breakthroughs and inflammatory disease treatments. In Foster City, California, you'll thrive in an innovative, collaborative environment with top talent. Gilead's commitment to employees—through great leadership, development, and empowerment—ensures you make a direct impact. Be part of creating possible, together, in a company united against devastating diseases.

Role FAQs

What is the location and work arrangement?

This full-time role is based in Foster City, California, United States.

What salary can I expect?

The range is $195,670 - $253,220 USD annually, plus bonuses and incentives.

Is leadership experience required?

Yes, proven success leading research teams is essential.

What diseases does Gilead focus on?

Gilead targets HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, viral, and inflammatory diseases.

How does Gilead support career development?

Through mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, and external presence building.