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 therapies for some of the world's most challenging diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. With a relentless focus on innovation, Gilead's scientists and researchers collaborate across the globe to develop life-changing medicines that improve patient outcomes and ensure broad access to treatments. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead employs thousands of passionate professionals united by a mission to advance scientific discovery and address unmet medical needs in oncology, inflammatory diseases, and beyond.

Gilead's portfolio includes groundbreaking antivirals like Biktarvy for HIV and Epclusa for hepatitis C, as well as innovative oncology drugs such as Yescarta for certain blood cancers. The company's work in inflammatory diseases further demonstrates its commitment to tackling complex health challenges through cutting-edge biologics and small molecules. At Gilead, every team member contributes to bold ambitions, fostering a culture of inclusion, development, and empowerment.

Role Overview

The Principal Scientist, Protein Therapeutics position in Gilead's Biologics Engineering group offers a pivotal opportunity to drive the optimization and engineering of large molecule drug candidates. Based in Foster City, California, this role focuses on multispecific formats, novel antibody binding domains, fusion proteins like cytokines, and emerging technologies. As a Principal Scientist, you will independently oversee projects from protein design to lead optimization, manage discovery efforts, and collaborate in Gilead's highly matrixed organization.

This full-time position is ideal for seasoned protein engineers passionate about advancing therapeutics for HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. With a salary range of $195,670 to $253,220, plus bonuses and incentives, it reflects Gilead's investment in top talent to fuel groundbreaking innovations.

Key Responsibilities

In this leadership role, you will guide a small team of protein engineers to design innovative therapeutics addressing unmet needs through unique mechanisms. Key duties include driving rapid optimization via iterative design, build, test, and learn cycles; representing the Protein Therapeutics department on cross-functional teams; and advancing preclinical development of large molecules.

• Lead protein engineering efforts for multispecifics, immunocytokines, and fusion proteins.
• Conduct rational and in silico lead sequence optimization.
• Foster transparent communication with stakeholders.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, data-driven environment while maintaining compliance.

Collaboration and Innovation

Effective collaboration across functions is crucial, as you'll integrate insights from discovery to development, ensuring projects align with Gilead's mission in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Qualifications & Requirements

Gilead seeks candidates with a strong scientific foundation and proven track record. Basic qualifications include a Ph.D. in biochemistry, structural biology, or related field with 6+ years of experience (postdoctoral preferred), or equivalent M.S./B.S. with additional years in academia or industry, evidenced by high-impact publications or patents.

Preferred qualifications emphasize extensive experience advancing protein therapeutics, expertise in structure-based engineering, multispecifics, Fc engineering, antibody humanization, and biophysical improvements. Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (PCR, Gibson assembly, Golden Gate cloning), mammalian cell culture, protein expression/purification, and computational tools like Rosetta or MOE is highly valued. Project leadership, presentation skills, and a collaborative mindset are essential.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead offers a comprehensive compensation package tailored to attract elite talent. The base salary for this Principal Scientist role ranges from $195,670 to $253,220, determined by experience, qualifications, and location. Additional perks include:

• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Stock-based long-term incentives.
• Generous paid time off.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching and retirement plans.

Employees also enjoy wellness programs, flexible work options, and tuition reimbursement, supporting work-life balance in a high-impact environment.

Career Growth

At Gilead, people leaders drive culture and employee development. This role positions you for advancement in biologics research, with opportunities to lead larger teams, influence strategic initiatives, and contribute to global health breakthroughs. Gilead's commitment to inclusion ensures every employee is empowered to achieve aspirations, with robust training, mentorship, and cross-functional exposure.

Professional Development

Access to cutting-edge technologies and collaborations accelerates career progression, from principal scientist to director-level roles in protein therapeutics or beyond.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means becoming part of a team relentlessly pursuing scientific innovations in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. In Foster City, you'll work alongside world-class experts in state-of-the-art facilities, making direct impacts on patients worldwide. Gilead's matrixed structure promotes collaboration, while its bold ambitions offer unparalleled growth. If you're driven by data, innovation, and purpose, this Principal Scientist role is your chance to create possible together.

Role FAQs

What experience is required?

A Ph.D. with 6+ years or equivalent, plus expertise in protein engineering.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Gilead supports competitive relocation packages for qualified candidates.

What therapeutic areas does this role support?

Primarily large molecule therapeutics for unmet needs in HIV, oncology, inflammation, and more.

How matrixed is the organization?

Highly collaborative across functions, requiring strong partnership skills.

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