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, and cancer. The company has achieved a cure for hepatitis C, revolutionary advancements in HIV treatment and prevention, and innovative therapies for viral, inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead's mission drives bold ambitions against the world's most devastating diseases, ensuring therapies reach patients globally. With a commitment to collaboration, determination, and scientific innovation, Gilead fosters an inclusive environment where every employee contributes to life-changing discoveries.

Role Overview

The Senior Associate Scientist, Analytical Operations position at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, California, is a pivotal role in the development of late-stage biotherapeutics. This full-time opportunity involves performing analytical method development and testing, including Liquid Chromatography (LC), Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), and ELISA-based assays. You will support process characterization, impurity analysis, and workflow automation to enhance efficiency in biologics production. This role, transitioning to Gilead's corporate headquarters in Foster City, offers a chance to contribute to clinical and commercial programs targeting unmet medical needs in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Key Focus Areas

Expect to design automation strategies using Hamilton and Tecan systems, collaborate cross-functionally, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards like ICH guidelines and GMP/GxP. This position demands strong problem-solving skills and a passion for advancing analytical technologies.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Associate Scientist, Analytical Operations, your core duties include:

• Performing LC, CE, and ELISA assays to assess process parameters' impact on product quality attributes.
• Supporting method development, optimization, and validation for biotherapeutics in line with regulatory guidelines.
• Participating in process development, characterization, and comparability studies, analyzing impurities.
• Independently designing and executing automation strategies, including data management tools, to boost end-to-end testing efficiency.
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting automated liquid handling systems like Hamilton and Tecan.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance analytical technologies and workflows.
• Authoring and revising analytical methods, protocols, and reports per GMP/GxP standards.
• Staying current with scientific literature and representing Gilead at conferences.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates need:

• A Bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of experience in biologics analytical development, OR a Master’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on expertise in LC, CE, ELISA-based methods, and laboratory automation workflows.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting Hamilton and Tecan systems.
• Strong knowledge of ICH guidelines, GMP/GxP practices, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and bioinformatics.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, scientific leadership, and communication skills for presenting data and drawing conclusions.

Experience in high-performance liquid chromatography, electrophoretic separations, and automation is highly desired.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers an exceptional compensation package for the Senior Associate Scientist role, including:

• Competitive salary estimated at $120,000 - $170,000 annually, based on biopharmaceutical sector rates in Foster City, California.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching, stock options, and performance bonuses.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and wellness programs.
• Relocation assistance for the transition to Foster City headquarters.
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and leadership training.

Career Growth

Gilead invests in employee growth, positioning you as a people leader to evolve company culture. This role provides exposure to cutting-edge projects in HIV therapies, oncology innovations, and inflammatory disease treatments. Advance your career through cross-functional collaborations, technology leadership, and representation at global conferences. Gilead's bold ambitions ensure pathways to senior scientific and managerial positions.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means contributing to groundbreaking work in HIV, where treatments have transformed lives; oncology, advancing cancer therapies; and inflammatory diseases, improving patient outcomes. In Foster City, you'll thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment with top resources and a mission-driven culture. Make a direct impact on global health challenges while enjoying premium benefits and career acceleration.

Role FAQs

Q: What is the location and any relocation details?
A: The role is based in Foster City, California, with relocation from Oceanside, CA, or direct hire to headquarters.

Q: What salary can I expect?
A: Estimated $120,000 - $170,000 USD yearly, with comprehensive benefits.

Q: What experience is required?
A: 5+ years with a Bachelor’s or 3+ with a Master’s in relevant fields, plus hands-on analytical and automation skills.

Q: Does the role involve travel?
A: Potential for conference representation nationally and internationally.

Q: How does Gilead support career development?
A: Through leadership training, continuous learning, and impactful projects in high-priority therapeutic areas.