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 delivered a cure for hepatitis C, revolutionary HIV treatments and prevention methods, and advanced therapies for viral, inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead operates in a highly matrixed organization where collaboration drives innovation across virology, oncology, and inflammation therapeutic areas. Every team member contributes to bold ambitions, ensuring access to life-changing therapies worldwide.

Role Overview

As a Senior Scientist in Discovery Sciences and Technologies (DST) at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, California, you will join a high-performing research core team focused on Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) technology advancement. This pivotal role drives innovation in LNP-based drug delivery for next-generation nucleic acid therapies, including mRNA, DNA, and gene editing modalities. You will enable transformational therapies for virology, oncology, and inflammation, collaborating with formulation scientists, research functions, and external partners to progress candidates from discovery to clinical development.

Key Responsibilities

In this full-time position, you will work iteratively with formulation scientists to establish structure-activity relationships through biological data and mechanistic insights, optimizing LNP systems. Responsibilities include designing, synthesizing, and engineering advanced nucleic acid payloads like mRNA, DNA, gRNA, and donor DNA for optimal function and stability. You will develop robust in vitro cell-based assays to measure transfection efficiency, protein expression, gene editing efficiency, and target knockdown in cell lines and primary cells. Additionally, characterize LNP immunological profiles, including innate immune activation and immunogenicity. Contribute to scientific reports, manuscripts, and patents while thriving in Gilead's matrixed environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 2+ years of industry experience in nucleic acid therapeutics, drug delivery, or related areas. Strong postdoctoral training is highly desired. Essential expertise includes hands-on molecular biology techniques such as plasmid design, molecular cloning, DNA template preparation, in vitro transcription (IVT), and RNA purification/analysis. Required experience encompasses advanced mRNA modalities like circRNA or self-amplifying RNA, diverse nucleic acid payloads (mRNA, siRNA, ASO, plasmid DNA), and gene editing systems (e.g., CRISPR/Cas). Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including cell lines and primary cells, and developing quantitative cell-based functional assays is critical. The ideal candidate excels in multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a premium compensation package, including a competitive salary estimated at $150,000-$230,000 annually based on biopharmaceutical sector rates in Foster City, California, with a 5-10% buffer for top talent. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; generous PTO and holidays; tuition reimbursement; and wellness programs. Employees enjoy a collaborative culture, state-of-the-art facilities, and perks like flexible work options, employee stock purchase plans, and family leave benefits.

Career Growth

At Gilead, career advancement is a priority. As a people leader or individual contributor, you will drive cultural evolution, fostering inclusion, development, and empowerment. The DST department provides opportunities to lead projects, publish research, and transition therapies to clinical stages. Gilead invests in professional development through training, mentorship, and cross-functional exposure, positioning you for senior roles in drug discovery and beyond.

Why Join Gilead

Join Gilead to make a direct impact on global health challenges. Work on cutting-edge LNP technologies advancing HIV treatments, oncology innovations, and inflammatory disease therapies. Benefit from a supportive environment where ambitious professionals collaborate to improve patient lives. Gilead's commitment to bold ambitions, employee empowerment, and accessible therapies sets it apart in biopharma.

Role FAQs

Q: What therapeutic areas does this role support? A: Virology, oncology, and inflammation.
Q: Is industry experience required? A: Yes, minimum 2+ years in nucleic acid therapeutics or drug delivery.
Q: What assays will I develop? A: In vitro cell-based assays for delivery efficiency, expression, editing, and immunogenicity.
Q: How matrixed is the organization? A: Highly; success requires cross-functional collaboration.
Q: Where is the role located? A: Foster City, California, United States.
Q: What is the employment type? A: Full-time.