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. Our relentless pursuit of innovation has led to life-changing treatments that improve patient outcomes and ensure global access to cutting-edge medicine. Headquartered in the United States with a growing presence worldwide, including in Canada, Gilead employs thousands of passionate professionals united by a mission to advance scientific discovery and make a tangible difference in global health.

In Canada, particularly at our Edmonton, Alberta facility, Gilead focuses on process development and manufacturing excellence to support our broad portfolio. We tackle critical health challenges in HIV/AIDS management, oncology, and inflammatory diseases, developing novel therapies that address unmet medical needs. Our work in HIV has transformed lives through antiretroviral innovations, while our oncology pipeline pushes boundaries in cancer treatment. Additionally, our efforts in inflammatory diseases aim to alleviate suffering for millions worldwide.

Role Overview

The Sr Research Associate, Process Development position in Edmonton, Alberta, offers a pivotal opportunity to contribute to Gilead's mission of scientific innovation. This full-time role is ideal for organic chemistry experts eager to drive process development for biopharmaceutical products. Reporting to project leadership, you will execute complex experiments, analyze results, and collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams. With Gilead's emphasis on employee empowerment and inclusion, this position provides a platform for professional growth in a premium biopharma environment.

Located in the vibrant city of Edmonton, this role combines cutting-edge science with a supportive culture, enabling you to make direct impacts on therapies reaching patients globally.

Key Responsibilities

As a Sr Research Associate in Process Development, your core duties include:

• Planning and safely executing assigned experiments with increasing independence to support process development activities and project goals.
• Making key observations during reactions, work-ups, and isolations, while effectively interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and summarizing results for project and leadership teams.
• Recognizing anomalous or inconsistent results, recommending alternatives, researching new methods, and proactively consulting senior personnel for solutions.
• Providing regular written and verbal updates to project teams and supervision, using strong communication skills to explain processes and insights.
• Collaborating with a problem-solving spirit in multi-disciplinary teams to advance Gilead's innovative therapies.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates must meet the following basic qualifications:

• BSc in Chemistry with 2+ years of experience focused on Organic Chemistry, OR MSc in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Familiarity with modern purification and analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR, and mass spectrometry.
• Proficiency in job-related software like Chemdraw, Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint, and scientific literature tools including SciFinder and Reaxys.
• Strong desire to work in multi-disciplinary teams, learn new skills, and proactively solve problems.
• Previous experience in GMP manufacturing is an asset but not required.

Gilead values candidates who demonstrate determination, collaboration, and a drive to innovate in biopharmaceutical process development.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional aspirations:

• Competitive salary estimated between CAD 90,000 - 150,000 annually, based on biopharmaceutical sector rates in Edmonton, Alberta.
• Robust health, dental, and vision coverage, including wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible work options.
• Retirement savings plans with company matching.
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and leadership training.

Our commitment to an inclusive culture ensures every employee feels valued, with access to employee resource groups and mental health resources.

Career Growth

At Gilead, career progression is a cornerstone of our people-first approach. As a Sr Research Associate, you will receive mentorship from senior leaders and opportunities to lead projects in process development. Our internal mobility programs allow transitions into manufacturing, regulatory affairs, or R&D leadership roles. With Gilead's expansion in Canada and focus on HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases, high performers advance rapidly. People Leaders at Gilead foster environments where employees develop skills and fulfill aspirations, preparing you for future leadership.

Training and Development

Access state-of-the-art training in GMP, advanced analytics, and cross-functional collaboration, positioning you for senior roles in biopharma.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means becoming part of a team relentlessly fighting the world's biggest health challenges. In Edmonton, you'll contribute to therapies impacting HIV patients, cancer survivors, and those with inflammatory conditions. Our collaborative culture, bold ambitions, and employee-centric policies create an environment where innovation thrives. With a premium reputation in biopharmaceuticals, Gilead offers stability, purpose, and the chance to create possible together.

Role FAQs

What is the work environment like?

A dynamic lab setting in Edmonton focused on safety, innovation, and teamwork in process development.

Is GMP experience required?

It is an asset but not required; training is provided.

How does Gilead support career growth?

Through mentorship, internal opportunities, and leadership development programs tailored to your aspirations.

What diseases does Gilead target?

Key areas include HIV, oncology, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and inflammatory diseases.

Who should apply internally?

Current Gilead employees and contractors via the Workday portal.