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's relentless pursuit of innovation has delivered a cure for hepatitis C, revolutionary HIV treatments and prevention methods, and significant advancements in therapies for viral, inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Gilead fosters a collaborative environment where scientists and leaders work together to confront public health challenges and improve patient lives globally.

Role Overview

As a Sr Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, California, you will play a pivotal role in drug discovery teams. This full-time position involves designing and synthesizing novel molecules to advance lead series in critical therapeutic areas like HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. With a salary range of $169,320 to $219,120, plus bonuses and benefits, this role offers competitive compensation in the biopharmaceutical sector. Ideal for passionate chemists with expertise in organic synthesis, you will apply scientific rigor and creative problem-solving to tackle complex drug discovery challenges.

Key Responsibilities

In this senior role, your contributions will directly impact Gilead's pipeline of life-changing therapies. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and executing the synthesis of novel molecules within multi-disciplinary drug discovery teams.
• Proposing hypothesis-driven target molecules based on emerging structure-activity relationships (SAR).
• Optimizing compounds to advance and impact lead series in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory disease programs.
• Solving complex synthesis problems using state-of-the-art methodology.
• Collaborating with colleagues to enable team productivity and maintain high expertise through scientific literature familiarity.
• Using strong verbal, technical, and interpersonal communication skills to share objectives and results.

Qualifications & Requirements

Gilead seeks candidates with a strong foundation in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Basic qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience; OR
• Master’s Degree with 6+ years of experience; OR
• PhD with 2+ years of experience.

Success requires an excellent track record in organic synthesis, creative problem-solving, and commitment to scientific rigor. Experience in proposing molecular targets and optimizing compounds based on SAR is essential. People leader accountabilities emphasize creating inclusion, developing talent, and empowering teams, making this ideal for those aspiring to leadership in biotech.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a comprehensive compensation package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth:

• Base salary from $169,320 to $219,120, 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 access to wellbeing programs.
• Additional perks via Gilead's benefits portal.

Gilead is committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Career Growth

At Gilead, every employee is empowered to grow. People Leaders drive culture evolution by modeling inclusion, coaching talent, and aligning teams with organizational goals. As a Sr Scientist, you will receive feedback, development opportunities, and connections to Gilead's broader ecosystem. Advance your career in medicinal chemistry while contributing to bold ambitions in HIV treatments, oncology innovations, and inflammatory disease therapies.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means becoming part of a team united in confronting the world's biggest health challenges. Work on groundbreaking projects in Foster City, California, alongside experts tackling HIV, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Enjoy a supportive culture, premium benefits, and the chance to make a direct impact on patient lives. Gilead's mission requires determination and collaboration—qualities you bring to create possible, together.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range for this position?

The base salary range is $169,320 - $219,120, with potential for bonuses and incentives based on role and performance.

What qualifications are required?

A PhD with 2+ years, Master’s with 6+ years, or Bachelor’s with 8+ years in relevant experience, plus expertise in organic synthesis.

Is this a leadership role?

It includes people leader accountabilities focused on inclusion, talent development, and team empowerment.

What therapeutic areas does this role support?

Primarily drug discovery for HIV, oncology, viral, and inflammatory diseases.

Where is the position located?

Foster City, California, United States.