Sr. Associate Scientist

Reposted Yesterday
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Foster City, CA, USA
In-Office
127K-164K Annually
Senior level
Biotech
The Role
Develops and executes biological, cell-based, biochemical, biophysical, and bioanalytical assays supporting drug discovery and pharmacokinetic research. Responsibilities include ligand-binding assay development, biological sample analysis, in vivo PK study support, experiment design, data interpretation, troubleshooting, high-throughput workflow optimization, laboratory automation, technical reporting, and collaboration with multidisciplinary discovery teams across oncology, inflammation, and virology.
Summary Generated by Built In

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
 

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
 

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description
 

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Scientist, Pharmacokinetic (PK) Bioanalysis to join the Discovery Science & Technology (DST) group and contribute to drug discovery efforts across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, inflammation, and virology. The Discovery Science & Technology group is dedicated to identifying and advancing best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutic candidates through the application of state-of-the-art in vitro pharmacology technologies.

Our multidisciplinary scientific team leverages expertise in high-throughput screening, assay development, lab automation, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and biophysics to enable critical drug discovery decisions and facilitate the advancement of innovative medicines.

The successful candidate will be versatile in adapting in vitro pharmacology approaches to support target validation, lead discovery and candidate advancement, and the development and execution of biological, biochemical, cell-based, and bioanalytical assays. Working within multidisciplinary teams, this individual will generate high-quality data, solve complex scientific challenges, and help drive the discovery of transformative therapies for patients.

As a Senior Associate Scientist, Pharmacokinetic (PK) Bioanalysis at Gilead, you will ...

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, optimize, and execute biological, biochemical, biophysical, cell-based, and bioanalytical assays to support drug discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas.

  • Contribute to target validation, lead identification, lead optimization, and candidate selection activities by generating high-quality experimental data and scientific insights.

  • Apply a diverse range of in vitro pharmacology technologies, including high-throughput screening, profiling, mechanistic characterization, and functional assay platforms to address critical research questions.

  • Independently design and execute experiments, analyze and interpret data, and communicate findings to multidisciplinary project teams.

  • Develop, optimize, and execute ligand-binding assays and related bioanalytical methods to support pharmacokinetic and translational research activities.

  • Support in vivo pharmacokinetic studies through biological sample analysis, data review, and interpretation.

  • Manage experimental challenges and implement creative solutions to improve assay performance, robustness, reproducibility, and throughput.

  • Collaborate closely with scientists across biology, biochemistry, biophysics, analytical chemistry, automation, DMPK, and data science to advance discovery programs.

  • Contribute to the evaluation, implementation, and development of innovative technologies, methodologies, and workflows that enhance scientific impact and operational efficiency.

  • Support automated and high-throughput workflows through assay optimization, miniaturization, and integration with laboratory automation platforms.

  • Maintain accurate and organized experimental records and prepare technical reports, presentations, and scientific summaries.

  • Present scientific findings and recommendations to project teams and departmental meetings.

  • Contribute to a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience, OR
  • Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Industry experience supporting drug discovery, translational research, assay development, screening sciences, pharmacology, bioanalysis, or a related scientific discipline.

  • Demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, and executing biological, biochemical, cell-based, and/or bioanalytical assays.

  • Experience supporting in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) studies through sample analysis, data generation, and interpretation.

  • Proven ability to independently design experiments, analyze complex datasets, interpret results, and recommend next steps.

  • Experience working in multidisciplinary research environments and collaborating effectively across scientific functions.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research setting while maintaining high scientific standards.

  • Track record of identifying technical challenges and implementing effective scientific solutions.

  • Strong understanding of assay development principles, experimental design, and data analysis.

  • Hands-on experience with one or more laboratory disciplines including cell biology, biochemistry, enzymology, pharmacology, protein sciences, biophysics, screening sciences, and/or bioanalysis.

  • Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting ligand-binding assays (LBA) such as ELISA, MSD, Gyrolab, AlphaLISA, or related technologies.

  • Experience analyzing biological samples including serum, plasma, and other matrices to support pharmacology and pharmacokinetic studies.

  • Working knowledge of pharmacokinetic principles and interpretation of bioanalytical data.

  • Experience with laboratory automation and software commonly used in drug discovery and bioanalytical research.

  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and improve assay performance, robustness, reproducibility, and throughput.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex experimental data into actionable scientific insights.

  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within cross-functional teams.

  • Experience with high-throughput screening (HTS), compound profiling, assay miniaturization, or automated laboratory workflows.

  • Experience supporting PK, PD, biomarker, or bioanalytical studies for biologics and other large-molecule therapeutic modalities.

  • Familiarity with biologics, peptides, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other large-molecule therapeutic modalities.

  • Understanding of PK/PD principles and their application in discovery and early development.

  • Experience with analytical technologies such as LC-MS/MS or other quantitative characterization platforms


 

The salary range for this position is: $126,820.00 - $164,120.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.


For jobs in the United States:

Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the  legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.
 

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.

Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.


For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, plus 5 or more years of relevant industry experience
  • Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, plus 3 or more years of relevant industry experience
  • Industry experience supporting drug discovery, translational research, assay development, screening sciences, pharmacology, bioanalysis, or a related scientific discipline
  • Experience developing, optimizing, and executing biological, biochemical, cell-based, or bioanalytical assays
  • Experience supporting in vivo pharmacokinetic studies through sample analysis, data generation, and interpretation
  • Ability to independently design experiments, analyze complex datasets, interpret results, and recommend next steps
  • Experience working in multidisciplinary research environments and collaborating across scientific functions
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research setting while maintaining high scientific standards
  • Track record of identifying technical challenges and implementing effective scientific solutions
  • Strong understanding of assay development principles, experimental design, and data analysis
  • Hands-on experience with cell biology, biochemistry, enzymology, pharmacology, protein sciences, biophysics, screening sciences, or bioanalysis
  • Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting ligand-binding assays such as ELISA, MSD, Gyrolab, AlphaLISA, or related technologies
  • Experience analyzing serum, plasma, and other biological matrices to support pharmacology and pharmacokinetic studies
  • Working knowledge of pharmacokinetic principles and interpretation of bioanalytical data
  • Experience with laboratory automation and software used in drug discovery and bioanalytical research
  • Ability to troubleshoot and improve assay performance, robustness, reproducibility, and throughput
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate experimental data into actionable scientific insights
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within cross-functional teams
  • Experience with high-throughput screening, compound profiling, assay miniaturization, or automated laboratory workflows
  • Experience supporting PK, PD, biomarker, or bioanalytical studies for biologics and other large-molecule therapeutic modalities
  • Familiarity with biologics, peptides, antibody-drug conjugates, and other large-molecule therapeutic modalities
  • Understanding of PK/PD principles and their application in discovery and early development
  • Experience with analytical technologies such as LC-MS/MS or other quantitative characterization platforms

Gilead Sciences Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Gilead Sciences and has not been reviewed or approved by Gilead Sciences.

  • Fair & Transparent Compensation Pay is considered competitive and fair relative to roles, frequently cited as a standout strength. Feedback suggests compensation compares well within biotech and is a notable reason employees feel valued.
  • Equity Value & Accessibility Stock awards and an employee stock purchase program are consistently described as meaningful parts of total compensation. Equity components are seen as accessible and enhance long‑term wealth building.
  • Retirement Support A strong company 401(k) match with immediate vesting is often singled out as a differentiator. This support is perceived to significantly boost long‑term financial security.

Gilead Sciences Insights

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The Company
HQ: Foster City, CA
14,337 Employees
Year Founded: 1987

What We Do

The way we see it, the impossible is not impossible. It’s simply what hasn’t been achieved yet. For more than 30 years, we’ve pursued it, chased it down, tackled it for answers and surrounded it for a way in. We have worked tirelessly to bring forward medicines for life-threatening diseases. Creating Possible drives everything we do. It’s evident in our mission and core values. This is how we built a culture of excellence that is fueled by a passion for improving lives of people around the world. For us, nothing is impossible – because of the people we work with, the communities we stand with and the partners we push forward with. Our ~12,000 employees band together through science, grit, compassion and courage to prove the impossible wrong. At Gilead, the tangible results of your contributions are evident. Where every individual matters. Where all employees can enhance their skills through ongoing development. And where we start every day with one question: “What’s next?” Social Media Guidelines: https://gilead.inc/3t1m7d5

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