AI Data Science Lead – PDM & Tech Ops (Gilead & Kite)

Biopharma Careers; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilead Sciences is seeking an AI Data Science Lead for Pharmaceutical Development & Manufacturing (PDM) and Tech Ops. The role focuses on driving AI/ML innovation, master data management, and scalable AI solutions across processes and regulatory-compliant workflows.

Raleigh-based hybrid position with leadership responsibilities. You will collaborate with product owners and architects to deliver AI-enabled processes, mentor junior data scientists, and ensure implementations meet GxP/GMP

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in statistics, data science, and/or computer science.
• 5+ years of relevant AI/ML experience in pharma/biotech or similar industries.
• Experience with prompt engineering, LLM testing, or AI model experimentation.
• Strong systems thinking and ability to visualize workflows and processes.
• Excellent communication and ability to collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute prompt engineering strategies to optimize AI model performance.
• Lead end-to-end AI/ML solutions across PDM and Tech Ops use cases.
• Serve as SME in AI model design, feature engineering, and solution architecture.
• Support Master Data Management needs and document current-state workflows.
• Manage portfolio tracking, dashboards, and metrics for AI/ML initiatives.
• Mentor junior data scientists and ensure regulatory compliance (GxP/GMP).

Skills

Prompt engineering

LLM testing

AI model experimentation

Process design

Systems thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in statistics/data science/computer science

Tools

ERP systems

Manufacturing systems

Job description

Job Description

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.

AI Data Science and Master Data Management Lead – PDM & Tech Ops (Gilead & Kite)

Role Overview

As part of Gilead’s enterprise AI strategy to accelerate the delivery of life-changing therapies, we are seeking an AI Data Science Lead to drive AI/ML innovation across Pharmaceutical Development & Manufacturing (PDM) and Tech Ops (Technical Operations). This role will develop deep expertise in PDM and Tech Ops processes, Master Data Management and design AI-enabled solutions to improve speed, quality, and efficiency across the development lifecycle. You will partner with Product Owners, Solution Architects, and Delivery Leads to ensure scalable, validated, and compliant AI solutions. Manage PDM Master Data Management needs. Reporting to the Director, Data & AI (PDM and Tech Ops), the successful candidate will manage portfolio tracking and metrics across PDM and Tech Ops AI/ML initiatives while serving as an authoritative PDM and Tech Ops domain and Master Data Management expert for Data & AI technical teams. This position is based in Raleigh, NC (hybrid-eligible).

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute prompt engineering strategies and conduct experimentation to optimize AI model performance
• Lead end-to-end AI/ML solutions across PDM and Tech Ops use cases. Lead process discovery across PDM and Tech Ops functions and translate business logic into technical specifications for AI solutions
• Serve as PDM and Tech Ops SME in AI model design, feature engineering, and solution architecture
• Support PDM and Tech Ops Master Data Management needs
• Document current-state workflows for Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Tech Development/PD, quality, CMC and design future-state AI-enabled processes and translate into AI-ready problem definitions; Drive process discovery and transformation opportunities
• Validate AI solutions against current-state workflows and regulatory requirements (including GxP, controls)
• Contribute to the development of data solutions and provide post-implementation support including troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Manage portfolio-level tracking, executive dashboards, and metrics across all finance AI/ML use cases
• Mentor junior data scientists

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in statistics, data science and/or computer science and 5+ years of relevant experience
• Experience with prompt engineering, LLM testing, or AI model experimentation
• Good systems thinking ability – seeing connections and patterns and able to visualize workflows and processes. Experience or education on process design preferred.
• Able to visually depict activity in a process flow and identify opportunities to optimize processes using automation and AI
• Curious and agile learner across multiple domains
• Strong problem definition and problem solving skills
• Able to multitask, prioritize and manage projects
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Exposure to PDM and Tech Ops processes in a corporate environment a plus
• Knowledge of ERP and manufacturing systems
• Familiarity with GxP/GMP

The salary range for this position is: $146,200.00 - $189,200.00. 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 [e-mail] for assistance.

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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.

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