Senior Scientist, Drug Metabolism

Gilead Sciences Inc.; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 169,000 - 219,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Stock options

Paid time off

Bonus potential

Job summary

Gilead Sciences Inc. in Foster City, CA is seeking a Senior Scientist, Drug Metabolism to serve as an expert in PK/PD modeling for small molecules and biologics.

You will provide strategic scientific input to discovery and development teams, applying advanced quantitative approaches to characterize ADME properties and support dose selection. The role emphasizes AI-enabled modeling, complex PK/PD workflows, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to translate findings into actionable

Qualifications

• Advanced PK/PD modeling experience.
• Experience in nonclinical PK and toxicology studies.
• Ability to translate concepts into mathematical models.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced PK/PD modeling expertise on project teams across discovery and development stages.
• Drive quantitative DMPK strategy and integrate modeling into decision-making.
• Design, implement, and validate complex PK/PD and mechanistic models for dose selection and translational predictions.
• Develop and refine modeling workflows for nonclinical study design with AI-based enhancements.
• Collaborate with project teams and CROs to ensure timely regulatory submissions.
• Participate in business development and licensing evaluations.

Skills

PK/PD modeling

AI workflows

Multi-compartmental modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Phoenix/WinNonlin

MATLAB/SimBiology

GastroPlus

SimBiology

R

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.

Job Description

At Gilead our pursuit of a healthier world for all people has yielded a cure for hepatitis C, revolutionary improvements in HIV treatment and prevention as well as advancements in therapies for viral and inflammatory diseases and certain cancers.

We set and achieve bold ambitions in our fight against the world’s most devastating diseases, united in our commitment to confronting the largest public health challenges of our day and improving the lives of patients for generations to come. As a Senior Scientist, Drug Metabolism at Gilead, you will serve as an expert in pharmacokinetic (PK) and PK/Pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling of small molecules and biologics, providing strategic and scientific input on discovery and development project teams.

The role emphasizes the application of advanced quantitative approaches, including mechanistic and empirical modeling, to characterize and predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of the therapeutics. Demonstrated experience in the utilization of modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) workflows to enhance and streamline workflows is expected.

Additional responsibilities include designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo studies, integrating data into mathematical models, and generating simulations to support dose selection and clinical translation. This role offers opportunities to serve as a project representative and departmental modeling expert, while also contributing to business development initiatives.

This position is onsite at our global headquarters in Foster City, CA.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

• Provide advanced PK and PK/PD modeling expertise on project teams across discovery and development stages, guiding the design and interpretation of nonclinical PK, toxicology, and pharmacology studies.


• Drive quantitative DMPK strategy for programs, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate modeling approaches into decision-making; communicate modeling insights and align strategies with scientists, collaborators, and management.


• Design, implement, and validate complex PK/PD and mechanistic models to address translational questions, support dose selection, and predict first-in-human exposures.


• Develop and refine modeling workflows for nonclinical study design, including simulation-based approaches to optimize study parameters and interpret outcomes, with application of AI-based enhancements where possible


• Work closely with project teams, line management and CROs to assure high quality and timely delivery of documents for regulatory submissions.


• Participate in business development and licensing evaluations.

Requirements

• Level of position will be commensurate to educational level and years of relevant experience to the position


• Masters Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience required OR


• PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience required


• Relevant experience includes post-graduate industry experience in PK, drug metabolism, pharmaceutics, or a related life science field, with a primary focus on quantitative modeling of agents (small molecules, biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, targeted protein degraders etc.) for PK and PK/PD characterization across discovery and development.


• Strong foundation in PK and PD principles, with demonstrated ability to translate these concepts into mathematical models.


• Extensive experience in mechanistic PK/PD and multi-compartmental modeling, including proficiency with software platforms such as Phoenix/WinNonlin, MATLAB/SimBiology, GastroPlus, SimBiology, R, or equivalent modeling tools.


• Proven ability to design, implement, and interpret complex modeling workflows, determine next steps based on quantitative insights, and effectively communicate results to project teams and senior management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in application of AI, in model-building and in streamlining and automation of workflows.


• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and commitment to staying current with advances in biologics DMPK and modeling methodologies, supported by a track record of external visibility through publications, presentations, and/or professional organization involvement.


• Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to explain complex topics to diverse audiences.

The salary range for this position is: $169,320.00 - $219,120.00. 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.

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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.

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

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