Senior Scientist, Molecular Biology

RiseMe; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 169,000 - 219,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilead Sciences Inc. is seeking a laboratory-based scientist to lead the Molecular Biology function within the Mammalian Expression team.

You will guide design, development, and execution of high-throughput expression constructs supporting Virology, Inflammation, and Oncology programs. The role focuses on integrating synthetic biology workflows from in silico sequence design to expression-ready constructs across scales.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in molecular cloning, DNA assembly and construct design for protein expression.
• Experience with high-throughput molecular biology workflows.
• Automation experience with robotic platforms to scale workflows.
• Experience managing external CROs for data delivery and timelines.
• Strong data management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Supervisory experience over scientists and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and operational guidance for molecular cloning; oversee design and delivery of plasmid and expression constructs.
• Lead development of high-throughput construct generation platforms; integrate robotics to reduce cycle times.
• Direct automated sequence verification workflows; manage CROs; ensure data quality and compliance.
• Collaborate with Research Informatics to standardize workflows and data registration; improve digital connectivity.

Education

8+ Years with BS

6+ Years with MS

0+ Years with PhD/PharmD

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.

The Protein Therapeutics department is seeking a highly motivated laboratory-based scientist to lead the Molecular Biology function within the Mammalian Expression team. In this capacity, the successful candidate will provide scientific direction for the design, development, and execution of high-throughput expression construct and cassette generation workflows that support Gilead’s therapeutic programs in areas such as Virology, Inflammation, and Oncology. This individual will spearhead initiatives to advance integrated synthetic biology workflows, facilitating efficient transitions from sequence design in silico to high-quality, expression-ready constructs for recombinant protein expression at all scales. The ideal candidate will possess extensive molecular biology expertise, collaborative leadership skills, and a proven track record in developing and optimizing robust, data-driven platforms that accelerate gene-to-protein delivery across diverse projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific and operational guidance for the molecular cloning function, overseeing the design and delivery of complex plasmid and expression constructs utilizing various assembly technologies including Gibson, Golden Gate, and In-Fusion cloning, with workflows tailored for scalable automation.
• Lead the development and enhancement of high-throughput construct generation platforms by integrating robotic systems and innovative technologies to expand capacity and reduce cycle time in gene-to-protein workflows.
• Direct the implementation and ongoing refinement of automated sequence verification workflow, including management of external CRO activities to ensure high-quality data generation and capture. Oversee rigorous sample quality control to maintain high standards of data accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate strategically with Research Informatics and cross-functional teams to establish standardized, compliant workflows for nucleic acid data registration, streamline operations, and strengthen digital connectivity throughout the workflow.
• Supervise and drive continuous improvement of the Protein Therapeutics DNA repository to maintain a reliable, scalable, and well-governed plasmid inventory and archival system to fully support mammalian cell transfection activities and broader platform requirements on time and within budget.
• Act as the scientific liaison with external CRO partners to streamline ordering and delivery processes, reducing DNA readiness timelines and increasing operational efficiency.
• Provide scientific contributions and data to support publications, patent submissions, and presentations at internal and external meetings.
• Present findings to project teams and senior management regularly.
• Mentor and develop team members

Basic Qualifications:

• 8+ Years with BS
• 6+ Years with MS
• 0+ Years with PhD/PharmD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred qualification: Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology, biochemical engineering, biological sciences or related disciplines with postdoctoral training and 3+ years of relevant industry experience. M.S. with 12+ years or B.S. with 15+ years of relevant industry experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated deep expertise in molecular cloning, DNA assembly and construct design for protein expressions, including hands‑on expertise with multiple DNA assembly methods such as Gibson, Golden Gate and In-Fusion cloning.
• Demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, and scaling high-throughput molecular biology workflows supporting biologics discovery processes.
• Experienced in automation-related workflows from development to implementation, using robotic platforms or related technologies to increase capacity and efficiency.
• Experience in DNA repository management, plasmid inventory systems or sample archival infrastructure.
• Experience managing external CROs to support workflow execution, data delivery and timeline‑driven project support.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with informatics, automation or other technical teams to support data integrity, workflow standardisation and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated competency in Geneious Prime, GeneData Biologics and other bioinformatics tools.
• Experience in programming/scripting languages such as Python, Excel macros is a plus.
• Highly collaborative with strong organisational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively on multiple programmes in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment.
• Strong data management and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Supervisory experience managing both scientists and workflows is expected

People Leader Accountabilities

• Create Inclusion by demonstrating the business value of diverse and inclusive teams and embedding equity and respect into day to day people management practices.
• Develop Talent by understanding team members skills experience aspirations and potential and providing coaching feedback and development opportunities.
• Empower Teams by connecting team goals to organisational purpose removing barriers to execution and enabling cross functional collaboration.

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.

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.

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.

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.