Senior Scientist, Protein Therapeutics

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

Job summary

Gilead Sciences Inc. in Foster City, CA, seeks a Senior Scientist, Protein Therapeutics, to strengthen ADC analytics, applying mass spectrometry and developability assessment to inform program decisions.

You will design analytical experiments for antibody-drug conjugates, optimize methods (LC-MS, peptide mapping, chromatography), evaluate DAR and payload stability, and mentor junior scientists in a collaborative, scientifically rigorous team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 8 Years' Experience
• Master's Degree and 6 Years' Experience
• PhD and 2 Years' Experience
• Industry experience supporting ADC discovery or development programs.
• Deep expertise in protein and ADC analytical characterization, including native and denaturing LC-MS, peptide mapping, HIC, SEC, RP, IEX, CE-SDS, and cIEF.
• Experience with multidimensional chromatography (2D-LC) for biologics/ADCs, including HIC-RP-MS, SEC-RP-MS, IEX-RP-MS.
• Knowledge of ADC pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and bioanalytical considerations.
• Excellent critical thinking, experimental design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute analytical characterization experiments for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to support discovery and candidate selection.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot advanced analytical methods, including high-resolution LC-MS (intact and subunit mass analysis), peptide mapping, multidimensional chromatography, and plate-based workflows to improve analytical robustness and throughput.
• Evaluate key ADC attributes, including DAR, aggregation, fragmentation, hydrophobicity, charge heterogeneity, and linker-payload stability, and integrate data to identify risks and support progression decisions.
• Apply scientific judgment to resolve complex analytical challenges and independently select approaches for novel assignments.
• Evaluate, implement, and advance emerging analytical technologies and workflows to expand ADC characterization capabilities and improve efficiency.
• Promote ADC characterization best practices, ensuring high-quality experimental design, data integrity, and documentation in ELN and data management systems.
• Present scientific findings, conclusions, and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to scientific publications, patents, technical reports, and external scientific engagement where appropriate.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous team environment.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Protein analytics

Developability assessment

ADC characterization

Analytical chemistry

Education

PhD in analytical chemistry

Master's degree in analytical chemistry

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Tools

LC-MS

2D-LC

HIC

SEC

RP-HPLC

IEX

CE-SDS

cIEF

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

The Senior Scientist, Protein Therapeutics will help strengthen our Antibody Drug Conjugate analytics capabilities as we build the analytical foundation to support a growing portfolio of programs across oncology, inflammation, and virology. In this highly collaborative, laboratory-based role, you will apply expertise in mass spectrometry, protein analytics, and developability assessment to contribute with scientific insights across ADC projects and teams.

This position is based in Foster City, CA, and requires onsite work.

As a Senior Scientist, Protein Therapeutics , at Gilead you will…

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently design and execute analytical characterization experiments for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to support discovery, and candidates’ selection activities.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot advanced analytical methods, including high-resolution LC-MS (intact and subunit mass analysis), peptide mapping, multidimensional chromatography, and plate-based workflows to improve analytical robustness and throughput.
• Evaluate key ADC attributes, including DAR, aggregation, fragmentation, hydrophobicity, charge heterogeneity, and linker-payload stability, and integrate analytical and developability data to identify risks, and support progression decisions.
• Apply scientific judgment to resolve complex analytical challenges and independently select appropriate experimental approaches for novel and technically challenging assignments.
• Evaluate, implement, and advance emerging analytical technologies and workflows to expand ADC characterization capabilities and improve efficiency.
• Promote ADC characterization best practices, ensuring high-quality experimental design, data integrity, and documentation in accordance with electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), data management, and data capturing requirements.
• Present scientific findings, conclusions, and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to scientific publications, patents, technical reports, and external scientific engagement where appropriate.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to fostering a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous team environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and 8 Years' Experience
• OR
• Master's Degree and 6 Years' Experience
• OR
• PhD and 2 Years' Experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Preferred experience: 15+ years with a bachelor’s degree; 12+ years with a master’s degree; or 3+ years with a PhD, including postdoctoral training.
• Industry experience supporting ADC discovery or development programs.
• Deep expertise in protein and ADC analytical characterization, including expertise in native and denaturing LC-MS mass analysis techniques, peptide mapping, HIC, SEC, RP, IEX, CE-SDS, and cIEF.
• Strong experience with workflows for ADC developability assessment.
• Experience with multidimensional chromatography (2D-LC) approaches for biologics and ADCs, including HIC-RP-MS, SEC-RP-MS, IEX-RP-MS, or related platforms.
• Experience working with a variety of conjugation technologies and linker-payload platforms.
• Knowledge of ADC pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and bioanalytical considerations, including assessment of circulating ADC species and payload-related biotransformation.
• Experience applying analytical, biophysical, and computational data to support molecule optimization and predictive developability assessments.
• Excellent critical thinking, experimental design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to multidisciplinary teams and senior leadership.

People Leader Accountabilities:

• Create Inclusion - knowing the business value of diverse teams, modeling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams.
• Develop Talent - understand the skills, experience, aspirations and potential of their employees and coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employees receive feedback and insight needed to grow, develop and realize their purpose.
• Empower Teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives, and holding them to account. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem.

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.

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