Principal Scientist, Biology (Foster City)

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Foster City, CA 94404

United States

Posted July 1, 2025

{CONTRACTOR,FULL_TIME,INTERN}

Valid until July 31, 2025

Apply Now

Job Description

Principal Scientist, Biology page is loaded

Principal Scientist, Biology

Apply remote type Onsite Required locations United States - California - Foster City time type Full time posted on Posted 30+ Days Ago job requisition id R0045389

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

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Principal Scientist to lead our Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) technology advancement within the Discovery Sciences and Technologies (DST) Department. This pivotal role will enable and drive innovation in LNP-based drug delivery across Virology, Oncology, and Inflammation therapeutic areas.
DST Department members are responsible for the design and execution of rigorous, quantitative, and physiologically relevant in vitro biochemical and functional cellular assays. They collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams to discover and evolve drug candidates from lead identification efforts during project inception to the characterization of the final development candidate.
The successful candidate will be an integral senior member of a high performing research core team dedicated to LNP-based discovery research for therapeutic applications while also establishing strategic partnerships and driving scientific innovation. This individual will work closely with various research functions and external collaborators to advance transformational nucleic acid-based therapies into clinical development for patients.
Our company is a highly matrixed organization and the ability to work effectively across diverse functional groups and therapeutic areas is a key attribute for this role.

Specific Responsibilities:

Develop and implement a comprehensive scientific strategy for LNP technology advancement aligned with therapeutic area objectives and priorities
Build and lead a high-performing team of LNP scientists, establishing priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring milestone achievement across multiple projects.
Design and optimize novel LNP formulations incorporating diverse nucleic acid cargos.
Establish and validate an array of analytical methods for comprehensive LNP characterization including size distribution, charge, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and stability profiling.
Develop and execute cell-based screening to evaluate and optimize delivery efficiency and cellular tropism.
Design and coordinate in vivo studies in collaboration with therapeutic areas to assess biodistribution, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of LNP formulations.
Identify, establish, and manage strategic external collaborations with academic institutions and biotech companies to advance LNP technology capabilities.
Provide scientific leadership in problem-solving complex formulation challenges and troubleshooting LNP development issues across multiple projects.
Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, and patent applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field.
10+ years of research experience in lipid nanoparticle formulation and development for nucleic acid therapeutics.
Minimum 3 years in a managerial role with demonstrated team management experience.
Proven track record of publications and/or patents in LNP based technologies and/ or other drug delivery systems.
Deep expertise and extensive hands on experience in lipid chemistry, purification, bioconjugation and characterization techniques including DLS, zeta potential, HPLC, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry.
Demonstrated ability to design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies for LNP evaluation and optimization.
Familiarity with additional in-vivo delivery platforms would be advantageous
Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical software; experience with AI/ML applications in drug formulation optimization is a plus.
Exceptional problem-solving abilities and scientific judgment in complex formulation challenges.
Strong project management skills with ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high quality standards.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across disciplines and present to executive leadership.

The salary range for this position is: $195,670.00 - $253,220.00. 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:

* 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 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

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

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.