AI Data Science Lead – PDM & Tech Ops; Gilead & Kite

AI Data Science 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 Technical Operations.

This role will develop deep expertise in PDM and Tech Ops processes 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. 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 domain expert for Data & AI technical teams.

This position is based in Foster City, CA (hybrid‑eligible).

• 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, guiding process discovery and translating business logic into technical specifications.
• Serve as PDM and Tech Ops SME in AI model design, feature engineering, and solution architecture.
• Document current‑state workflows for knowledge management, quality, CMC and design future‑state AI‑enabled processes; 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.

• 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.
• Exposure to PDM and Tech Ops processes in a corporate environment is a plus.
• Strong systems thinking ability, capable of visualizing workflows and processes; process design background preferred.
• Ability 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.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage projects.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with GxP/GMP.
• Knowledge of ERP and manufacturing systems.

Salary range: $ – $, depending on experience, qualifications and location. Additional compensation may include a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock‑based long‑term incentives, paid time off and a benefits package. Benefits include company‑sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans subject to plan terms.

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. Employment decisions will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, or other non‑job related characteristics. Applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Appli for assistance.