Associate Scientist, DST

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join the Discovery Sciences and Technologies (DST) Department and contribute to support the identification and nomination of small molecule and biologics drug candidates across all therapeutic areas at Gilead.

Members of the DST Department are responsible for designing and executing rigorous, quantitative, and physiologically relevant in vitro biochemical, biophysical and functional cellular assays. They collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to discover and advance drug candidates—from lead identification at project inception to the characterization of final development candidates.

The successful candidate will be an integral member of the DST research team and will work closely with various Research functions, including medicinal chemistry, structural biology, and protein therapeutics, to help advance transformational therapies into clinical development. Gilead 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.

• Independently conceive, develop, optimize, execute, and troubleshoot in‑vitro plate‑based assays to support large and/or small molecule drug discovery efforts; may contribute to technical sections of reports and publications
• Apply increased depth or breadth of assay technologies in generating experimental data to support projects technically from start to finish
• Apply and use lab automation and liquid handlers to screen and profile large and small molecules for hit identification and lead optimization across diverse therapeutic modalities
• Perform mechanistic studies to elucidate mode of action for lead molecules
• Evaluate and implement novel assay technologies to support advancement of internal programs and core platform functions
• Contribute to multiple concurrent projects, collaborate effectively within cross‑functional teams
• Effectively communicate scientific findings clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; interpret experimental outcomes and present results in project team meetings
• Serve as a technical resource within DST for assay or inventory workflows; train junior group members with instruments and technical aspects of experiments

• 4+ Years with BS
• 2+ Years with MS

• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Cell Biology or related field with a minimum of 6 years of relevant industry experience OR Master’s degree with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience
• Proficiency in cell biology and in vitro pharmacology techniques, including mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and cell‑based assays
• Research experience in antibody drug discovery for oncology or fibrosis
• Experience with automation and liquid handling systems
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
• Ability to multitask effectively in a dynamic, fast‑paced research environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to…