Principal Scientist, Biology

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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.

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