Principal Scientist, Oncology

  • Gilead Sciences
  • Foster City, California
  • Full Time

At Gilead, were creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, weve 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 worlds biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gileads 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 were 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

Gilead's mission is to discover, develop, and deliver therapies that will improve the lives of patients with life-threatening illnesses worldwide.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Principal Scientist to support Gileads growing ADC portfolio. The successful candidate will be an integral senior member of a high performing research team dedicated to identifying and validating novel ADC modalities for therapeutic applications through internal and external efforts. In this role, the candidate will manage an internal research team and interact in a highly cross-functional manner across multiple departments to ideate and advance projects. In addition, the candidate will use its extensive knowledge of the ADC field to support external diligence efforts and evaluate assets as well as novel platforms.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Design and lead cross-functional ADC projects leveraging internal and external resources

  • Role is expected to lead from the bench and actively participate in the design and execution of critical experiments

  • Significantly contribute to the evaluation of external asset and platform opportunities

  • Support the development of a comprehensive ADC strategy at Gilead through project ideation and scientific experimentation

  • Manage reports and lead a productive research team dedicated to identifying and validating new tumor-associated antigens for given cancer indications, new ADC payloads, and optimal binders for future internal and external ADC projects.

  • Identify, establish, and manage strategic external collaborations with academic institutions and biotech companies to support ADC programs

  • Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, and patent applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Cell Biology or related field.

  • 5+ years of relevant experience with PhD; 6+ Years relevant industry experience and with postdoctoral training preferred

  • Minimum 3 years in a managerial role with demonstrated team management experience.

  • Proven track record of publications and/or patents

  • Deep expertise and understanding of ADCs and the competitive landscape as well as prior participation in external diligences within the ADC field

  • Demonstrated ability to design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies for ADC evaluation and optimization.

  • Familiarity with additional novel ADC formats and payloads is a plus

  • Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical software; experience with AI/ML applications is a plus

  • Exceptional problem-solving abilities and scientific judgment

  • 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.

Basic Qualifications:

5 years industry experience with PhD OR 8 years of industry experience with Masters degree OR 10 years of industry experience with Bachelors degree

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 are receiving the 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: $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 ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

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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.

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.

Job ID: 487286785
Originally Posted on: 7/29/2025

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