Associate Scientist, DST

  • 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

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Associate Scientist to join the Discovery Sciences and Technologies (DST) Department and contribute to our biochemistry and cell biology capabilities. This role supports 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 and functional cellular assays. They collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to discover and advance drug candidatesfrom 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.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Independently design, optimize, and execute robust biochemical and cellular functional assays to evaluate the in vitro pharmacological properties of drug candidates.

  • Perform automation-enabled medium- to high-throughput screening to identify hit compounds and support lead optimization across diverse therapeutic modalities.

  • Apply in vitro pharmacology techniques to investigate mechanisms of action, emphasizing drug-target interactions and downstream cellular signaling pathways.

  • Contribute to multiple concurrent projects, collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, and communicate scientific findings clearly and concisely to varied audiences, both verbally and in writing.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field with a minimum of 4 years of relevant industry experience

OR

  • Masters degree with at least 2 years of relevant industry experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, with a minimum of 6 years of relevant industry experience

  • Masters degree with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience

  • Solid background and hands-on research experience in one or more of the following areas: Immunology, Oncology, or Virology.

  • Proficiency in cell biology and in vitro pharmacology techniques, including, but not limited to, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, common protein quantification methods, and gene expression analysis. Experience with automation and liquid handling systems is a plus.

  • 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 deliver clear and effective presentations.

The salary range for this position is: $109,650.00 - $141,900.00. 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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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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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: 488529265
Originally Posted on: 8/7/2025

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