Sr Associate Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

  • 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

This role represents an opportunity to play an integral role in the growth of Gileads bioconjugation team. This highly integrated team bridges medicinal chemistry, protein therapeutics and additional functions using traditional and next generation bioconjugation techniques. The ideal candidate will demonstrate deep expertise in modern platforms and techniques for synthesis, purification and characterization of small molecule, peptide/protein and LNP bioconjugates. A strong foundation in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry as applied to small molecule drug discovery will lead to maximal success in the role. Please consider joining Gileads Small Molecule Drug Discovery organization and contribute to our goal of discovering transformational medicines.

Responsibilities

  • Bioconjugation Chemistry: this role will manage and expand Gileads ADC and bioconjugation labs and capabilities while working across the interface of medicinal chemistry, protein therapeutics and discovery biology to coordinate the design, synthesis and purification of protein bioconjugates.

  • Medicinal Chemistry : Design and optimization of traditional small molecule inhibitors, degraders and cytotoxic payloads. Devise linkers for optimal properties of bioconjugates. Contribute to the execution of small molecule drug discovery programs through interpretation of SAR, design and synthesis of new analogs.

  • Bioconjugation Strategy: further develop the groups vision for long term growth and ability to support new projects and modalities.

  • Method Development : Develop and optimize known and novel bioconjugation methodologies for various applications. Troubleshoot existing workflows and suggest improved methods.

  • Documentation : Maintain accurate and detailed records of all experiments, analyses, and results in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

  • ADC Data Management : Collaborate with Gilead Research Data Sciences and Research Informatics group to enable structured data acquisition for ADC modalities.

  • Training and Support : Provide training and technical support to junior staff and other team members on bioconjugation techniques and instrument operation.

  • Collaboration : Strong emphasis on effective communication and effective collaboration across multiple functions across Research and Development. Presentation of scientific results at team and group meetings.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Master's (+ 3 years) or Bachelor's (+ 5 years) in organic chemistry, or equivalent discipline with an emphasis in multi-step organic synthesis and bioconjugation applications.

  • Bioconjugation Chemistry: expert at the synthesis and purification of protein bioconjugates including:

  • Experience with ADC characterization methods including SEC, HIC, RPLC, and high-resolution mass spectrometry methods for DAR assessment.

  • Experience with the use of preparative methods for ADC purification.

  • Familiarity with automation platforms for high-throughput conjugation.

  • Familiarity with enzymatic conjugation methods.

  • Familiarity with traditional and next generation bioconjugation handles

  • Experience with design and implementation of various linker cleavage mechanisms

  • Hands-on experience with protein handling (buffer-exchange, desalting, protein A capture)

  • Exposure to various classes of small molecule payloads

  • Strong synthetic skills and a solid knowledge of modern organic synthesis techniques

  • Strong data processing and analysis skills including coding language for data analysis and database management. Excellent troubleshooting skills and ability to develop and optimize analytical methods.

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and concisely.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Education: Master's (+ 8 years) or Bachelor's (+ 10 years) in organic chemistry, or equivalent discipline with an emphasis in multi-step organic synthesis and bioconjugation applications.

  • Experience with lipid biconjugation methods and lipid nanoparticle antibody conjugation.

  • Experienced at working with potent compounds.

  • Experience conducting multi-step organic synthesis and the use of associated instrumentation.

  • Prior experience conducting parallel or automated synthesis.

  • Knowledge of DMPK, ADME and pharmacology principles.

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: $126,820.00 - $164,120.00. 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.

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For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

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Job ID: 490011468
Originally Posted on: 8/19/2025

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