Sr Scientist, Structural 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

We are seeking a highly motivated, attentive, and self-driven candidate to join the Modeling Group. The successful candidate will work closely within inter-disciplinary project teams deployed in multiple therapeutic areas. In this critical role you will be responsible for proactively delivering structural and computational expertise to influence efforts in all stages of the discovery process ranging from target and lead identification to lead optimization and candidate selection.

Experience in a broad variety of both structure- and ligand-based computational techniques is essential, particularly molecular docking, pharmacophore development, library design and analysis, AI/ML methods, and protein-ligand simulation. The ability to analyse chemical structures in relation to biological activity in order to guide novel compound design or help evolve the SAR, both independently and in collaboration with medicinal chemists, is crucial. Experience in modelling of biologics and knowledge of antibody discovery and development are desirable.

Solid knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including DMPK, structural biology, and an understanding of IP and its analysis is expected. Excellent communication skills along with the ability to function as an effective member on multiple project teams are mandatory. The ability to develop tools for use by computational and medicinal chemists would be a great plus.

Essential Functions:

  • Design and prioritize novel compounds using hypothesis-driven approaches informed by SAR, molecular modeling, AI/ML methods and tools, and structural data.

  • Plan, design, and implement computational strategies to advance chemical series via iterative DMTA cycles with a focus on improving potency, selectivity, and DMPK properties.

  • Maintain in-depth knowledge of state-of-the art principles and theories, and apply such knowledge to the research direction that supports Company interests.

  • Work on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires evaluation of intangible variables, requiring regular use of ingenuity and creativity.

  • Contribute to scientific literature and conferences through publication and presentation of research results.

  • Participate in development of patent applications.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree and 8 years of experience

OR

  • Masters degree and 6 years of experience

OR

  • PhD/ PharmD

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Typically requires a PhD in an appropriate scientific discipline and 2+ years of relevant experience with deep expertise in computational chemistry and structure-based drug design and demonstrated success in advancing programs from hit ID through lead optimization to candidate selection.

  • Hands-on expertise with common commercial software packages (e.g. Schrodinger, MOE, OpenEye), techniques (MD, FEP, MM/GBSA), AI/ML tools and methods (e.g. generative design, structure and potency prediction), research and cheminformatics tools (e.g. Pipeline Pilot, RDKit, Vortex), and scripting languages (e.g. Python) is required.

  • Excellent communication skills (both verbal and technical) and interpersonal skills are essential.

  • Must be able to participate in highly effective teams.

  • Ability to exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

  • Demonstration of technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought in suggesting experimental design and research strategy.

  • Must think critically and creatively and be able to work independently, determine appropriate resources for resolution of problems and have strong organizational and planning skills.

The salary range for this position is: $169,320.00 - $219,120.00. 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.

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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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.

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For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.

Job ID: 490012469
Originally Posted on: 8/19/2025

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