Gilead Sciences · 2 months ago
Senior Scientist, Discovery Sciences and Technologies
United States - California - Foster City
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$169K/yr - $219K/yr
4+ years expGilead Sciences is a leader in creating life-changing therapies for diseases such as HIV and cancer. They are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to drive innovation in lipid nanoparticle technology for nucleic acid therapies across various therapeutic areas. The role involves collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams to advance drug candidates from lead identification to clinical development.
BiopharmaBiotechnologyHealth CareManufacturingPharmaceutical
Responsibilities
In close, iterative partnership with formulation scientists, provide the biological data and mechanistic insights necessary to establish clear structure-activity relationships and drive the data-driven optimization of LNP delivery system
Design, synthesize, and engineering of advanced nucleic acid payloads. This includes mRNA, DNA and components for gene editing (e.g., gRNA, donor DNA) to optimize payload function and stability
Develop and execute a suite of robust in vitro cell-based assays to quantify payload delivery (transfection efficiency), protein expression and functional outcomes (e.g., gene editing efficiency, target knockdown) in relevant cell lines and primary cells
Characterize the immunological profile of formulation, including innate immune activation and potential immunogenicity
Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, and patent applications
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related scientific field is required
A minimum of 4+ years of industry experience conducting independent research in nucleic acid therapeutics, drug delivery or a related field is required. Strong postdoctoral training is desired
Extensive, hands-on expertise in a broad range of molecular biology techniques, including plasmid design, molecular cloning, DNA template preparation, in vitro transcription (IVT), and RNA purification and analysis. Experience with the design and synthesis of advanced mRNA modalities such as circRNA or self-amplifying RNA is required
Demonstrated experience with the design, generation, and in vitro testing of diverse nucleic acid payloads (e.g., mRNA, siRNA, ASO, plasmid DNA) and/or gene editing systems (e.g., CRISPR/Cas) is highly desired
Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including the handing of both cell lines and primary cells. Extensive experience in developing, optimizing and executing quantitative, cell-based function assays (e.g., transfection, flow cytometry, immune assays, RT-qPCR) is required
A strong background in immunology, particularly in the areas of innate immunity and the characterization of immune responses to biologics, vaccines, or nanoparticles
A solid understanding of the fundamental principles of LNP formulation and drug delivery
Strong data processing and analysis skills in automated data processing, NGS sequencing analysis, and visualization software tools; Familiarity with R or Python for data analysis is a plus
Excellent experimental design and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to meticulously document laboratory procedures and experiments. Ability to multitask effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across disciplines and present to executive leadership
Benefits
Discretionary annual bonus
Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role)
Paid time off
Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
Company
Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes therapies for critical diseases.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Gilead Sciences has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (269)
2024 (241)
2023 (222)
2022 (208)
2021 (235)
2020 (187)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$4.41BKey Investors
Abingworth
2024-11-13Post Ipo Debt· $3.5M
2024-02-29Post Ipo Equity· $210M
2023-09-07Post Ipo Debt· $2B
Leadership Team
Keeley Wettan
Senior Vice President, Legal
Patrick Loerch
Senior Vice President, Clinical Data Science
Recent News
2026-01-09
2026-01-08
2026-01-07
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