Senior Scientist, Protein Therapeutics
Gilead Sciences
Summary
The Senior Scientist, Protein Therapeutics will help strengthen our Antibody Drug Conjugate analytics capabilities as we build the analytical foundation to support a growing portfolio of programs across oncology, inflammation, and virology. In this highly collaborative, laboratory-based role, you will apply expertise in mass spectrometry, protein analytics, and developability assessment to contribute with scientific insights across ADC projects and teams. This position is based in Foster City, CA, and requires onsite work.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Independently design and execute analytical characterization experiments for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to support discovery, and candidates’ selection activities.
- Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot advanced analytical methods, including high-resolution LC-MS (intact and subunit mass analysis), peptide mapping, multidimensional chromatography, and plate-based workflows to improve analytical robustness and throughput.
- Evaluate key ADC attributes, including DAR, aggregation, fragmentation, hydrophobicity, charge heterogeneity, and linker-payload stability, and integrate analytical and developability data to identify risks, and support progression decisions.
- Apply scientific judgment to resolve complex analytical challenges and independently select appropriate experimental approaches for novel and technically challenging assignments.
- Evaluate, implement, and advance emerging analytical technologies and workflows to expand ADC characterization capabilities and improve efficiency.
- Promote ADC characterization best practices, ensuring high-quality experimental design, data integrity, and documentation in accordance with electronic laboratory notebook (ELN), data management, and data capturing requirements.
- Present scientific findings, conclusions, and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
- Contribute to scientific publications, patents, technical reports, and external scientific engagement where appropriate.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to fostering a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous team environment.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree and 8 Years' Experience OR Master's Degree and 6 Years' Experience OR PhD and 2 Years' Experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline.
- Preferred experience: 15+ years with a bachelor’s degree; 12+ years with a master’s degree; or 3+ years with a PhD, including postdoctoral training.
- Industry experience supporting ADC discovery or development programs.
- Deep expertise in protein and ADC analytical characterization, including expertise in native and denaturing LC-MS mass analysis techniques, peptide mapping, HIC, SEC, RP, IEX, CE-SDS, and cIEF.
- Strong experience with workflows for ADC developability assessment.
- Experience with multidimensional chromatography (2D-LC) approaches for biologics and ADCs, including HIC-RP-MS, SEC-RP-MS, IEX-RP-MS, or related platforms.
- Experience working with a variety of conjugation technologies and linker-payload platforms.
- Knowledge of ADC pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and bioanalytical considerations, including assessment of circulating ADC species and payload-related biotransformation.
- Experience applying analytical, biophysical, and computational data to support molecule optimization and predictive developability assessments.
- Excellent critical thinking, experimental design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to multidisciplinary teams and senior leadership.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree and 8 Years' Experience OR Master's Degree and 6 Years' Experience OR PhD and 2 Years' Experience
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline
- Industry experience supporting ADC discovery or development programs
- Deep expertise in protein and ADC analytical characterization, including native and denaturing LC-MS mass analysis techniques, peptide mapping, HIC, SEC, RP, IEX, CE-SDS, and cIEF
- Strong experience with workflows for ADC developability assessment
- Experience with multidimensional chromatography (2D-LC) approaches for biologics and ADCs, including HIC-RP-MS, SEC-RP-MS, IEX-RP-MS, or related platforms
- Experience working with a variety of conjugation technologies and linker-payload platforms
- Knowledge of ADC pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and bioanalytical considerations, including assessment of circulating ADC species and payload-related biotransformation
- Experience applying analytical, biophysical, and computational data to support molecule optimization and predictive developability assessments
- Excellent critical thinking, experimental design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to multidisciplinary teams and senior leadership
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Annual Bonus
- Stock-Based Long-Term Incentives
Company overview
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a leading American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California, that specializes in researching, developing, and commercializing innovative medicines for life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1987, Gilead has grown into a global healthcare leader with approximately 17,600 employees worldwide. The company's primary therapeutic focus areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), oncology, inflammation, and respiratory diseases. Gilead is renowned for its groundbreaking antiviral therapies, including Sovaldi and Harvoni for hepatitis C, and its comprehensive portfolio of HIV treatments such as Truvada, Atripla, and Biktarvy. The company also developed Veklury (remdesivir) for COVID-19 treatment. Gilead operates as a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ (GILD) and is a component of both the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 100 indices. Through strategic acquisitions like Kite Pharma and Immunomedics, Gilead has expanded into cell therapy and oncology, demonstrating its commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes globally.