Senior Director, Discovery Sciences & Technologies
Gilead Sciences
August 19, 2026
Remote friendly (San Francisco Bay Area)
United States
Other
Senior Director, Discovery Sciences & Technologies (Discovery Sciences & Technologies)
Responsibilities:
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team to develop biochemical, biophysical, and cellular pharmacology assays across all therapeutic areas and modalities.
- Establish and execute assay/screening strategies for target discovery, hit identification, and lead optimization; identify rate-limiting steps and key decision points.
- Integrate biophysical and cellular approaches to drive mechanistic understanding of target engagement, pathway modulation, and inhibitor behavior.
- Drive adoption/internal development of next-generation lead-generation technologies (novel assay platforms, automation, data analytics, innovative screening).
- Evaluate external technologies for in-licensing, partnerships, and collaborations.
- Provide scientific direction, data interpretation, and decision support at project teams and governance forums.
- Manage resources across multiple programs to ensure efficient progression.
- Mentor and develop scientific leaders and emerging talent; foster excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in biochemistry/enzymology/biophysics or related field; 15+ years industrial drug discovery experience.
- Deep expertise in protein–ligand interactions; strong biophysical and cell-based technology experience.
- Proven success developing/deploying biochemical and cellular assays for target validation, lead generation, and SAR optimization.
- Track record advancing programs from HTS to development-candidate nomination.
- Mass spectrometry-based approaches; covalent inhibitor/degrader modality expertise (highly desirable).
- Ability to lead, mentor, and develop senior scientists in a matrixed organization.
- Excellent written/verbal communication with ability to convey complex science to diverse audiences.
People Leader Accountabilities:
- Create Inclusion; Develop Talent; Empower Teams.
Compensation/Benefits (as stated):
- Salary range: $261,375.00–$338,250.00; may include discretionary annual bonus, stock-based long-term incentives, paid time off; company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Application Instructions (as stated):
- For current Gilead employees/contractors: apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team to develop biochemical, biophysical, and cellular pharmacology assays across all therapeutic areas and modalities.
- Establish and execute assay/screening strategies for target discovery, hit identification, and lead optimization; identify rate-limiting steps and key decision points.
- Integrate biophysical and cellular approaches to drive mechanistic understanding of target engagement, pathway modulation, and inhibitor behavior.
- Drive adoption/internal development of next-generation lead-generation technologies (novel assay platforms, automation, data analytics, innovative screening).
- Evaluate external technologies for in-licensing, partnerships, and collaborations.
- Provide scientific direction, data interpretation, and decision support at project teams and governance forums.
- Manage resources across multiple programs to ensure efficient progression.
- Mentor and develop scientific leaders and emerging talent; foster excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in biochemistry/enzymology/biophysics or related field; 15+ years industrial drug discovery experience.
- Deep expertise in protein–ligand interactions; strong biophysical and cell-based technology experience.
- Proven success developing/deploying biochemical and cellular assays for target validation, lead generation, and SAR optimization.
- Track record advancing programs from HTS to development-candidate nomination.
- Mass spectrometry-based approaches; covalent inhibitor/degrader modality expertise (highly desirable).
- Ability to lead, mentor, and develop senior scientists in a matrixed organization.
- Excellent written/verbal communication with ability to convey complex science to diverse audiences.
People Leader Accountabilities:
- Create Inclusion; Develop Talent; Empower Teams.
Compensation/Benefits (as stated):
- Salary range: $261,375.00–$338,250.00; may include discretionary annual bonus, stock-based long-term incentives, paid time off; company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Application Instructions (as stated):
- For current Gilead employees/contractors: apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.