Sr Director, Protein Biochemistry and Lab Automation
Gilead Sciences
June 24, 2026
Remote friendly (San Francisco Bay Area)
United States
Operations
Essential Duties and Job Functions:
- Set vision and develop short- and long-term strategies for new research capabilities and expanded capacity via integrated informatics and automation solutions.
- Scope, design, build, and implement high-throughput automated molecular biology and protein sciences workflows with hardware/software engineers to integrate commercially sourced and internally built solutions.
- Lead the Protein Biochemistry team to execute recombinant DNA and protein expression, purification, and characterization strategies to deliver fully qualified proteins for Research projects.
- Provide protein reagents for small/large molecule lead identification and optimization, screening assay cascades, and structural biology studies; supply critical reagents to Development and CMC.
- Oversee CRO externalized activities (protocol transfer, production outsourcing, and QC of protein samples).
- Partner with internal/external teams with transparent communication to support Gilead project portfolio.
- Partner with IT/Informatics to streamline structured data capture for analytics and data sciences.
- Lead PhD and non-PhD scientists and manage people managers.
- Maintain compliance with company policies and record keeping.
Knowledge, Experience and Skills:
- 10+ years with Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, or equivalent.
- Preferred: 14+ years with Ph.D., postdoctoral training, and significant industry experience.
- Must have expertise in recombinant protein generation (bacterial and insect cells) for multiple protein classes (e.g., intracellular, membrane, transcription factors, protein complexes).
- Proven track record designing/building/managing high-throughput automation systems (commercial and internal hardware/software).
- Highly desirable: antibody discovery, biologics engineering, developability assessment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, data-driven environment; team-oriented and detail/science-rigorous.
- Ability to monitor KPIs to build/refine team capability/capacity.
- Strong plus: experience as small/large molecules project leader or core team member.
Compensation/Benefits (if eligible): $261,375.00 - $338,250.00; may include discretionary bonus, long-term incentives, paid time off, and company-sponsored medical/dental/vision/life insurance.
Application Instructions:
- Apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.
- Set vision and develop short- and long-term strategies for new research capabilities and expanded capacity via integrated informatics and automation solutions.
- Scope, design, build, and implement high-throughput automated molecular biology and protein sciences workflows with hardware/software engineers to integrate commercially sourced and internally built solutions.
- Lead the Protein Biochemistry team to execute recombinant DNA and protein expression, purification, and characterization strategies to deliver fully qualified proteins for Research projects.
- Provide protein reagents for small/large molecule lead identification and optimization, screening assay cascades, and structural biology studies; supply critical reagents to Development and CMC.
- Oversee CRO externalized activities (protocol transfer, production outsourcing, and QC of protein samples).
- Partner with internal/external teams with transparent communication to support Gilead project portfolio.
- Partner with IT/Informatics to streamline structured data capture for analytics and data sciences.
- Lead PhD and non-PhD scientists and manage people managers.
- Maintain compliance with company policies and record keeping.
Knowledge, Experience and Skills:
- 10+ years with Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, or equivalent.
- Preferred: 14+ years with Ph.D., postdoctoral training, and significant industry experience.
- Must have expertise in recombinant protein generation (bacterial and insect cells) for multiple protein classes (e.g., intracellular, membrane, transcription factors, protein complexes).
- Proven track record designing/building/managing high-throughput automation systems (commercial and internal hardware/software).
- Highly desirable: antibody discovery, biologics engineering, developability assessment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, data-driven environment; team-oriented and detail/science-rigorous.
- Ability to monitor KPIs to build/refine team capability/capacity.
- Strong plus: experience as small/large molecules project leader or core team member.
Compensation/Benefits (if eligible): $261,375.00 - $338,250.00; may include discretionary bonus, long-term incentives, paid time off, and company-sponsored medical/dental/vision/life insurance.
Application Instructions:
- Apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.