Sr Scientist, Analytical Ops

Role Summary

Sr Scientist, Analytical Ops at Gilead - responsible for analytical characterization and method development supporting biologics programs in late-stage development and marketed products. Focus areas include mass spectrometry, protein characterization, and collaboration across cross-functional teams to advance analytical capabilities and ensure quality attributes.

Responsibilities

• Support late-stage assay development by performing mass spectrometry to characterize molecules, degradation pathways, and define critical quality attributes in a phase-appropriate context.
• Contribute to analytical method development and qualification for protein characterization.
• Develop innovative assays to gain competitive advantages over standard industry practices.
• Support comparability and stability studies using mass spectrometry.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot Waters, Sciex, Bruker QTOFs, and Thermo Orbitrap mass spectrometers.
• Solve complex problems requiring evaluation of intangible variables using logic, ingenuity, and creativity.
• Collaborate with junior and senior team members to advance state-of-the-art characterization techniques.
• Represent the Structure Characterization group in cross-functional project teams.
• Participate in technology transfer of assays to QC and external CRO/CMOs.
• Coordinate analysis of in-process and product-related impurities for process comparability studies.
• Conduct scientific research to support drug candidate development and marketed drug research.
• Advise project teams on experiment planning and execution, considering economic, regulatory, and safety factors.
• Present results, interpret data, and draw conclusions from experimental findings.
• Stay current with scientific literature and apply relevant knowledge to projects.
• Represent the company at national and international conferences.

Qualifications

• BS degree with at least 8 years of industry experience OR MS degree with at least 6 years of industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of mass spectrometry, experimental design, and assay development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a cross-functional environment and mentor junior team members.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal, technical writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• PhD in Chemistry or related discipline with at least 2 years of industry experience (preferred).

Skills

• Peptide mapping by LC-MS/MS
• Intact mass analysis
• MS/MS for protein and carbohydrate structural elucidation/quantification
• Kinetic analyses
• Ultra-performance chromatography
• Proteolytic/chemical processing
• ICH guidelines and GMP
• Mass spectrometry analysis software (Protein Metrics, Thermo BioPharma Finder, Skyline)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (Python, R, JMP, Spotfire)
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment and communicate assay results and issues clearly

Education

• BS/MS with relevant experience; PhD preferred (Chemistry or related discipline)

Additional Requirements

• At a future date this position will relocate to the corporate HQ in Foster City, CA.