Sr Scientist, Discovery Sciences and Technologies
Gilead Sciences
August 21, 2026
Remote friendly (San Francisco Bay Area)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Overview:
Senior Scientist in Discovery Sciences & Technologies; advance lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology in the LNP Center of Excellence (mRNA-LNP discovery for therapeutic applications) and support clinical development via internal/external collaboration.
Responsibilities:
- Subject-matter expert in lipid chemistry and LNP formulation (ionizable lipid chemistry; tissue/cell-selective mRNA delivery); resolve delivery/formulation challenges.
- Design, source, synthesize, and evaluate ionizable lipids and lipid libraries with internal/external partners.
- Design/optimize mRNA-LNP formulations and targeted architectures (including ligand/conjugation strategies).
- Execute high-throughput LNP formulation and in vitro screening (transfection efficiency, cellular tropism, immune activation, functional activity).
- Establish LNP purification, characterization, and QC workflows (size/PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, LC-based lipid/RNA analysis); include TFF purification.
- Build collaborations (academia, vendors, CROs, biotech); communicate via reports, presentations, manuscripts, and patent applications.
- People leader accountabilities: Create Inclusion, Develop Talent, Empower Teams.
Required:
- Ph.D. in relevant field (pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, biochemistry, or related).
- 2+ years post-Ph.D. with demonstrated LNP nucleic-acid delivery experience.
- Deep hands-on mRNA-LNP formulation/characterization (lipid selection/composition, microfluidic/scalable mixing, DLS/PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation assays, LC-based lipid/RNA analysis).
- Hands-on LNP purification by tangential-flow filtration (TFF).
- High-throughput/DoE formulation screening and multi-parameter data integration into delivery rules.
- Ability to independently lead projects and mentor/manage; strong project management.
- Excellent written/verbal communication; influence and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Preferred:
- 6+ years post-Ph.D.; targeted-LNP approaches via ligand/antibody conjugation; scale-up and technology transfer to CMC/CDMO.
Compensation/Benefits:
- Salary range: $169,320.00–$219,120.00; may include discretionary bonus/stock incentives, paid time off, and company-sponsored medical/dental/vision/life insurance.
Application:
- For current Gilead employees and contractors: apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.
Senior Scientist in Discovery Sciences & Technologies; advance lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology in the LNP Center of Excellence (mRNA-LNP discovery for therapeutic applications) and support clinical development via internal/external collaboration.
Responsibilities:
- Subject-matter expert in lipid chemistry and LNP formulation (ionizable lipid chemistry; tissue/cell-selective mRNA delivery); resolve delivery/formulation challenges.
- Design, source, synthesize, and evaluate ionizable lipids and lipid libraries with internal/external partners.
- Design/optimize mRNA-LNP formulations and targeted architectures (including ligand/conjugation strategies).
- Execute high-throughput LNP formulation and in vitro screening (transfection efficiency, cellular tropism, immune activation, functional activity).
- Establish LNP purification, characterization, and QC workflows (size/PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, LC-based lipid/RNA analysis); include TFF purification.
- Build collaborations (academia, vendors, CROs, biotech); communicate via reports, presentations, manuscripts, and patent applications.
- People leader accountabilities: Create Inclusion, Develop Talent, Empower Teams.
Required:
- Ph.D. in relevant field (pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, biochemistry, or related).
- 2+ years post-Ph.D. with demonstrated LNP nucleic-acid delivery experience.
- Deep hands-on mRNA-LNP formulation/characterization (lipid selection/composition, microfluidic/scalable mixing, DLS/PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation assays, LC-based lipid/RNA analysis).
- Hands-on LNP purification by tangential-flow filtration (TFF).
- High-throughput/DoE formulation screening and multi-parameter data integration into delivery rules.
- Ability to independently lead projects and mentor/manage; strong project management.
- Excellent written/verbal communication; influence and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Preferred:
- 6+ years post-Ph.D.; targeted-LNP approaches via ligand/antibody conjugation; scale-up and technology transfer to CMC/CDMO.
Compensation/Benefits:
- Salary range: $169,320.00–$219,120.00; may include discretionary bonus/stock incentives, paid time off, and company-sponsored medical/dental/vision/life insurance.
Application:
- For current Gilead employees and contractors: apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.