Senior Associate Scientist – Medicinal & Bioconjugation Chemistry

Senior Associate Scientist – Medicinal & Bioconjugation Chemistry

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. This role represents an opportunity to play an integral role in the growth of Gilead’s bioconjugation team. The team bridges medicinal chemistry, protein therapeutics and additional functions using traditional and next generation bioconjugation techniques. The ideal candidate will demonstrate deep expertise in modern platforms and techniques for synthesis, purification and characterization of small molecule, peptide/protein and LNP bioconjugates. A strong foundation in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry as applied to small molecule drug discovery will lead to maximal success in the role. Please consider joining Gilead’s Small Molecule Drug Discovery organization and contribute to our goal of discovering transformational medicines.

Responsibilities

• Bioconjugation Chemistry: manage and expand Gilead’s ADC and bioconjugation labs and capabilities while coordinating design, synthesis and purification of protein bioconjugates across medicinal chemistry, protein therapeutics and discovery biology.
• Medicinal Chemistry: design and optimization of traditional small molecule inhibitors, degraders and cytotoxic payloads; devise linkers for optimal properties of bioconjugates; contribute to execution of small molecule drug discovery programs through SAR interpretation and synthesis of new analogs.
• Bioconjugation Strategy: develop the group’s long-term growth vision and support new projects and modalities.
• Method Development: develop and optimize known and novel bioconjugation methodologies; troubleshoot existing workflows and propose improvements.
• Documentation: maintain accurate records of experiments, analyses, and results in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• ADC Data Management: collaborate with Research Data Sciences and Research Informatics to enable structured data acquisition for ADC modalities.
• Training and Support: provide training and technical support to junior staff and other team members on bioconjugation techniques and instrument operation.
• Collaboration: communicate effectively and collaborate across multiple functions in Research and Development; present scientific results at team and group meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master’s (+3 years) or Bachelor’s (+5 years) in organic chemistry, or equivalent with emphasis in multi-step organic synthesis and bioconjugation.
• Bioconjugation Chemistry: expert in synthesis and purification of protein bioconjugates; experience with ADC characterization methods including SEC, HIC, RPLC, and high-resolution mass spectrometry for DAR assessment; experience with preparative ADC purification; familiarity with automation platforms for high-throughput conjugation; familiarity with enzymatic conjugation; familiarity with traditional and next-generation bioconjugation handles; experience with design and implementation of linker cleavage mechanisms; hands-on protein handling (buffer-exchange, desalting, protein A capture); exposure to various small molecule payload classes; strong synthetic skills and knowledge of modern organic synthesis.
• Data and Communication: strong data processing and analysis skills including coding for data analysis and database management; excellent troubleshooting and ability to develop and optimize analytical methods; effective written and verbal communication; ability to work in a collaborative team environment; high accuracy and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s (+8 years) or Bachelor’s (+10 years) in organic chemistry with emphasis in multi-step synthesis and bioconjugation.
• Experience with lipid bioconjugation methods and lipid nanoparticle antibody conjugation; experience with potent compounds; multi-step organic synthesis with instrumentation; parallel or automated synthesis; knowledge of DMPK, ADME and pharmacology principles.

People Leader Accountabilities

• Create Inclusion – value diversity and embed it in team management.
• Develop Talent – understand skills and aspirations, coach performance and potential, provide feedback for growth.
• Empower Teams – align goals and provide support to remove barriers, connecting teams to the broader ecosystem.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $126,820.00 – $164,120.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. This position may be eligible for discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary by role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. For additional benefits information, please visit the compensation, benefits, and wellbeing page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions will be made without discrimination based on protected characteristics and in accordance with applicable laws. Applicants who require accommodation may contact

How to Apply

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday if you are a current Gilead employee. Other market-geography notes and unrelated postings have been omitted to focus on the role’s responsibilities and qualifications.

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