AI Data Science Lead - Research (Gilead & Kite)AI Data Science Lead - Research (Gilead & Kite)

About the role

Every member of Gilead's team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we're looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

AI Data Science Lead - Research (Gilead & Kite)

Role Overview

As part of Gilead's enterprise AI strategy to accelerate the delivery of life-changing therapies, we are seeking an AI Data Science Lead to drive AI/ML innovation across Research (Gilead and Kite). This role will develop deep expertise across research domains including target discovery, translational research, biomarker development, early clinical research, and cell therapy.

You will design and deliver AI-enabled solutions to accelerate scientific discovery and improve decision-making. You will partner with Product Owners, Solution Architects, and Delivery Leads to ensure scalable and compliant AI solutions. Reporting to the Director, Data & AI (Research), this role will lead end-to-end AI use cases and manage portfolio tracking and metrics across Research AI/ML initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute prompt engineering strategies and conduct experimentation to optimize AI model performance
• Lead end-to-end AI/ML solutions across research use cases including pathological image processing, target identification and biomarker discovery
• Translate scientific workflows into AI-ready problem definitions and technical specifications
• Serve as Research SME in AI model design and solution architecture
• Document current-state research workflows and design future-state AI-enabled processes
• Apply AI and LLM-based approaches to unstructured scientific data
• Validate AI solutions against scientific rigor and reproducibility standards
• Support development of scalable AI solutions and provide post-implementation support
• Contribute to the development of data solutions and provide post-implementation support including troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Manage portfolio-level tracking, executive dashboards, and metrics across all finance AI/ML use cases
• Mentor junior data scientists

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or related field with 6-10 years of experience
• Strong experience applying AI/ML to life sciences research
• Experience with prompt engineering, LLMs, and AI experimentation
• Exposure to research domains such as discovery or translational sciences
• Strong systems thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience working with scientific datasets (omics, imaging, or non-clinical)
• Strong communication skills across scientific and technical teams
• Ability to manage multiple AI initiatives and priorities

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this position is: $146,200.00 - $189,200.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit

• Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Your Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act

Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.

• Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.
• Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.