Principal Scientist, GI/Liver Biomarkers & Translational Research

Role Overview

Gilead Sciences is seeking a highly accomplished and scientifically rigorous Principal Scientist to lead biomarker and translational strategy and execution for complex clinical-stage programs across inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver disease. This is a hands-on scientific leadership role for an individual who combines deep disease biology with demonstrated clinical biomarker development experience and a strong record of scientific productivity.

The Principal Scientist will serve as cross-functional biomarker lead for assigned programs, translating mechanism and human biology into fit-for-purpose biomarker plans from early clinical development through Phase II/III. The role is expected to contribute across various programs, with assignments evolving as portfolio priorities change.

This is a site based role at our global headquarters in Foster City, CA

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end biomarker strategy for assigned GI/IBD and liver programs, including target engagement, pharmacodynamic, mechanism-of-action, disease activity, safety, predictive and treatment-response biomarkers.
• Translate program hypotheses into decision-focused clinical biomarker plans, sampling strategies, assay requirements, analysis plans and interpretation frameworks.
• Provide hands-on scientific leadership for blood, stool, intestinal and liver tissue, endoscopic, histologic, imaging and multi-omic biomarker approaches.
• Lead assay selection, characterization, qualification or validation, outsourcing, technology transfer and CRO/vendor oversight; proactively resolve scientific, quality and operational issues.
• Partner with Clinical Development, Clinical Pharmacology, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Pathology, Research, Clinical Operations and Regulatory to embed biomarker objectives into protocols and development plans.
• Lead integrated interpretation of clinical, pathology, imaging, transcriptomic, proteomic, cellular, spatial and other high-dimensional datasets; generate testable hypotheses and actionable development recommendations.
• Drive forward and reverse translational analyses, including responder/non-responder studies and investigation of mechanisms of response, resistance, relapse and patient heterogeneity.
• Author or provide biomarker content for protocols, investigator brochures, analysis plans, clinical study reports, briefing documents, regulatory submissions, publications and presentations.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to program teams and governance forums; manage risks and trade-offs and influence decisions with limited guidance.
• Mentor colleagues, establish high scientific and executional standards, and contribute to reusable biomarker tools, datasets and best practices across the portfolio.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD, PharmD or equivalent advanced degree in immunology, gastroenterology, hepatology, inflammation biology, translational medicine, pharmacology or a related discipline.
• Typically 8+ years of relevant postdoctoral, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical development or human translational research experience, including meaningful experience in clinical-stage drug development.
• Demonstrated success independently leading biomarker strategy and execution for one or more complex clinical programs, with examples of biomarker evidence informing dose, proof-of-concept, patient population, go/no-go or development decisions.
• Strong scientific depth in human immunology and immune-mediated inflammatory disease, with direct GI/IBD and/or liver disease experience.
• Proven scientific productivity and creativity, evidenced by a sustained record of impactful peer-reviewed publications, patents, clinical or translational datasets, invited presentations, externally recognized collaborations or comparable achievements.
• Hands-on experience with assay development or externalization, clinical sample operations, biomarker data analysis and interpretation, and work in regulated development environments.
• Ability to lead cross-functional workstreams, manage external partners, deliver high-quality work on time and communicate effectively with scientific and clinical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience in Crohn's disease and/or ulcerative colitis, including endoscopic, histologic, intestinal tissue, blood and stool assessments.
• Experience in liver inflammation, fibrosis, noninvasive biomarkers, imaging and/or liver histopathology.
• Experience supporting Phase I through Phase III studies and contributing to health authority interactions or regulatory documents.
• Experience with single-cell or spatial profiling, transcriptomics, proteomics, cytometry, digital pathology, genetics, microbiome analysis or integrated multi-omic approaches.
• Working knowledge of companion diagnostic or in vitro diagnostic considerations.

Leadership Profile

A rigorous, creative and execution-oriented scientist who remains close to the data, independently leads complex program work, challenges assumptions constructively, develops others and consistently converts scientific insight into meaningful translational and development impact.

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this position is: $195,670.00 - $253,220.00. 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.