Senior Scientist, Drug Metabolism

About the role

At Gilead our pursuit of a healthier world for all people has yielded a cure for hepatitis C, revolutionary improvements in HIV treatment and prevention as well as advancements in therapies for viral and inflammatory diseases and certain cancers.

We set and achieve bold ambitions in our fight against the world's most devastating diseases, united in our commitment to confronting the largest public health challenges of our day and improving the lives of patients for generations to come. As a Senior Scientist, Drug Metabolism at Gilead, you will serve as an expert in pharmacokinetic (PK) and PK/Pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling of small molecules and biologics, providing strategic and scientific input on discovery and development project teams.

The role emphasizes the application of advanced quantitative approaches, including mechanistic and empirical modeling, to characterize and predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of the therapeutics. Demonstrated experience in the utilization of modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) workflows to enhance and streamline workflows is expected.

Additional responsibilities include designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo studies, integrating data into mathematical models, and generating simulations to support dose selection and clinical translation. This role offers opportunities to serve as a project representative and departmental modeling expert, while also contributing to business development initiatives.

This position is onsite at our global headquarters in Foster City, CA.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

• Provide advanced PK and PK/PD modeling expertise on project teams across discovery and development stages, guiding the design and interpretation of nonclinical PK, toxicology, and pharmacology studies.
• Drive quantitative DMPK strategy for programs, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate modeling approaches into decision-making; communicate modeling insights and align strategies with scientists, collaborators, and management.
• Design, implement, and validate complex PK/PD and mechanistic models to address translational questions, support dose selection, and predict first-in-human exposures.
• Develop and refine modeling workflows for nonclinical study design, including simulation-based approaches to optimize study parameters and interpret outcomes, with application of AI-based enhancements where possible
• Work closely with project teams, line management and CROs to assure high quality and timely delivery of documents for regulatory submissions.
• Participate in business development and licensing evaluations.

Requirements

Level of position will be commensurate to educational level and years of relevant experience to the position

• Masters Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience required OR
• PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience required
• Relevant experience includes post-graduate industry experience in PK, drug metabolism, pharmaceutics, or a related life science field, with a primary focus on quantitative modeling of agents (small molecules, biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, targeted protein degraders etc.) for PK and PK/PD characterization across discovery and development.
• Strong foundation in PK and PD principles, with demonstrated ability to translate these concepts into mathematical models.
• Extensive experience in mechanistic PK/PD and multi-compartmental modeling, including proficiency with software platforms such as Phoenix/WinNonlin, MATLAB/SimBiology, GastroPlus, SimBiology, R, or equivalent modeling tools.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and interpret complex modeling workflows, determine next steps based on quantitative insights, and effectively communicate results to project teams and senior management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in application of AI, in model-building and in streamlining and automation of workflows.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and commitment to staying current with advances in biologics DMPK and modeling methodologies, supported by a track record of external visibility through publications, presentations, and/or professional organization involvement.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to explain complex topics to diverse audiences.

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this position is: $169,320.00 - $219,120.00. 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.