Associate Director/Principal Scientist (Foster City)

Gilead
Foster, CA

At Gilead, were creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, weve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the worlds biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gileads 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 were looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description
Job Description

The Associate Director/Principal Scientist, Cell Culture Process Development (Pivotal & Commercial), will be responsible for leading aspects of cell culture development including commercial process development and process characterization for multiple biologics programs during pivotal phases (phases II/III and post-launch). In addition, this role is also expected to lead projects for cell culture process technology development, platform process evolution, and to support cell culture-related regulatory documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Optimize and characterize cell culture processes to supply pivotal trials and enable commercialization for monoclonal antibodies, multi-specifics, and novel modalities.

  • Lead and/or support entire lifecycle of pivotal activities including process risk assessment, process characterization, preparation of all supporting documentation/reports toward BLA submission, provide support to ensure successful process performance qualifications (PPQ), and author relevant sections of BLA.

  • Lead and/or support technology transfer and investigation activities in partnership with the global manufacturing sciences and technologies (MSAT) group.

  • Design experiments and perform hands-on cell culture operations in shake flasks, ambr15, ambr250, bench-scale bioreactors, and novel cell culture platforms.

  • May provide support to pilot plant operation for up to 500 L single-use bioreactor.

  • Perform statistical analyses and appropriate modeling to assess process parameter criticality, identify acceptable ranges, and contribute to integrated control strategy.

  • Author and review GMP and non-GMP technical documents (reports, regulatory submissions/responses, batch records, SOPs etc.), present in group/cross-functional meetings.

  • Participate and work cross-functionally within and outside of biologics technical development to achieve common goals.

  • Explore, develop, and implement novel cell culture technologies to meet business needs.

  • Manage direct and indirect reports and mentor junior group members while working in a flexible and agile environment.

  • Some travel may be required to support technology transfers and provide oversight at external manufacturing facilities.

  • Adhere to department budget and all training, compliance and safety requirements.

  • Remain current on trends and new technology advancements across the Biopharmaceutical industry.

  • Hire, mentor and develop team members within the organization to help build and grow a world-class biologics cell culture process development organization.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience:

  • Ph.D. with 5+ years OR M.S. with 8+ years OR B.S. with 10+ in a relevant scientific discipline (biology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, biochemical engineering).

  • Experience leading pivotal stage cell culture process development/characterization and implementation in GMP facilities.

  • Experience in building high-performing teams through strategic coaching and feedback.

  • Hands-on laboratory operations experience including shake flask, high-throughput bioreactor, bench scale bioreactor, and pilot scale cultures.

  • Excellent communication, technical writing, and presentation skills and aptitude for creative problem solving.

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally.

  • Experience in cell culture media development, and/or employing modeling techniques for upstream process development and optimization is preferred.

  • Experience in statistics, design-of-experiments, and data analysis (e.g. JMP, Spotfire).

  • Working knowledge of lab automation, data management, data science, knowledge management and data protection.

  • Experience with viral vaccines is a plus.

  • Passion for inclusion: knowing the business value of diverse teams, modelling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way he/she/they work.

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.

For jobs in the United States:

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 regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex , age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability,genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.


For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

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.

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Posted 2025-08-21

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