At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve 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 world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference. 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. 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 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. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Senior Scientist to join our Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) technology advancement within the Discovery Sciences and Technologies (DST) Department. This pivotal role will enable and drive innovation in LNP-based drug delivery, enabling the next generation of nucleic acid therapies (including mRNA, DNA and gene editing modalities) across Virology, Oncology, and Inflammation therapeutic areas. DST Department members are responsible for the design and execution of rigorous, quantitative, and physiologically relevant in vitro biochemical and functional cellular assays. They collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams to discover and evolve drug candidates from lead identification efforts during project inception to the characterization of the final development candidate. The successful candidate will be an integral member of a high performing research core team dedicated to LNP-based discovery research for therapeutic applications. This individual will work closely with various research functions and external collaborators to advance transformational nucleic acid-based therapies into clinical development for patients. Our company is a highly matrixed organization and the ability to work effectively across diverse functional groups and therapeutic areas is a key attribute for this role. Specific Responsibilities: In close, iterative partnership with formulation scientists, provide the biological data and mechanistic insights necessary to establish clear structure-activity relationships and drive the data-driven optimization of LNP delivery system. Design, synthesize, and engineering of advanced nucleic acid payloads. This includes mRNA, DNA and components for gene editing (e.g., gRNA, donor DNA) to optimize payload function and stability. Develop and execute a suite of robust in vitro cell-based assays to quantify payload delivery (transfection efficiency), protein expression and functional outcomes (e.g., gene editing efficiency, target knockdown) in relevant cell lines and primary cells. Characterize the immunological profile of formulation, including innate immune activation and potential immunogenicity Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, and patent applications. Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related scientific field is required. A minimum of 2+ years of industry experience conducting independent research in nucleic acid therapeutics, drug delivery or a related field is required. Strong postdoctoral training is desired. Extensive, hands-on expertise in a broad range of molecular biology techniques, including plasmid design, molecular cloning, DNA template preparation, in vitro transcription (IVT), and RNA purification and analysis. Experience with the design and synthesis of advanced mRNA modalities such as circRNA or self-amplifying RNA is required. Demonstrated experience with the design, generation, and in vitro testing of diverse nucleic acid payloads (e.g., mRNA, siRNA, ASO, plasmid DNA) and/or gene editing systems (e.g., CRISPR/Cas) is highly desired. Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including the handing of both cell lines and primary cells. Extensive experience in developing, optimizing and executing quantitative, cell-based function assays (e.g., transfection, flow cytometry, immune assays, RT-qPCR) is required. A strong background in immunology, particularly in the areas of innate immunity and the characterization of immune responses to biologics, vaccines, or nanoparticles. A solid understanding of the fundamental principles of LNP formulation and drug delivery. Strong data processing and analysis skills in automated data processing, NGS sequencing analysis, and visualization software tools; Familiarity with R or Python for data analysis is a plus Excellent experimental design and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to meticulously document laboratory procedures and experiments. Ability to multitask effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across disciplines and present to executive leadership. People Leader Accountabilities: Create Inclusion - knowing the business value of diverse teams, modeling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams. Develop Talent - understand the skills, experience, aspirations and potential of their employees and coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employees are receiving the feedback and insight needed to grow, develop and realize their purpose. Empower Teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives, and holding them to account. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem. 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: https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing * 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 ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster. NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT 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. Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.