Director, Lab Operations

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Technical Development Strategy and Operations team as Director of Lab Operations. The successful candidate will lead a dynamic team of lab operations specialists to deliver high‑quality support services that enable the Technical Development organization to advance both small molecule and biologics pipelines. The candidate will assume operational accountability for lab operations across all sites used by the Technical Development organization globally.

• Identify and lead cross‑functional initiatives to optimize lab efficiency, ensure compliance, and drive innovation in lab operations strategy.
• Drive implementation of operational excellence practices (Lean, 5S, etc.).
• Oversee lab operations projects to ensure schedule and budget are maintained.
• Contribute to planning and oversee equipment relocations, space modifications, and occupancy changes with minimal business disruption.
• Maintain operational KPIs and dashboarding to provide visibility of overall performance.

• Forecast and manage budgets for consumables and headcount.
• Oversee capital investment planning (new instruments, facility upgrades, etc.).
• Lead strategic and operational decisions to address both immediate and long‑term needs related to laboratory space, staffing, and equipment capacity.

• Ensure compliance with EHS standards, biosafety, chemical safety, and controlled substance handling.
• Promote a proactive culture of safety across all laboratories.

• Create a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork and effective communication.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team of lab operation specialists.

• Partner with external stakeholders (facilities, EHS, manufacturing operations, global quality) to ensure efficient and safe operations in compliance with company policies and environmental health and safety guidelines.
• Act as a strategic partner to senior leadership in shaping lab capabilities for future needs.

• Advanced scientific (Ph.D.) degree with 8+ years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry.
• Masters’ degree with 10+ years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry.
• Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry.

• Prior experience in lab operations.
• Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to collaboratively lead and work in cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to calmly give direction and drive problem‑solving with logic under pressure.
• Exhibits roll‑up‑your‑sleeve servant leadership who leads by example.

• Create inclusion—modeling diversity and embedding its value in team management.
• Develop talent—understand and coach employees on current…