Scientist, Discovery Sciences & Technologies

Scientist, Discovery Sciences & Technologies

Gilead – Scientist, Discovery Sciences & Technologies

Hiring Manager:
Zhengmao Ye, Senior Director, Discovery Sciences & Technologies

Location:
Foster City, CA

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Scientist to lead 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 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 senior member of a high performing research core team dedicated to LNP-based discovery research for therapeutic applications while also establishing strategic partnerships and driving scientific innovation. 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.

• Execute scientific strategy for LNP technology advancement aligned with therapeutic area objectives and priorities
• Design and optimize novel LNP formulations incorporating diverse nucleic acid cargos.
• Establish and validate an array of analytical methods for comprehensive LNP characterization including size distribution, charge, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and stability profiling.
• Develop and execute cell-based high-throughput screen to evaluate and optimize delivery efficiency, safety and cellular tropism.
• Design and coordinate in vivo studies in collaboration with therapeutic areas to assess biodistribution, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, immunogenicity and toxicity of LNP formulations.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, and patent applications.

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Cell biology or a related field.
• 5+ years of post-graduate research experience in lipid nanoparticle formulation and development for nucleic acid therapeutics.
• Proven track record of publications and/or patents in LNP based technologies and/ or other drug delivery systems.
• Deep expertise and extensive hands-on experience in LNP formulation, characterization and bioconjugation.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies for LNP evaluation and optimization.
• Strong research background in immunological applications, particularly in evaluating mRNA-LNP efficacy.
• Experience in molecular biology and therapeutic mRNA design is a plus.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical software.
• 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.
• Strong project management skills with ability to carry out multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high quality standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across disciplines and present to executive leadership.