Sr Director, Protein Therapeutics

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Job Description
 

Sr. Director, In Silico Antibody Discovery, Protein Therapeutics

The Protein Therapeutics Department at Gilead Research is seeking a dynamic group leader with substantial experience in antibody discovery and engineering. This role will provide support across all three therapeutic areas including Virology, Oncology, Inflammation, and lead antibody discovery initiatives utilizing in silico methods in close collaboration with in vivo and in vitro antibody discovery teams. Leadership experience in managing biologics projects from lead identification through therapeutic candidate selection and optimization, as well as a demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams within an industry environment, are essential qualifications for the ideal candidate. As Gilead Sciences Inc. operates within a highly matrixed structure, effective collaboration with multiple functional groups is a key requirement for this position.

Responsibilities:

- Lead the in silico antibody discovery team in identifying novel binding proteins with optimal drug-like characteristics, targeting unmet medical needs through distinct mechanisms of action.

- Collaborate closely with in vivo and in vitro antibody discovery groups to extensively analyze B cell repertoires from immunized animals and library selection outputs using both paired and unpaired next-generation sequencing (NGS).

- Partner with Research Data Sciences to construct sequence analytics pipelines, identify antibody hits in silico for hit-to-lead screening and evaluation, and develop AI/ML models to streamline antibody lead identification via synthetic approaches.

- Apply protein structural insights to expand antibody lead sequences for enhanced affinity, reduced liabilities, and improved developability.

- Develop a clear team vision and strategic direction that fosters sustained innovation, advances technology platforms, and promotes operational excellence.

- Support the development of world-class organizational capabilities and capacity to increase the frequency and impact of antibody discovery campaigns.

- Communicate transparently and promptly with key stakeholders to foster strong partnerships and collaborative experiences within a highly matrixed organization.

- Demonstrate scientific rigor, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality, speed, and scalability.

- Effectively manage a diverse team of scientists, establishing best practices for integrating NGS and informatics pipelines into routine antibody discovery workflows.

- May serve as project team leader or core team member to drive the discovery and engineering of large molecule drug candidates.

Experience:

- Basic qualifications: 10+ years with Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology, structural biology, or equivalent degrees in a highly related discipline

- Preferred qualifications: 14+ years with Ph.D. and postdoctoral trainings plus significant industry experience

- Significant experience in antigen design, immunization processes, and next-generation sequencing for antibody discovery with defined mechanisms of action and alignment to target product profiles is highly advantageous.

- Expertise in structural biology, immunology, or B cell biology is strongly preferred.

- Comprehensive knowledge in antibody discovery and engineering, with proficiency in large-scale antibody sequence analysis software tools.

- A strong record of achievement as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and issued patents in the field of antibody discovery and engineering.

- Working knowledge of biologics expression, purification, foundational functional screening assays, and developability assessments.

- Experience preparing technical reports and investigator’s brochures (IB) for IND filings is highly desirable.

- Candidates with demonstrated project leadership within an industry setting and substantial understanding of biologics drug discovery and development processes will be given preference.

 

The salary range for this position is: $261,375.00 - $338,250.00. 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.

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