Gilead Sciences Inc

Exec Director, Viral Vector Process Development

Gilead Sciences Inc • $255K — $330K *
Santa Monica, CA 90405In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Virology, or related field with 15+ years of experience (or MS with 18+ years)
  • Extensive experience in viral vector development and manufacturing support for cell and/or gene therapy
  • Demonstrated expertise in lentiviral vector (LVV) and/or retroviral vector (RVV) systems
  • End-to-end experience from early development through commercialization
  • Strong understanding of viral vector development phases, analytical characterization strategies, and manufacturing considerations

Responsibilities

  • Accountable for technical strategy for viral vector platforms across clinical and commercial scales
  • Provide deep expertise in LVV design, construct architecture, and transgene optimization
  • Lead viral vector process development including upstream production systems and downstream purification
  • Drive process scale-up and technology transfer to clinical and commercial sites
  • Oversee LVV life cycle management and manufacturing support capabilities
  • Lead initiatives to improve viral vector productivity, robustness, and manufacturing costs
  • Advance next-generation capabilities, including in vivo viral vector development

Benefits

  • Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
  • Paid time off and discretionary annual bonus
  • Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives
  • Opportunity to work in a high-impact, innovative environment
  • Professional development opportunities including training and mentorship programs
Full Job Description
Job Description

This role is accountable for end-to-end viral vector development, from construct design through clinical and commercial manufacturing support, and serves as a key partner across Research, Product Teams, Technical Operations, and Analytical functions.

The leader will balance deep technical expertise with executive-level influence, ensuring robust, scalable vector platforms while building a high-performing organization capable of supporting both ex vivo and emerging in vivo applications.

Reporting & Location
  • Reports to: SVP, Global Head of Process Development
  • Location: Santa Monica, CA Or Oceanside, CA
  • On-site presence required


Key Responsibilities

Technical & Scientific Leadership
  • Accountable for technical strategy for viral vector platforms across clinical and commercial scale, including complex tech transfers, external manufacturing partnerships, and late-stage manufacturing readiness.
  • Provide deep expertise in lentiviral vector (LVV) design, including construct architecture, promoter selection, and transgene optimization
  • Lead viral vector process development, including:
    • Upstream production systems (transient and stable)
    • Downstream purification and recovery operations
  • Drive process scale-up and technology transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing sites (internal and external)
  • Oversee LVV life cycle management and manufacturing support capabilities
  • Lead initiatives to improve viral vector productivity, robustness, and cost of goods
  • Advance next-generation capabilities, including:
    • In vivo viral vector development
    • Platform innovations and emerging delivery technologies

Cross-Functional & Product Development Leadership
  • Ensure viral vector development decisions are optimized across the full cell therapy value chain, from transduction efficiency and cell performance to manufacturing robustness and CMC sustainability.
  • Provide strategic leadership for viral vector on cross-functional Product Teams
  • Partner closely with:
    • Research to translate early concepts into developable and scalable vector designs
    • T cell process development to align vector performance with cellular outcomes
    • Analytical development to ensure appropriate characterization and control strategies
  • Contribute to integrated product development, ensuring vector design and process decisions align with clinical and commercial objectives
  • Drive alignment across functions in a matrixed environment, balancing competing priorities while maintaining product focus


CMC & Regulatory Engagement
  • Strong working knowledge of cGMP regulations and compliance systems related to viral vector development, including inspection readiness, audit support, and direct engagement with regulatory agencies.
  • Contribute to LVV CMC strategies, including phase-appropriate viral vector development and scale-up approaches
  • Support regulatory filings and health authority interactions as a technical expert
  • Provide input into comparability strategies for process changes, site transfers, and lifecycle evolution of LVV


Organizational Leadership & Talent Development
  • Provide leadership oversight for viral vector development laboratories and GMP-adjacent environments, ensuring facility readiness, compliance, and operational excellence in support of clinical and commercial programs.
  • Demonstrated experience leading large organizations within a highly matrixed cell and gene therapy environment.
  • Build, lead, and scale a high-performing viral vector development organization
  • Recruit, develop, and retain top scientific and leadership talent
  • Coach and develop future leaders, ensuring depth and succession within the organization
  • Foster a culture of:
    • Scientific rigor and accountability
    • Ownership and execution
    • Collaboration and transparency


Leadership, Communication & Executive Influence
  • Demonstrate strong executive presence, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • Influence decision-making at senior leadership and governance levels, providing clear, balanced perspectives on risks, trade-offs, and options
  • Drive clarity in ambiguity, enabling teams to make timely and well-informed decisions
  • Communicate effectively across:
    • Technical teams
    • Cross-functional stakeholders
    • Executive leadership
  • Build credibility as a trusted partner and advisor, both internally and externally
  • Represent the organization in external collaborations, partnerships, and industry forums


Basic Qualifications
  • PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Virology, or related field with 15+ years of experience (or MS with 18+ years)
  • Extensive experience in viral vector development and manufacturing support for cell and/or gene therapy
  • Demonstrated expertise in LVV and/or RVV systems
  • End-to-end experience from early development through commercialization
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Viral vector development across phases
    • Analytical characterization strategies
    • Manufacturing and tech transfer considerations for viral vector
  • Experience leading cell therapy programs (e.g., CAR-T)
  • Proven ability to lead in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment
  • Track record of influencing portfolio and strategic decisions for successful drug development


Preferred Qualifications
  • Exposure to in vivo gene delivery platforms
  • Sound knowledge in RVV development and CMC aspects


Leadership Attributes
  • Enterprise mindset - prioritizes product and patient impact over functional optimization
  • Technical depth with judgment - knows when to go deep and when to elevate
  • Clarity and decisiveness - simplifies complexity into actionable direction
  • Talent builder - develops leaders, not just teams
  • Strong influencing skills across matrixed environments
  • Ability to integrate strategy with execution


The salary range for this position is: $255,425.00 - $330,550.00. Kite 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.

About Gilead Sciences Inc

Gilead Sciences is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet need. With each new discovery and experimental drug candidate, they seek to improve the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. Gilead's primary areas of focus include HIV/AIDS, liver disease, and serious cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

Gilead Sciences Inc Careers

Join the vibrant team at Gilead Sciences Inc, a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry known for its innovative approach to healthcare. At Gilead, we are committed to advancing the care of patients around the globe through rigorous science and research.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career journey with Gilead Sciences Inc, where job opportunities abound in a variety of fields, from scientific research to marketing and sales. Our team is dedicated to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion, where every employee can thrive.

Innovate and Lead

At Gilead, innovation is at the core of everything we do. Join us and contribute to our mission of saving lives through advanced treatments and cutting-edge medicine. Our leadership is committed to nurturing professional growth, making Gilead an ideal place for those who aim to lead and innovate in the healthcare industry.

Grow Your Career

Gilead Sciences Inc offers a wealth of career advancement opportunities. With personalized career development programs, employees are encouraged to pursue their professional interests and expand their skills. Whether through on-the-job learning, formal training, or leadership development, we provide the tools necessary for long-term career growth.

Be Part of Our Team

Our team at Gilead Sciences Inc is composed of passionate, curious, and solution-driven professionals. By joining us, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our culture promotes teamwork and an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, making our workplace dynamic and innovative.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Start your career with Gilead through our internship programs, which offer hands-on experience in biopharmaceutical development and business operations. For seasoned professionals, our employment opportunities span across various disciplines, inviting you to bring your valuable skills to our team.

Benefits and Culture

Gilead Sciences Inc is not only a great place to work but also offers competitive benefits designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From health insurance to retirement plans and wellness programs, we ensure our team members are taken care of.

Networking and Professional Development

We emphasize the importance of networking and professional development within the company. Regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions are held to enhance your skills and knowledge. Additionally, Gilead’s strong emphasis on internal networking allows for cross-departmental collaboration and innovation.

Join Our Hiring Events

Stay connected with Gilead by joining our hiring events and exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for dedicated, creative, and driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and take the first step towards a fulfilling career at Gilead Sciences Inc.

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Learn more about Gilead Sciences Inc
Size
14,400 employees
Market Cap
$107.2 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$123 million
Founded
1987
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$24.6 billion
NASDAQ
GILD
* Ladders Estimates

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