Automation engineer, protein therapeutics

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.

The Protein Therapeutics Department is seeking a laboratory-based Automation Engineer to join the Protein Sciences team. This role will lead the design, implementation, integration and support of scalable laboratory automation solutions that advances Gilead’s therapeutic programs in Virology, Inflammation and Oncology. The successful candidate will bring hands-on experience in developing high-throughput automation workflows in biologics discovery processes that include antibody discovery, biologics engineering, protein sciences, and molecular assessment.

This role is based in Foster City CA and does not provide relocation.

Essential duties and job functions:

• Scope, design, build and implement laboratory automation workcell solutions by integrating commercially sourced and internally built systems.
• Partner with Protein Therapeutics functional teams to identify automation opportunities and translate laboratory processes into scalable, high-throughput workflows.
• Lead development, optimization, and qualification of automated workflow to improve throughput, data quality, and operational efficiency.
• Develop technical documentation, operating procedures, and training material to ensure effective technology adoption and transfer to the respective teams.
• Provide programming and integration support for automation platforms, laboratory instruments, scheduling software, and laboratory information management systems.
• Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to resolve process anomalies and maximize system reliability and uptime.
• Partner with IT and Research Informatics teams to streamline structured data capture for analytics and data sciences.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and lead the implementation of new automation capabilities that aligns with departmental strategy.
• Ensure automation activities are in compliance with company policies and record keeping standards.

Basic Qualifications:

10+ Years with BS OR 8+ Years with MS OR 2+ Years with PhD/PharmD OR 0+ Years with MD

Preferred Qualifications:

Basic qualifications: 10+ years with BS or 8+ years with MS or 5+ years with Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, engineering or a related discipline.

Preferred qualifications: 6+ years with Ph.D. and postdoctoral training in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, engineering or a related discipline.

Demonstrated experience in designing, building, integrating, and supporting high-throughput laboratory automation workflows.

Experience in laboratory robotics, liquid-handling platforms, workflow scheduling software, and integrated automation systems.

Experience translating scientific workflows into automated methods and qualification into routine deployment.

Familiarity with antibody discovery, biologics engineering, protein expression and purification and developability assessment in an industry setting is highly desirable.

Demonstrated success in evaluation and implementation of new laboratory technologies and automation platforms.

Experience in MS SharePoint sites and SmartSheet platform management to support project planning, resource tracking and cross-functional collaboration.

Experience in programming language such as Python, Java, C++ etc is a plus.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with scientists, vendors, and external partners.

Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Must be team-oriented, motivated and results-focused with attention to details and scientific rigor.

People Leader Accountabilities

• Create Inclusion by demonstrating the business value of diverse and inclusive teams and embedding equity and respect into day to day people management practices.
• Develop Talent by understanding team members skills experience aspirations and potential and providing coaching feedback and development opportunities.
• Empower Teams by connecting team goals to organizational purpose removing barriers to execution and enabling cross functional collaboration.

The salary range for this position is: $195,670.00 - $253,220.00. 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

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.