Director, Medical Affairs Research (United States - California - Foster City)

This job is with Gilead Sciences Inc., an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

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, 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.

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. As the Director, Medical Affairs Research - Oncology, you will serve as a senior research lead within Oncology Medical Affairs, responsible for defining and executing medical affairs led evidence generation across the oncology portfolio. This role will be used to hire multiple Directors with complementary methodological expertise.

Directors in this role must bring deep expertise in one or more of the following methodological areas: interventional (Phase 4 and collaborative) research, observational / real‑world evidence research, and implementation science. While each Director is expected to anchor in at least one primary area of expertise, all will collaborate closely to deliver integrated, fit‑for‑purpose evidence aligned to Integrated Evidence Plans (IEPs).

Essential Duties & Job Functions

• Lead Oncology Medical Affairs Research strategy aligned to Integrated Evidence Plans across assets and disease areas

• Provide scientific leadership for late‑phase oncology research, selecting and applying appropriate methodologies based on evidence gaps

• Serve as Medical Affairs Study Lead (MASL) for Gilead‑sponsored and collaborative research studies

• Define research questions and guide protocol development for interventional, observational, and/or implementation science studies

• Oversee a portfolio of Oncology MAR studies, ensuring scientific rigor, operational feasibility, governance, and compliance

• Influence cross‑functional partners across Development, HEOR, Commercial, Safety, and external stakeholders

• Build and sustain external scientific partnerships including academic investigators, cooperative groups, data partners, and health systems

• Translate study findings into scientific communications such as abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations

• Provide mentorship and scientific leadership within Oncology Medical Affairs to strengthen research capability

• Ensure adherence to regulatory, legal, and business conduct standards governing Medical Affairs research

Key Capabilities & Methodological Expertise

Candidates must demonstrate deep expertise in one or more of the following areas. Expertise in multiple areas is strongly preferred.

• Interventional Research: Expertise in Phase 4 interventional trial design and conduct, including protocol development, feasibility assessment, execution oversight, and collaboration with academic and cooperative research groups.

• Observational / Real‑World Evidence Research: Expertise in observational study design and analysis, including use of real‑world data sources such as claims, EHRs, registries, and linked datasets, with strong understanding of epidemiologic and methodological rigor.

• Implementation Science Research : Expertise in implementation science frameworks and mixed‑methods research, focused on translating evidence into real‑world oncology practice, addressing care gaps, and driving adoption and sustainability.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated scientific credibility and thought leadership in oncology research

• Experience serving as major contributing author on manuscripts, abstracts, or scientific congress submissions.

• Strong strategic thinking with ability to translate complex evidence gaps into actionable research plans

• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across complex, matrixed organizations

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

• Ability to operate effectively in a global environment

• High standards of integrity, accountability, and commitment to compliant scientific exchange

Education & Experience

• Advanced scientific or medical degree (e.g., PhD, PharmD, MD, MPH) required.

• Demonstrated history of scientific publications and/or authorship in peer‑reviewed journals within the candidate's primary area of methodological expertise (interventional clinical research, observational / real‑world evidence, and/or implementation science).

• Typically, 10+ years of experience in oncology research, medical affairs, or related pharmaceutical or academic settings.

• Significant experience leading late‑phase research, including Phase 4, collaborative, and Medical Affairs‑led studies.

• Strong understanding of regulatory, ethical, and compliance requirements governing Medical Affairs research activities.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and Twelve Years' Experience

OR

Masters' Degree and Ten Years' Experience

OR

PhD, PharmD, MD, MPH and Eight Years' Experience

People Leader Accountabilities:  

• Create Inclusion - knowing the business value of diverse teams, modeling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams. 

• Develop Talent - understand the skills, experience, aspirations and potential of their employees and coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employees are receiving the feedback and insight needed to grow, develop and realize their purpose. 

• Empower Teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives, and holding them to account. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem.  

 

The salary range for this position is: $243,100.00 - $314,600.00. 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*.

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