Director, Product Quality Leader, Biologics

Gilead Sciences · Foster City · $210,375–$272,250 (stated in the posting)

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

The Product Quality Lead (PQL) supports one or more assigned products/programs and serves as the serve as a product expert providing technical, scientific and strategic expertise and leadership to Product CMC (Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls) / Product Development and Manufacturing (PDM) Team and Product Quality Team (PQT) during clinical development through commercialization, acting as the single point of contact for product quality. The PQL will define the product Quality and Compliance strategy for the assigned products by leveraging their understanding of product development to facilitate the execution of the strategies that enable the efficient commercialization of products. The PQL is responsible for end-to-end Product Quality deliverables, including ownership, authoring, and review of GMP and regulatory documentation (including Product Quality sections of filings such as JOS), and management of product quality data such as comparability assessments, Annual Product Quality Reviews (APQRs), and product quality risk assessments. The PQL is responsible for evaluating and driving overall Product Health by proactively identifying and mitigating product risks and issues, ensuring continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle. The role supports cross-functional Product Quality initiatives to strengthen compliance, enhance product quality, and enable robust lifecycle management. The PQL also serves as the primary Quality interface for alliance management and due diligence activities, ensuring alignment and effective collaboration with external partners.

Job Functions:

Provide quality leadership on cross-functional teams in a matrix environment, driving alignment and decision making, performing a scientifically sound and risk-based evaluation of process and product quality data, and developing patient-oriented strategies.

Execute/drive product strategies through strong quality and scientific knowledge related to product development, technology transfers, global regulatory filing strategies, analytical methods, stability, drug substance and drug product specifications and In-Process Controls (IPCs).

Lead Product Quality Team (PQT) activities to align on product quality strategy, priorities, and deliverables across the product lifecycle.

Through the product quality risk register, drive identification, assessment, and mitigation of product quality risks using a science- and risk-based approach.

Monitor and review cross-functional process and product data to identify trends and ensure quality and compliance risks are proactively addressed and escalated, as needed.

Lead the development of control strategies, including in-process control, starting material, drug substance and drug product specifications, stability strategy, and comparability approaches.

Review and approve regulatory filings and support responses to health authority questions.

Provide cross-functional guidance to align product quality strategy across development, manufacturing, analytical, and regulatory stakeholders.

Assess product quality impact for changes, deviations, and events, and ensure appropriate implementation plans are developed.

Support drug substance and drug product technology transfer and new product launches.

Ensure inspection readiness, including PAI/PLI preparation through participation as a product expert.

Apply science- and risk-based evaluation to complex issues and develop practical, patient-focused solutions that balance quality, regulatory expectations, and business needs.

Communicate complex quality and technical information clearly to leadership, cross-functional teams, and regulatory agencies.

Act as delegate to Commercial Product Quality Head, as needed

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

In-depth understanding of cGMP principles and applicable regulatory guidelines and directives (e.g., ICH, EP, JP, USP, 21 CFR).

Demonstrated experience applying science- and risk-based approaches to product quality, including control strategy, comparability, and lifecycle management.

Solid knowledge of drug substance and drug product development, manufacturing processes, and associated quality considerations.

Experience working in cross-functional teams within a matrix environment, with the ability to influence decisions without direct authority.

Proven ability to lead or contribute to complex product/program activities, including regulatory filings, product quality assessments, and lifecycle management.

Experience supporting inspections (e.g., PAI/PLI) and interacting with regulatory agencies.

Strong technical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex product and process data and translate insights into risk-based decisions.

Ability to identify, assess, and communicate product quality risks and drive appropriate mitigation strategies.

Effective problem-solving skills, including developing practical, patient-focused solutions to complex quality issues.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex quality and technical information to cross-functional teams, leadership, and regulatory agencies.

Ability to operate independently, manage multiple priorities, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Basic Qualifications:

Prior Quality leadership and technical management experience in development and/or commercial programs.

12+ years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree in science or related fields; or 10+ years of relevant experience and an advanced science degree such as MS, Pharm D, PhD Demonstrated experience and knowledge in quality in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

Direct experience with regulatory health authority submissions (e.g. IND, NDA, BLA, MAA) and/or inspections.

Broad experience across several including analytical product characterization, process validation, drug development experience, packaging/labeling and understanding of Parenteral, Oral Solid Dosage, and Biologics.

Preferred Qualifications / Skills:

5+ years working in a regulated environment (either direct GMP or technical support).

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including facilitation and presentation skills, are essential in this collaborative work environment.

Communicate complex ideas succinctly and clearly, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.

Ability to influence others through persuasive interactions and garner support for novel solutions where applicable.

Must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously and demonstrate ability to organize, prioritize and manage time.

Comfortable in a fast-paced company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.

Experience with authoring or review of BLA/MAAs, INDs/IMPDs, supplements/variations or similar regulatory documentation, highly desired.

Experience supporting non-conformance investigations, authoring, reviewing and defending critical product impacting non-conformances.

Ability to work and navigate within an evolving

The salary range for this position is: $210,375.00 - $272,250.00. 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.

For jobs in the United States:

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. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.

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Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.

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Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

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