Senior Director, Applied AI Engineering

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
 

Senior Director, Applied AI Engineering , Foster City, CA

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive AI engineering strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Evaluate and decide on build-versus-buy approaches for AI solutions, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
• Stay abreast of emerging AI technologies and assess their potential impact on the organization.

AI Engineering Management

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable AI models and systems.
• Oversee the integration of AI solutions into existing platforms and workflows.
• Ensure adherence to best practices in AI development, including MLOps, model governance, and ethical AI considerations.

Team Development

• Build and mentor a high-performing AI engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration among data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders.
• Implement training programs to upskill team members in the latest AI technologies and methodologies.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with AIx to accelerate AI initiatives and integrate cutting-edge technologies.
• Collaborate with DPMx to ensure AI solutions align with product strategies and enhance user experiences.
• Engage with cross-functional drug development teams to identify opportunities for AI-driven solutions.
• Work closely with IT and Development Systems to ensure seamless integration and deployment of AI applications.
• Communicate complex AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making.
• Engage with external vendors and research institutions to leverage external expertise and technologies.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field. A Ph.D. is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 14+ years in AI/ML engineering roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
• Master’s degree with 12+ years, or Ph.D. with 10+ years in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• Proven track record of delivering AI solutions in a non-tech industry, such as pharmaceuticals.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of MLOps practices and tools.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Deep understanding of AI ethics, governance, and regulatory considerations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry or other regulated environments.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to AI applications.

Publications or contributions

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive AI engineering strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Evaluate and decide on build-versus-buy approaches for AI solutions, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
• Stay abreast of emerging AI technologies and assess their potential impact on the organization.

AI Engineering Management

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable AI models and systems.
• Oversee the integration of AI solutions into existing platform