Associate Director, Patient Safety

Associate Director, Patient Safety

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Gilead Sciences, Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead pharmacovigilance efforts to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Company: Join Gilead Sciences, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
  • Benefits: Inclusive workplace, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global health challenges and improve lives.
  • Qualifications: PharmD/PhD or relevant experience in pharmacovigilance required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

This job is with Gilead Sciences Inc., an inclusive employer. 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.

Job Summary

The Associate Director, Patient Safety-Virology provides strategic pharmacovigilance leadership for one or more products, compounds, or indications across the development and/or post‑marketing lifecycle. This role contributes safety expertise to ensure continuous evaluation of benefit-risk profiles, regulatory compliance, and patient safety, while serving as a key Patient Safety representative on cross‑functional teams.

The Associate Director operates with a high level of autonomy, partnering across functions to support product development, lifecycle management, and post‑authorization safety activities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide scientific input into pharmacovigilance activities, including safety surveillance, signal detection and evaluation, and benefit-risk assessments for assigned products and assisting with pharmacovigilance activities for other products when needed.
  • Contribute to the development and execution of safety strategies across the product lifecycle from clinical development through post‑marketing.
  • Provide input into aggregate safety reports (e.g., PSURs/PBRERs, DSURs), regulatory submissions, and responses to health authority inquiries.
  • Support risk management activities, including Risk Management Plans, risk minimization measures, and safety‑related labeling updates.
  • Contribute to activities related to regulatory filings and responses to safety queries from third parties, such as regulatory agencies, as needed.
  • Review clinical study protocols, amendments, and study‑related documents.
  • Represent Patient Safety on cross‑functional teams, collaborating with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, RWE/HEOR, and other functions.
  • Ensure pharmacovigilance activities are conducted in compliance with global regulations, internal SOPs, and quality standards.
  • Contribute to inspection readiness, process improvement initiatives, and the ongoing enhancement of Patient Safety operating models.
  • Build effective working relationships and provide thoughtful safety input to internal stakeholders to support patient‑centric decision‑making.

Education and Experience Requirements

  • PharmD/PhD with 2+ years' relevant experience.
  • MA/MS/MBA with 8+ years' relevant experience.
  • BA/BS with 10+ years' relevant experience.
  • Relevant experience in pharmacovigilance / patient safety within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
  • Working knowledge of global pharmacovigilance regulations and aggregate safety reporting requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate safety data, apply clinical judgment, and communicate benefit-risk considerations.
  • Experience working effectively in cross‑functional, matrix environments.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting safety oversight for products across multiple stages of the development or post‑marketing lifecycle.
  • Prior involvement in safety signal evaluation, risk management activities, and regulatory interactions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex safety information to diverse stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and products concurrently in a fast‑paced environment.

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.
  • Empower Teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives, and holding them to account.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

It is the policy of Gilead Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates to recruit select and employ the most qualified persons available for positions throughout the Company. Except if otherwise provided by applicable law, all employment actions relating to issues such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, returns from layoffs, company-sponsored training, education assistance, social and recreational programs are administered on a non-discriminatory basis.

Associate Director, Patient Safety employer: Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Gilead Sciences Inc. is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee development, making it a fantastic place for passionate individuals to thrive. With a strong commitment to tackling global health challenges, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative work culture that values diversity and fosters personal growth. Located in a vibrant community, Gilead offers unique opportunities for professional advancement and the chance to contribute to life-changing scientific innovations.

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Contact Details:

Gilead Sciences, Inc. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Patient Safety

Unlock Networking Opportunities

Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like Gilead Sciences, Inc.. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.

Join Relevant Professional Bodies

Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Gilead Sciences, Inc..

Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles

If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Gilead Sciences, Inc.. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.

Tailor Your Approach

When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Gilead Sciences, Inc. is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Patient Safety

Pharmacovigilance
Safety Surveillance
Signal Detection
Benefit-Risk Assessment
Regulatory Compliance
Risk Management
Aggregate Safety Reporting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Gilead Sciences, Inc.!

Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Gilead Sciences, Inc. that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!

Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Gilead Sciences, Inc.!

Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Gilead Sciences, Inc., we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.

How to prepare for a job interview at Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Understand the Science

Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Gilead Sciences, Inc. that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.

Showcase Relevant Experience

If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.

Know Their Products

Take some time to familiarise yourself with Gilead Sciences, Inc.’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.

Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios

In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.