Where not to work - Director Gilead Sciences Employee Review

2.0
29 Sept 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some of the people are simply amazing, hard working, think of their colleagues, they are empathic, inclusive....ticking all the political boxes Gilead like to see ticked but here its genuine. These people make Gilead bearable.

Cons

There is no real innovation with medicines or in processes, they buy or repackage products very effectively. Gilead lags behind most other large pharma but likes to think it is agile. Senior management make all the decisions and rely on their experience from 10-15 years ago. Gilead also quite arrogant when it comes to how they view themselves, as being the best; they have only just started to implement multichannel communication. All the good people are leaving or have been fired because they actually care and try to develop their colleagues. Then there are the sociopaths (and the odd psychopath, I kid you not...really). I cannot stress enough the fact that Gilead is full of sociopaths. Then there is the discrimination, most European offices don't have people of colour working there of if they do, they are in junior positions. There is a bias to hire majority of women to open positions. Gilead has an imbalance with regards to gender diversity however, the positive hiring policy is getting out of hand. There is, surprisingly, the homophobia, from both hetor- and homosexual members of staff; I have seen it first hand....the sexual harassment which goes unreported. The rest (micro management, cut throat culture and environment...resourcing with the human and a real lack of work/life balance....its viscous) Dan O'Day may have fired the old guard from the C-Suite but the rot continues at VP/Snr Dir/Dir levels, right down to affiliate level. Unless there is a conscious effort made to change this, Gilead will never really change. Likely there will be a shake up by end of 2020 given the loss of HCV and HIV revenues and way too much being spent on oncology pipeline. If you are someone who is happy to step on a colleagues head to get ahead, this is the company for you. You will excel and grow quickly. If you are a normal human being who wants career advancement, who wants to work in a friendly company then this is NOT the company for you. Watch out for the golden handcuffs, Gilead pay way above the industry average for overqualified personnel. When you eventually leave, don't expect the same salary.

Explore other reviews about Gilead Sciences

5.0
5 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Innovative and driven for patient benefit

Cons

Expensive location to live and work

1
4.0
27 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great company to work with away from the main headquarters located in Foster City. Lots of learning opportunities and a good culture to make it so you enjoyed working with your colleagues.

Cons

Management reviews and process for promotions seem a bit skewed. It seemed to fall on how well your own management could "sell" you to the other team's management.

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