Intern - Commercial & Corporate Affairs - Commercial Product Strategy (HIV Prevention)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intern - Commercial & Corporate Affairs - Commercial Product Strategy (HIV Prevention)

Company: Gilead Sciences

Location: Foster City, CA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Commercial Strategy / Product Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the strategic planning and execution of commercial product strategies specifically for HIV Prevention (PrEP) initiatives.

• Drive project tracking and launch readiness by maintaining detailed project documentation and status updates across various marketing workstreams.

• Conduct comprehensive market and competitive research to inform strategic decision-making within the long-acting PrEP landscape.

• Assist in the development of compelling marketing and communication materials, translating product positioning and value propositions into actionable launch assets.

• Facilitate cross-functional coordination and communication with key partners, including Medical Affairs and Analytics & Insights teams, to ensure alignment on launch priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship role is positioned within Commercial & Corporate Affairs, focusing on Commercial Product Strategy for HIV Prevention. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it heavily involves project management, market analysis, and cross-functional coordination, which are critical components of GTM operations. The emphasis on launch readiness, tracking, and synthesizing insights aligns with operational excellence in bringing products to market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Management & Launch Readiness:

  • Maintain and update project trackers for HIV Prevention (PrEP) initiatives, ensuring all tasks and milestones are accurately reflected.
  • Document meeting notes and action items from cross-functional marketing meetings, facilitating follow-through and accountability.
  • Monitor progress against launch timelines and identify potential risks or delays, escalating issues as needed.

• Market & Competitive Intelligence:

  • Gather, analyze, and synthesize information regarding the long-acting PrEP market, including competitor activities, product pipelines, and emerging trends.
  • Prepare concise summaries and decision-ready insights from market research to inform strategic planning and positioning.
  • Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to market dynamics and competitive landscape.

• Marketing & Communications Support:

  • Assist in the development of marketing collateral, such as slide decks, one-pagers, and messaging frameworks, for the lenacapavir product.
  • Ensure that all developed materials accurately reflect the product positioning and value proposition for HIV Prevention.
  • Support the review and refinement of communication drafts to ensure clarity and impact.

• Insight Synthesis & Knowledge Management:

  • Compile research findings and market learnings from various sources into clear, shareable takeaways.
  • Contribute to the development of best practices for HIV Prevention planning based on synthesized insights.
  • Organize and maintain a repository of market intelligence and project documentation for easy access by the team.

• Cross-Functional Coordination:

  • Liaise with internal stakeholders, including Medical Affairs, Analytics & Insights, and other marketing teams, to coordinate activities and information sharing.

  • Schedule and facilitate meetings, ensuring agendas are clear and participants are informed.

  • Support the execution of collaborative initiatives tied to launch priorities, ensuring seamless integration of efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities listed are highly operational in nature, focusing on execution, coordination, and data synthesis. The role requires diligent project tracking, structured research, and effective communication to support the commercial strategy. This aligns with the foundational skills needed in operations roles, particularly in managing complex go-to-market activities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled full-time in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, JD, or PhD program at an accredited U.S. college or university.

• Continued full-time enrollment required in the Fall semester following the internship.

• Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 at the time of application and hire.

• Official transcripts will be requested. Experience:

• No specific prior professional experience is explicitly required, but relevant coursework, academic projects, or previous internships demonstrating analytical and organizational skills are beneficial. Required Skills:

• Project Tracking & Management: Ability to maintain project trackers, meeting notes, and status updates to ensure timelines are met.

• Market Research Proficiency: Skill in gathering, summarizing, and synthesizing information on specific markets and competitors.

• Communication & Material Development: Aptitude for assisting in the creation of marketing materials, slide decks, and messaging drafts.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively with diverse teams (e.g., Medical Affairs, Analytics & Insights).

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Strong command of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for daily tasks and material creation.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues and proactively seek practical solutions.

• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred Skills:

• Strategic Thinking: Understanding of product positioning and value proposition development.

• Data Synthesis: Capability to compile research and market learnings into clear, actionable takeaways.

• Pharmaceutical/Biotech Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the healthcare industry, particularly in the context of HIV Prevention or related therapeutic areas.

• Presentation Skills: Experience in developing and presenting information in slide decks or one-pagers.

• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred qualifications highlight skills that are highly valued in operations roles, such as strategic thinking, data synthesis, and industry knowledge. While this is an internship, demonstrating these abilities through academic work or extracurricular activities will be crucial for success. The emphasis on Microsoft Office proficiency is standard for many operational roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Tracking Examples: Showcase examples of personal or academic projects where you managed timelines, documented progress, and ensured completion of deliverables. This could include academic research projects, student organization initiatives, or volunteer work.

• Research Synthesis Case Studies: Present a brief case study or example demonstrating your ability to gather information from multiple sources, analyze it, and present concise, actionable insights. This could be a market analysis for a class project or a summary of a competitive landscape.

• Marketing Material Development Samples: Include samples of presentations, reports, or informational documents you have created that demonstrate clarity, organization, and effective communication of complex information.

• Cross-Functional Coordination Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss instances where you collaborated with peers or supervisors on a shared goal, highlighting your role in communication, coordination, and achieving a collective outcome.

Process Documentation:

• While a formal "process documentation" requirement isn't typical for an intern, candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach organizing information, managing tasks, and ensuring accuracy in their work.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of clear documentation for project continuity and team alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the "portfolio" will likely be demonstrated through academic projects, coursework, and the ability to articulate past experiences during interviews. Candidates should focus on showcasing their organizational skills, analytical capabilities, and collaborative approach through tangible examples. The emphasis is on potential and demonstrated aptitude rather than extensive professional output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected hourly range for this position is $19.00 - $55.00 USD.

• Gilead considers factors such as education level and geographic location when determining base compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on these and other factors. Benefits:

• Paid company holidays

• Sick time

• Housing stipends for eligible employees Working Hours:

• This is a full-time internship position, typically expected to be 40 hours per week.

• The internship duration is 10-12 consecutive weeks between May and August.

• The role is hybrid, requiring presence at the designated site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is quite broad, which is common for internships where compensation can vary significantly based on the student's academic level (undergraduate vs. graduate/PhD) and the specific responsibilities of the role. The housing stipend is a significant benefit for interns, often covering relocation or temporary living expenses.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology / Pharmaceuticals

Company Size: Gilead Sciences is a large, established biotechnology company with a significant global presence. This means interns can expect to work within a structured environment with established processes and access to a wide range of resources and expertise.

Founded: Gilead Sciences was founded in 1987. Its long history in developing life-saving therapies, particularly in areas like HIV, viral hepatitis, and oncology, speaks to a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and a deep commitment to patient well-being.

Team Structure:

• The intern will likely be part of the Commercial & Corporate Affairs division, specifically within the Commercial Product Strategy team for HIV Prevention.

• This team is expected to comprise experienced marketing professionals, strategists, and potentially project managers who oversee product launches and ongoing commercialization efforts.

• The structure will involve close collaboration with other departments such as Medical Affairs, Analytics & Insights, Regulatory Affairs, and potentially Market Access. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Gilead's approach is rooted in scientific evidence and market data to inform strategic decisions. Interns will be exposed to how data analytics and insights shape commercial strategies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The company emphasizes working together across departments to achieve common goals, especially in bringing complex therapies to market.

• Patient-Centricity: A core tenet of Gilead's mission is to improve patient lives, which influences all aspects of product strategy and development.

Company Website: https://www.gilead.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Gilead's focus on innovation, patient impact, and scientific excellence is crucial. The company culture likely values integrity, inclusion, teamwork, excellence, and accountability, as explicitly stated in their core values. For an intern, this translates to an environment that supports learning, growth, and contribution to meaningful work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role, designed for students to gain foundational experience in commercial product strategy and marketing operations within the pharmaceutical industry. It serves as an excellent entry point for those interested in GTM roles, marketing, or business operations within life sciences.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager or senior team member within the Commercial Product Strategy team. This mentor will provide guidance, assign projects, and facilitate learning opportunities.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact may be limited, their contributions to project tracking, research synthesis, and material development directly support the operational efficiency and strategic execution of the HIV Prevention commercialization efforts. This role provides a window into how operational support underpins successful product launches and market strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen understanding of commercial strategy, market research methodologies, project management, and cross-functional collaboration within a leading biotech firm.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology sector, specifically within HIV Prevention, a critical public health area.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced individuals in marketing, strategy, and operations, potentially leading to future career opportunities.

• Leadership Exposure: Participate in leadership presentations and networking events designed for interns, offering insights into career paths and leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is a stepping stone. Success here can lead to further internship opportunities or full-time roles. The growth is focused on foundational skills and industry exposure, setting the stage for more specialized operations roles in the future.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as hybrid, meaning it will involve a combination of on-site work at the Foster City, CA location and remote work. This offers a balance between in-person collaboration and flexibility.

Office Location(s): Foster City, California, USA. This location is a hub for biotechnology and life sciences companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing a vibrant ecosystem for professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Interns will be integrated into a team environment, working alongside experienced professionals. Expect opportunities for team meetings, project discussions, and informal knowledge sharing.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, and potentially internal Gilead systems for project management, communication, and data analysis.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with team members, mentors, and potentially other interns through planned activities and daily work.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time commitment for 10-12 consecutive weeks between May and August.

• While the core hours are not specified, a typical hybrid work schedule might involve specific days in the office and flexibility for remote work on other days. Standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM PST) are likely expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect. Interns should be prepared for both structured office days that foster collaboration and remote work that requires self-discipline and effective communication. The Foster City location offers access to a rich professional network.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your resume and academic record, followed by a brief phone screen with an HR representative to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager or a senior team member. This will focus on your skills, experience (academic or otherwise), understanding of the role, and alignment with Gilead's values. Expect behavioral questions.

• Team/Peer Interview (Potential): You may be asked to interview with other team members or interns to assess your collaborative abilities and cultural fit.

• Case Study/Project Presentation (Potential): While not explicitly stated, some internship interviews, especially for strategy roles, may include a short case study or a request to present a relevant academic project. Be prepared to discuss your projects and how you approached them.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select academic projects, research papers, or extracurricular activities that best demonstrate your skills in market research, data analysis, project tracking, communication, and collaboration.

• Focus on Process and Outcome: For each project, be ready to explain your thought process, the steps you took, the tools you used, and the results achieved. Quantify impact where possible.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss challenges you encountered and how you overcame them, showcasing your resilience and analytical skills.

• Tailor to Gilead: Understand Gilead's mission and values, and be ready to articulate how your skills and interests align with their work in HIV Prevention and their commitment to patient health.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis Practice: Familiarize yourself with current trends in the HIV Prevention market, long-acting therapies, and key players. Practice synthesizing information quickly.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses for common behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and handling ambiguity.

• Questions for the Interviewer: Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the internship projects, Gilead's culture, and career development opportunities within the company. This shows engagement and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for internships is designed to assess potential and foundational skills. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their learning agility, enthusiasm, and ability to contribute. The "portfolio" is essentially your academic and personal experience translated into relevant skills and examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily tasks, including Word (documentation, reports), Excel (data analysis, tracking), and PowerPoint (presentations, marketing materials).

• Project Management Tools (Internal): While specific tools aren't listed, Gilead likely uses internal project management software. Familiarity with general project management principles is key.

• Communication Platforms: Likely internal tools similar to Slack or Microsoft Teams for team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel): Crucial for basic data analysis, tracking metrics, and creating reports.

• Data Synthesis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, the ability to use tools for organizing and synthesizing information will be valuable.

• Presentation Software (PowerPoint): For developing and delivering insights to the team.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not a direct responsibility for this intern, awareness of CRM systems and their role in commercial operations is beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Understanding of how automation can streamline processes is a plus, though not a primary requirement for this intern role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in Microsoft Office. For an intern role focused on strategy and operations support, deep expertise in specialized CRM or automation tools is generally not expected, but an understanding of their purpose within a commercial organization is advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity (Doing What’s Right): Upholding ethical standards in all research, communication, and decision-making processes.

• Inclusion (Encouraging Diversity): Valuing diverse perspectives and ensuring all team members feel respected and heard, especially in a collaborative environment.

• Teamwork (Working Together): Actively contributing to team goals, sharing information, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective success.

• Excellence (Being Your Best): Striving for high quality in all tasks, from detailed project tracking to insightful research synthesis.

• Accountability (Taking Personal Responsibility): Owning assigned tasks, delivering on commitments, and proactively addressing challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The team likely works closely with various departments, requiring strong communication and coordination skills to align on objectives and execution.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Collaboration will often involve reviewing data, research findings, and market insights to drive discussions and decisions.

• Mentorship & Learning: As an intern role, the team culture should support learning, with senior members providing guidance and feedback to help interns develop.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gilead's stated core values are fundamental to their culture. Interns should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values through their actions, work ethic, and interactions. This is particularly important in a large, established company where culture plays a significant role in employee experience and team dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace and Ambiguity: The pharmaceutical industry, especially during product launches, is fast-paced and can involve evolving priorities. Interns may need to adapt quickly to changing project scopes or timelines.

• Information Synthesis: Effectively gathering and synthesizing large volumes of market data into concise, actionable insights can be challenging but rewarding.

• Cross-Functional Navigation: Understanding the different priorities and communication styles of various departments (e.g., Medical Affairs vs. Marketing) requires careful navigation and strong interpersonal skills.

• Remote/Hybrid Work Management: Balancing remote work flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration and team integration in a hybrid environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operational Acumen: Develop a strong understanding of the operational aspects of commercial product strategy, including project management, market analysis, and cross-functional coordination.

• Industry Insight: Gain invaluable knowledge about the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, with a specific focus on HIV Prevention and therapeutic area strategy.

• Professional Skills: Enhance critical skills such as communication, problem-solving, data analysis, and professional etiquette through hands-on experience and mentorship.

• Networking: Build a professional network within Gilead and the broader biotech industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is designed to expose interns to real-world challenges and provide structured opportunities for growth. The challenges listed are typical for roles involving project management and strategic support in dynamic industries.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach tracking multiple project workstreams simultaneously to ensure launch readiness?" (Focus on organizational methods, prioritization, and communication.)

• "Describe a time you had to gather and synthesize information from various sources for a project. What was your process, and what were the key takeaways?" (Highlight research skills, analytical thinking, and ability to distill complex data.)

• "Imagine you need to develop a one-pager summarizing a new product's value proposition. What key elements would you include, and how would you ensure it's compelling?" (Demonstrate understanding of marketing messaging and audience consideration.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Gilead Sciences, and specifically our work in HIV Prevention?" (Show research into the company's mission and therapeutic areas.)

• "How do you demonstrate our core values of Integrity, Inclusion, Teamwork, Excellence, and Accountability in your academic or personal projects?" (Provide specific examples that align with the stated values.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. What role do you typically play, and how do you contribute to team success?" (Focus on collaboration, communication, and shared goals.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Examples: For any academic projects you present, clearly outline the objective, your role, the process you followed, the tools/skills used, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers or metrics to demonstrate the scope or success of your work (e.g., "Analyzed data from 5 research papers," "Managed a project with 3 core deliverables").

• Focus on Transferable Skills: Emphasize how your experiences, even if academic, demonstrate skills directly relevant to the internship responsibilities: organization, analysis, communication, and collaboration.

• Be Enthusiastic and Engaged: Show genuine interest in the role, the company, and the opportunity to learn.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for an internship should focus on showcasing foundational skills, a strong work ethic, enthusiasm for learning, and alignment with the company's mission and values. The ability to articulate past experiences clearly and connect them to the internship requirements is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent internship position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form through the provided link on the Gilead careers portal. Ensure all required fields are filled accurately.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight academic achievements, relevant coursework, any project management or research experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "project tracking," "market research," "collaboration," "HIV Prevention").

• Prepare Your Portfolio Examples: Have ready specific examples from your academic or extracurricular work that demonstrate your skills in organization, research, communication, and teamwork. Be prepared to discuss these in detail.

• Research Gilead: Familiarize yourself with Gilead Sciences' mission, values, recent news, and specifically their work in HIV Prevention. Understand their commitment to innovation and patient access.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method and practice articulating your interest in the role and how your skills align with the internship requirements. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.