Gilead Research Scholars Program – Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) | Funding for Early-Career Investigators Advancing Liver Disease Research
Organization: Gilead Sciences
About the Funder
The Gilead Research Scholars Program supports early-career investigators conducting innovative research that can transform understanding and treatment of serious diseases. Gilead Sciences is a global leader in hepatology and autoimmune liver disease research, with a strong commitment to supporting scientific discovery in Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC).
The program is designed to accelerate impactful PBC research while fostering the next generation of scientific leaders in liver disease.
What This Program Funds
The Research Scholars Program in Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) provides funding for high-impact, hypothesis-driven research projects that advance scientific understanding and improve outcomes for people living with PBC.
Eligible research topics include, but are not limited to:
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Disease mechanisms and pathogenesis
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Biomarker identification and diagnostic innovation
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Fibrosis progression and liver injury pathways
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Novel therapeutic targets or treatment strategies
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Immune-mediated mechanisms of cholestatic disease
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Health equity, disparities, or access-to-care challenges in PBC
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Patient-reported outcomes, disease burden, and quality-of-life research
Projects should demonstrate scientific rigor, innovation, feasibility, and clear potential to advance the PBC research field.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Hold a doctoral degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent)
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Be an early-career investigator (typically ≤5–7 years into first faculty appointment)
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Hold a faculty position at a U.S.-based research or academic institution
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Commit at least 20% effort to the proposed research
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Demonstrate institutional support and research readiness
Not eligible:
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Postdocs or students
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Researchers outside the United States
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Proposals not directly related to PBC
Funding Amounts
Award:
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Up to $180,000 total over two years
(Approximately $90,000 per year)
Funds may support:
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Salary and research personnel
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Research supplies
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Project-related expenses
Indirect costs are not permitted.
Deadline (2026 Cycle)
Submission Deadline
April 6, 2026 — 11:59 PM PDT
No applications will be accepted after this date.
Applicant Notification
August 31, 2026 — 3:59 PM PDT
Awardees typically begin funding shortly after notification.
Geographic Focus
Applicants must be affiliated with institutions in the:
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United States
Research may involve international components if scientifically justified.
Application Process
Applicants must:
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Review full guidelines on the Gilead Research Scholars website
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Create an online application profile
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Submit:
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Detailed research plan and scientific rationale
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CV and publication history
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Budget and justification
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Institutional commitment letter
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Upload all required documents before the deadline
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Participate in review or clarification requests if needed
Proposals are reviewed by an independent committee of hepatology experts.
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
Ideal applicants:
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Are early-career investigators pursuing innovative research in hepatology or autoimmune liver disease
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Have strong mentorship and institutional support
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Aim to improve diagnosis, treatment, or understanding of PBC
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Seek funding to launch or advance an independent research program
The program supports researchers committed to driving meaningful advances in PBC knowledge and patient care.
Apply here: Link to Application
