Scientist II
Cytokinetics
Summary
Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology, and advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction.
Job description
We are seeking a motivated, hands-on Scientist I/II with both in vivo and in vitro research experience, including work in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and other primary cell systems, engineered tissues, and animal disease models. The ideal candidate is a rigorous, detail-oriented investigator who thrives in a hands-on role and contributes to compound efficacy characterization through preclinical drug development within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
The level of the role (Scientist I or Scientist II) will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, demonstrated independence, and degree of project and target ownership.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on rodent work (mouse and rat) - handling, dosing, tissue collection, and disease model support in compliance with IACUC guidelines.
- Isolate primary cells from tissues and perform ex vivo experiments (e.g., Langendorff/perfused heart, measures of contractility).
- Perform molecular and biochemical assays (Western blot, qPCR, immunostaining/IF, ELISA, enzyme-based) to quantify markers of disease biology and target engagement.
- Culture and run functional experiments on iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, primary cardiomyocytes, other cell types, and engineered heart tissues (EHTs) as needed.
- Independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot cell-based and molecular assays, including for early-stage or novel targets.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Scientist I: generally 0–2 years of experience, including postdoctoral training; a B.S./M.S. with substantial relevant experience and demonstrated independent scientific contribution may be considered.
- Scientist II: generally 2–5 years of experience, including postdoctoral training.
- Prior experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting is preferred.
Required
- Hands-on rodent handling and dosing experience (mouse and rat), including tissue collection.
- Experience isolating primary cells from tissues and performing ex vivo tissue/organ preparations (e.g., Langendorff/perfused heart or other organ perfusions).
- Hands-on proficiency in molecular and biochemical assays (Western blotting, qPCR, immunostaining/IF, ELISA, and enzyme-based assays), and the ability to independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot cell-based or molecular assays.
- Ability to design, execute, and interpret experiments, determine next steps, and clearly communicate data in reports and presentations; works effectively across disciplines. Independent project and target ownership are required, as is a track record of scientific achievement.
Strong Plus
- Hands-on experience with in vivo cardiovascular measures (e.g. echocardiography, blood pressure. Invasive hemodynamics)
- Hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, with direct experience in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, primary cardiomyocytes, or other primary cells, and with EHT casting and experimentation.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Scientist II: generally 2–5 years of experience, including postdoctoral training.
- Hands-on rodent handling and dosing experience (mouse and rat), including tissue collection.
- Experience isolating primary cells from tissues and performing ex vivo tissue/organ preparations (e.g., Langendorff/perfused heart or other organ perfusions).
- Hands-on proficiency in molecular and biochemical assays (Western blotting, qPCR, immunostaining/IF, ELISA, and enzyme-based assays).
- Ability to independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot cell-based or molecular assays.
- Ability to design, execute, and interpret experiments, determine next steps, and clearly communicate data in reports and presentations.
- Works effectively across disciplines.
- Independent project and target ownership are required.
- Track record of scientific achievement.
- Prior experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting is preferred.
- Hands-on experience with in vivo cardiovascular measures (e.g. echocardiography, blood pressure, invasive hemodynamics) is a strong plus.
- Hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, with direct experience in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, primary cardiomyocytes, or other primary cells, and with EHT casting and experimentation is a strong plus.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k) Matching
- Stock options
- Restricted stock units
- Learning stipends
- Wellness stipends
- Paid time off
Company overview
Cytokinetics, Incorporated is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in South San Francisco, California, specializing in muscle biology research and drug development. Founded in 1997 by leading scientists from Stanford, UCSD, and UCSF, the company focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class muscle activators and next-in-class muscle inhibitors for debilitating diseases characterized by impaired or declining muscle function. With over 25 years of scientific expertise, Cytokinetics has built a robust pipeline targeting cardiovascular and neuromuscular conditions including heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company's innovative approach centers on directly targeting the sarcomere, the fundamental unit of muscle contraction, to develop potential treatments that may preserve and extend independence for patients. Cytokinetics operates as a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: CYTK) and has established itself as a leader in muscle biology with more than 115 publications, over 100 clinical trials, and hundreds of issued patents.