Senior Scientist

Job Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, to support in-house analytical development activities across Cytokinetics' small molecule pipeline. This laboratory-based role will be responsible for designing and executing analytical studies to support drug substance and drug product development from early-stage research through clinical development.

The successful candidate will apply scientific expertise in chromatographic, spectroscopic, and physicochemical characterization techniques to solve technical challenges, generate high-quality data, and support critical development decisions. Working closely with Process Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Development, DMPK, Manufacturing, and Quality functions, this individual will contribute to analytical method development, product characterization, investigation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and document analytical studies supporting drug substance and drug product development.
• Develop, optimize, qualify, and troubleshoot analytical methods used for release, stability, characterization, and process support testing.
• Perform hands-on laboratory testing using chromatographic, spectroscopic, and physicochemical analytical techniques.
• Characterize drug substances, intermediates, degradation products, excipients, and drug products to support development programs.
• Generate, analyze, interpret, and present scientific data to support development decisions and project milestones.
• Collaborate with Process Chemistry, Formulation Development, DMPK, Pharmacology, and Manufacturing teams to address analytical and technical challenges.
• Support analytical investigations associated with atypical results, laboratory events, and method performance issues.
• Maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, including calibration, qualification, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance activities.
• Prepare and review analytical protocols, study reports, technical summaries, and laboratory documentation.
• Support analytical method transfers, validation activities, specification development, and stability studies as needed.
• Contribute to laboratory operational excellence through process improvements, scientific innovation, and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with applicable procedures, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline; PhD preferred but not required.
• 5+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in analytical development, quality control, or related analytical laboratory environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with analytical characterization of small molecule drug substances and drug products.
• Demonstrated expertise with HPLC/UHPLC and other analytical techniques such as LC-MS, GC, dissolution, Karl Fischer titration, XRPD, DSC/TGA, particle size analysis, and related instrumentation.
• Experience developing, optimizing, qualifying, and troubleshooting analytical methods.
• Strong laboratory skills with the ability to independently design experiments, interpret results, and solve technical problems.
• Familiarity with cGMP requirements and pharmaceutical development practices.
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced development environment.