Postdoctoral Scientist, In Vitro Cardiac Functional Biology (2yr Contract)

Atrium Therapeutics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Wellness program

Education reimbursement

Unlimited time off

Job summary

Atrium Therapeutics is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to develop in vitro cardiac assays for siRNA-based antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate programs using human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, primary adult cardiomyocytes, and engineered cardiac tissues.

You will connect functional data with target knockdown and molecular endpoints to guide candidate selection in a hands-on role with mentorship and opportunities to publish.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline completed by the start date.
• Hands-on experience culturing and functionally characterizing cardiomyocytes.
• Experience with calcium imaging or contractility assays.
• Ability to design experiments and interpret quantitative data.
• Experience with siRNA or oligonucleotide therapeutics preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro studies using human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, primary adult cardiomyocytes, and engineered cardiac tissues.
• Develop, optimize, and apply robust functional assays, including calcium transient imaging and Mantarray-based contractility measurements.
• Analyze and integrate functional, target-knockdown, and downstream molecular data to characterize pharmacology and mechanism of action.
• Lead a defined research project and collaborate with cross-functional scientists on study design and interpretation.
• Communicate research findings through documentation, internal presentations, peer-reviewed publications and external presentations.

Skills

Cardiac physiology

Pharmacology

Bioengineering

Cell biology

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Statistical analysis

Publications

Education

Ph.D. in cardiac physiology, pharmacology, bioengineering, cell biology, molecular biology, or related discipline

Tools

Mantarray platform

ELN

Prism

Microsoft Office Suite

Data analysis software

Job description

Atrium is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies. Our proprietary technology leverages the targeted RNA delivery platform initially designed at Avidity, which combines the tissue selectivity of mAbs and other targeted delivery ligands with the precision of oligonucleotides.

This unique combination is designed to allow selective targeting of the underlying genetic drivers of disease that were previously undruggable. Through targeted, non-viral delivery of siRNA to cardiac tissues, our approach has the potential to overcome key limitations of nonspecific viral and nanoparticle-based delivery systems, including challenges related to tissue specificity, immunogenicity, and redosing.

Position Overview

Atrium is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to develop and apply in vitro cardiac assays for siRNA-based antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) programs in rare genetic cardiomyopathies. The role will use human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, primary adult cardiomyocytes, and engineered cardiac tissues to assess calcium handling and contractile function. The scientist will connect these functional findings with target knockdown and downstream molecular endpoints to characterize pharmacology and support candidate selection. This is a hands‑on laboratory position with ownership of a defined research project, mentorship from senior scientists, and opportunities to publish and present the work externally.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro studies using human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, primary adult cardiomyocytes, and engineered cardiac tissues to characterize AOC therapeutic candidates
• Develop, optimize, and apply robust functional assays, including calcium transient imaging and Mantarray-based contractility measurements
• Analyze and integrate functional, target‑knockdown, and downstream molecular data to characterize pharmacology, investigate mechanism of action, and support candidate selection
• Lead a defined research project and collaborate with cross‑functional scientists on study design, data interpretation, and program decisions
• Communicate research findings through clear experimental documentation, internal presentations, peer‑reviewed publications, and external scientific presentations

Education and Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. in cardiac physiology, pharmacology, bioengineering, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline, completed by the position’s start date
• Hands‑on experience culturing and functionally characterizing cardiomyocytes; experience with human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, primary adult cardiomyocytes, or engineered cardiac tissues is preferred
• Experience developing and executing calcium imaging or contractility assays; familiarity with the Mantarray platform is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, troubleshoot assays, analyze quantitative data, and integrate functional findings with molecular endpoints
• Experience with siRNA or other oligonucleotide therapeutics, genetic cardiomyopathies, or discovery‑stage drug development is preferred
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and scientific communication skills, with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced research environment
• Proficient computer and data analysis/management skills - Microsoft Office Suite, Prism, and Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
• Scientific publication or conference presentation experience is preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform standard laboratory activities, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing, repetitive pipetting, fine‑motor work, and use of required personal protective equipment
• Ability to occasionally move laboratory supplies or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds

What We Provide

• The base salary for this role is $90,000 anually. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors
• Atrium offers competitive compensation and benefits which included 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, LTD, and unlimited of time off including summer & winter breaks
• A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Atrium employees, opportunities for job‑specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.