Scientist II

Cytokinetics; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

Cytokinetics, a cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a motivated Scientist I/II with in vivo and in vitro research experience, including work with iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and engineered heart tissues. The role involves hands-on rodent work, primary cell isolation, and development of molecular assays, with project ownership across a multidisciplinary team.

The level (Scientist I or II) will depend on experience and independence.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology, physiology, pharmacology, or a related field.
• Scientist I: generally 0–2 years; Scientist II: generally 2–5 years; postdoctoral training considered.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on rodent work (mouse and rat) and disease model support.
• Isolate primary cells from tissues and perform ex vivo experiments (Langendorff/perfused heart or other organ perfusions).
• Culture and run functional experiments on iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, primary cardiomyocytes, or engineered heart tissues.
• Independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot cell-based and molecular assays.

Skills

Rodent handling

Ex vivo tissue prep

Molecular assays

qPCR

Immunostaining

iPSC-derived CM culture

Engineered Heart Tissues

In vivo cardiovascular measures

Data interpretation

Education

Ph.D. in Biology/Physiology/Pharmacology

Tools

Western blot

Job description

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. 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. What We Offer A collaborative, science-driven environment focused on impactful muscle biology and cardiovascular research. Opportunities to grow scientific ownership and advance your career within drug discovery and development. A competitive compensation and benefits package. #LI-ONSITE Pay Range: The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $148,500-$173,250. The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Base salary is just one component of our competitive total compensation package, which includes equity in the form of stock options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment. Our employees come from different backgrounds, and we celebrate those differences. We are looking for the best candidates for our open roles, but do not expect applicants to meet every qualification in order to be considered. If you are excited about what you could accomplish at Cytokinetics and believe you can add value to our team, we would love to hear from you. Please review our General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy PRIOR to applying. Our passion is anchored in robust scientific thinking, grounded in integrity and critical thinking. We keep the patient front and center in all we do – all actions and decisions are in service of the patient and their caregivers. We champion integrity, ethics, doing the right thing, and being our best selves. Fraud Warning: How to Identify Impersonated Cytokinetics Job Postings and Offers Recently, there have been fraudulent employment offers being sent to candidates on behalf of Cytokinetics. Please be advised that all legitimate offers from Cytokinetics will come directly from our official email domain (Cytokinetics.com) and will only be made after completing a formal interview process. Here are some ways to check for authenticity: We do not conduct job interviews through non-standard text messaging applications We will never request personal information such as banking details until after an official offer has been accepted and verified We will never request that you purchase equipment or other items when interviewing or hiring If you are unsure about the authenticity of an offer, or if you receive any suspicious communication, please contact us directly at [e-mail] Please visit our website at: www.cytokinetics.com Cytokinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer 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.