Senior Scientist I

Cytokinetics; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

Cytokinetics, based in San Francisco, is looking for a Senior Scientist with a strong background in small molecule synthesis and process development. The position plays a crucial role in drug development and involves leading efforts in synthetic route design and manufacturing optimization.

Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, or an M.S. with substantial experience. The position offers a collaborative environment and a competitive salary range of $162,000 - $189,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 5+ years of experience; or M.S. with 8+ years in drug development.
• Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Experience in process development and scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute manufacturing processes for small molecule drugs.
• Optimize reaction sequences for improved yield and scalability.
• Collaborate with partners on tech transfer and manufacturing activities.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Multi-step synthesis

Analytical techniques

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

NMR

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 highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist with expertise in small molecule synthesis and process development. The ideal candidate is an innovative thinker with a passion for problem‑solving and an ability to drive the development of robust chemical processes from conception of the idea to commercialization. The candidate will play a key role in advancing our drug development programs by leading efforts in synthetic route design, process optimization, and scale‑up and manufacturing activities. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of novel therapeutics and to work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute robust and scalable manufacturing routes and processes for small molecule drug substance production, considering safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Apply modern synthetic methodologies and techniques to optimize reaction sequences for improved yield, purity, and scalability.
• Support design and execution of process characterization and fate/purge studies to establish critical process parameters and define process control strategies.
• Leverage internal laboratory capabilities to generate key data and establish proof‑of‑concept for process development activities.
• Collaborate with CDMO partners on development and manufacturing activities including tech transfer, process development, and scale‑up from laboratory to pilot plant and ultimately to commercial production.
• Characterize process streams, input materials, isolated intermediates, and final products using a variety of analytical techniques, such as HPLC, LC‑MS, and NMR to support process R&D activities.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in compliance with company policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare technical development reports and support authoring of clinical regulatory filings and responses to Health Authority inquiries (e.g., IND, IMPD) as needed.
• Serve on cross‑functional project teams and collaborate with team members from Analytical Development, Formulation Development, and External Manufacturing to develop and execute a CMC strategy that aligns with the clinical development plan.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues from various disciplines including Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Regulatory Affairs to achieve project goals.
• Provide technical guidance to junior scientists and research associates.
• Present research findings and project updates to internal stakeholders and external partners as required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (or related field) with 5+ years of biotech/biopharma industry experience in small molecule drug substance development; or M.S. with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi‑step synthesis and reaction optimization.
• Experience in process development, scale‑up, and technology transfer of small molecule APIs from laboratory to manufacturing scale.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques commonly used in drug substance characterization.
• Familiarity with cGMP regulations and quality systems relevant to pharmaceutical development.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and in a team‑oriented environment.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Pay Range

In the U.S., the hiring pay range for fully qualified candidates is $162,000 - $189,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Cytokinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.