Scientist I, Preformulation
Cytokinetics
August 20, 2026
Remote friendly (San Francisco Bay Area)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as the preformulation representative on drug discovery and early development project teams, communicating strategy, risks, and data to cross-functional partners.
- Design and evaluate formulations for non-clinical PK, PK/PD, pharmacology, and toxicology studies, selecting vehicles and excipients that deliver the required exposure and stability.
- Lead preformulation assessment of new chemical entities (NCEs), including solubility, solid-state stability, particle size/morphology, bio-relevant dissolution, and polymorphism.
- Conduct salt, co-crystal, and solid-form screening to support solid-form selection.
- Apply solubility-enabling technologies (amorphous solid dispersions, lipid-based systems, nanosuspensions, complexation) for poorly water-soluble compounds.
- Develop/qualify HPLC/UPLC methods for formulation characterization, stability, and dose formulation analysis (including GLP concentration/homogeneity verification).
- Plan and lead lab work to timelines; oversee CRO formulation/analytical work.
- Contribute data to candidate selection and first-in-human documentation.
- Author technical reports suitable for internal review, CMC handoff, and regulatory filings.
- Monitor literature and apply established/emerging approaches; collaborate with CMC Formulation Development.
Education and Experience
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related.
- M.S.: 7+ years; Ph.D.: 4+ years relevant industry experience in preformulation/preclinical formulation.
- Hands-on formulation of poorly water-soluble compounds (discovery setting).
- Hands-on HPLC/UPLC analysis and method development.
- Hands-on dose verification; solubility assays in SGF and FaSSIF/FeSSIF (USP methods).
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of physicochemical/solid-state properties and impact on drug product performance.
- Practical experience selecting/developing solubility-enabling formulations.
- Analytical method development experience across chromatographic techniques; familiarity with mass spectrometry.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet objectives/timelines.
- Excellent written/oral communication to research and CMC audiences.
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic principles.
- Experience supporting GLP toxicology studies (dose formulation analysis).
- Experience overseeing CRO formulation/analytical work.
- Problem-solving and strong practical lab skills.
- Collaboration/networking; ability to work under competing priorities.
Compensation/Benefits
- Expected salary range (South San Francisco, CA): $135,000–$157,500; includes competitive total compensation with equity, health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401k match, learning/wellness stipends, and paid time off.
Application Instructions
- Please review the GDPR policy prior to applying.
- Serve as the preformulation representative on drug discovery and early development project teams, communicating strategy, risks, and data to cross-functional partners.
- Design and evaluate formulations for non-clinical PK, PK/PD, pharmacology, and toxicology studies, selecting vehicles and excipients that deliver the required exposure and stability.
- Lead preformulation assessment of new chemical entities (NCEs), including solubility, solid-state stability, particle size/morphology, bio-relevant dissolution, and polymorphism.
- Conduct salt, co-crystal, and solid-form screening to support solid-form selection.
- Apply solubility-enabling technologies (amorphous solid dispersions, lipid-based systems, nanosuspensions, complexation) for poorly water-soluble compounds.
- Develop/qualify HPLC/UPLC methods for formulation characterization, stability, and dose formulation analysis (including GLP concentration/homogeneity verification).
- Plan and lead lab work to timelines; oversee CRO formulation/analytical work.
- Contribute data to candidate selection and first-in-human documentation.
- Author technical reports suitable for internal review, CMC handoff, and regulatory filings.
- Monitor literature and apply established/emerging approaches; collaborate with CMC Formulation Development.
Education and Experience
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related.
- M.S.: 7+ years; Ph.D.: 4+ years relevant industry experience in preformulation/preclinical formulation.
- Hands-on formulation of poorly water-soluble compounds (discovery setting).
- Hands-on HPLC/UPLC analysis and method development.
- Hands-on dose verification; solubility assays in SGF and FaSSIF/FeSSIF (USP methods).
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of physicochemical/solid-state properties and impact on drug product performance.
- Practical experience selecting/developing solubility-enabling formulations.
- Analytical method development experience across chromatographic techniques; familiarity with mass spectrometry.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet objectives/timelines.
- Excellent written/oral communication to research and CMC audiences.
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic principles.
- Experience supporting GLP toxicology studies (dose formulation analysis).
- Experience overseeing CRO formulation/analytical work.
- Problem-solving and strong practical lab skills.
- Collaboration/networking; ability to work under competing priorities.
Compensation/Benefits
- Expected salary range (South San Francisco, CA): $135,000–$157,500; includes competitive total compensation with equity, health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401k match, learning/wellness stipends, and paid time off.
Application Instructions
- Please review the GDPR policy prior to applying.