Scientist II
Cytokinetics
August 19, 2026
On-site
San Francisco Bay Area
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary scientific lead on one or more pharmacology projects (primarily cardiac/cardiovascular; potentially other muscle biology areas), independently designing and executing complex in vivo experiments to evaluate compound efficacy.
- Analyze complex scientific problems, develop new lines of investigation, and propose novel experimental approaches and potential therapeutic programs.
- Direct and oversee in vivo pharmacology studies and downstream biochemical/molecular assays, including cohort planning, dosing strategy, endpoint selection, and compliance with IACUC/institutional guidelines.
- Quantify and interpret biomarkers of disease progression and target engagement, integrating functional and molecular endpoints to assess compound performance and inform go/no-go decisions.
- Collaborate across discovery, DMPK, translational, and G&A teams to advance compounds through preclinical development and support project goals/timelines/budgets.
- Present work at internal/external meetings; author papers and contribute to patent applications.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship; may supervise direct reports and serve as a team leader.
- Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental methods, datasets, and results.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, or related (or equivalent), generally 5+ years relevant experience including postdoctoral training; pharma/biotech experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex research and propose new therapeutic directions.
- Expert rodent handling/dosing (mouse and rat), including multiple administration routes and survival surgery.
- Required: experience with cardiac functional assessments (e.g., echocardiography, ECG, tail-cuff BP, telemetry).
- Extensive hands-on biochemical/molecular assay expertise (Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-based assays).
- Plus: mammalian cell culture or primary cardiomyocytes.
- Track record of publications/patents and experience presenting original work.
- Strong data analysis/communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Benefits
- Equity (stock options and/or RSUs); comprehensive health/dental/vision/life/disability; 401k match; learning and wellness stipends; paid time off.
Application instructions
- Please review the GDPR policy prior to applying.
- Serve as the primary scientific lead on one or more pharmacology projects (primarily cardiac/cardiovascular; potentially other muscle biology areas), independently designing and executing complex in vivo experiments to evaluate compound efficacy.
- Analyze complex scientific problems, develop new lines of investigation, and propose novel experimental approaches and potential therapeutic programs.
- Direct and oversee in vivo pharmacology studies and downstream biochemical/molecular assays, including cohort planning, dosing strategy, endpoint selection, and compliance with IACUC/institutional guidelines.
- Quantify and interpret biomarkers of disease progression and target engagement, integrating functional and molecular endpoints to assess compound performance and inform go/no-go decisions.
- Collaborate across discovery, DMPK, translational, and G&A teams to advance compounds through preclinical development and support project goals/timelines/budgets.
- Present work at internal/external meetings; author papers and contribute to patent applications.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship; may supervise direct reports and serve as a team leader.
- Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental methods, datasets, and results.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, or related (or equivalent), generally 5+ years relevant experience including postdoctoral training; pharma/biotech experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex research and propose new therapeutic directions.
- Expert rodent handling/dosing (mouse and rat), including multiple administration routes and survival surgery.
- Required: experience with cardiac functional assessments (e.g., echocardiography, ECG, tail-cuff BP, telemetry).
- Extensive hands-on biochemical/molecular assay expertise (Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-based assays).
- Plus: mammalian cell culture or primary cardiomyocytes.
- Track record of publications/patents and experience presenting original work.
- Strong data analysis/communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Benefits
- Equity (stock options and/or RSUs); comprehensive health/dental/vision/life/disability; 401k match; learning and wellness stipends; paid time off.
Application instructions
- Please review the GDPR policy prior to applying.