Cytokinetics

Scientist II

Cytokinetics$148K — $173K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Scientist I: 0–2 years of experience (postdoctoral training included); relevant experience with a B.S./M.S. may be accepted.
  • Scientist II: 2–5 years of experience (postdoctoral training included).
  • Preferred experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.
  • Demonstrated ability in independent project ownership and scientific contribution.

Responsibilities

  • Perform rodent handling, dosing, and tissue collection in compliance with IACUC guidelines.
  • Isolate primary cells and conduct ex vivo experiments, such as Langendorff and contractility assessments.
  • Execute molecular and biochemical assays including Western blotting, qPCR, and ELISA for disease biology markers.
  • Culture and run functional experiments on iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and engineered heart tissues.
  • Independently develop, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular and cell-based assays.

Benefits

  • Collaborative, science-driven environment focused on muscle biology and cardiovascular research.
  • Career advancement opportunities within drug discovery and development.
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package, including health and retirement plans.
  • Stock options and/or restricted stock units as part of total compensation.
  • Paid time off and learning/wellness stipends.
Full Job Description
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.

About Cytokinetics

Cytokinetics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing muscle activators and inhibitors as potential treatments for debilitating diseases in which muscle performance is compromised and/or declining. The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
Learn more about Cytokinetics
Size
253 employees
Market Cap
$4.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$127.2 million
5 Year Trend
-7.9%
Revenue
$55.8 million
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Cytokinetics

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Scientist II jobs: