Associate Scientist

About the role

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company with over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology. We are advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of innovative small-molecule therapies and expand expertise in pharmaceutical development while playing a meaningful role in improving the lives of patients with serious diseases.

The successful candidate will work on-site in South San Francisco, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including Analytical Development, Chemical Development, DMPK, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).

Responsibilities

• Support the design, preparation, and evaluation of prototype formulations for oral solid dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, suspensions, and enabling formulations.
• Design, execute, and document laboratory experiments related to formulation screening, optimization, process development, and product characterization.
• Evaluate formulation performance through physical, chemical, and biopharmaceutical characterization studies.
• Assist in the development and scale-up of drug product manufacturing processes.
• Analyze experimental data, summarize results, and communicate findings to project teams and management.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, study protocols, laboratory documentation, and development summaries to effectively communicate experimental results, scientific conclusions, and development recommendations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with DMPK, Analytical Development, Chemical Development, and other supporting groups to advance development programs.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure work is performed in compliance with applicable quality and safety standards.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, instrumentation, raw material inventory, and samples to ensure effective laboratory operations.
• Conduct routine laboratory equipment setup, operation, troubleshooting, cleaning, and maintenance of formulation and process equipment.
• Coordinate calibration and preventive maintenance activities with internal stakeholders and vendors and ensure equipment records are maintained and current.
• Serve as a laboratory safety representative and primary liaison with EH&S for assigned laboratory areas. Support implementation of safety initiatives, participate in laboratory inspections and audits, track corrective actions, and promote compliance with laboratory safety procedures and practices.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve laboratory operations, increase efficiency, and expand technical capabilities. Develop subject matter expertise on key processing and characterization equipment and recommend new applications, workflows, or technologies that enhance formulation development and laboratory productivity.

Qualifications

• BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with 6+ years of industry experience; or MS with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting pharmaceutical formulation and/or drug product development activities in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.
• Working knowledge of oral solid dosage form development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and product development processes.
• Experience conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and documenting scientific results.
• Demonstrated extensive hands-on experience maintaining, setting up, cleaning, and operating equipment used for oral solid dose manufacturing, including but not limited to high shear granulation, milling, blending, tableting, film coating, and spray drying.
• Advanced knowledge of pharmaceutical characterization techniques.
• Experience working with CROs and/or CDMOs is a plus.
• Strong scientific curiosity, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and technical communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $121,500 - $141,750. 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.

Benefits

• Base salary as described above.
• 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.
• Paid time off.

Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.