Postdoctoral Scientist, In Vitro Cardiac Functional Biology (2yr Contract)

About the role

Atrium is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies. Our proprietary technology leverages the targeted RNA delivery platform initially designed at Avidity, which combines the tissue selectivity of mAbs and other targeted delivery ligands with the precision of oligonucleotides. This unique combination is designed to allow selective targeting of the underlying genetic drivers of disease that were previously undruggable. Through targeted, non‑viral delivery of siRNA to cardiac tissues, our approach has the potential to overcome key limitations of nonspecific viral and nanoparticle‑based delivery systems, including challenges related to tissue specificity, immunogenicity, and redosing.

Position Overview: Atrium is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to develop and apply in vitro cardiac assays for siRNA‑based antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) programs in rare genetic cardiomyopathies. The role will use human iPSC‑derived cardiomyocytes, primary adult cardiomyocytes, and engineered cardiac tissues to assess calcium handling and contractile function. The scientist will connect these functional findings with target knockdown and downstream molecular endpoints to characterize pharmacology and support candidate selection. This is a hands‑on laboratory position with ownership of a defined research project, mentorship from senior scientists, and opportunities to publish and present the work externally.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro studies using human iPSC‑derived cardiomyocytes, primary adult cardiomyocytes, and engineered cardiac tissues to characterize AOC therapeutic candidates.
• Develop, optimize, and apply robust functional assays, including calcium transient imaging and Mantarray‑based contractility measurements.
• Analyze and integrate functional, target‑knockdown, and downstream molecular data to characterize pharmacology, investigate mechanism of action, and support candidate selection.
• Lead a defined research project and collaborate with cross‑functional scientists on study design, data interpretation, and program decisions.
• Communicate research findings through clear experimental documentation, internal presentations, peer‑reviewed publications, and external scientific presentations.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. in cardiac physiology, pharmacology, bioengineering, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline, completed by the position’s start date.
• Hands‑on experience culturing and functionally characterizing cardiomyocytes; experience with human iPSC‑derived cardiomyocytes, primary adult cardiomyocytes, or engineered cardiac tissues is preferred.
• Experience developing and executing calcium imaging or contractility assays; familiarity with the Mantarray platform is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, troubleshoot assays, analyze quantitative data, and integrate functional findings with molecular endpoints.
• Experience with siRNA or other oligonucleotide therapeutics, genetic cardiomyopathies, or discovery‑stage drug development is preferred.
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and scientific communication skills, with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced research environment.
• Proficient computer and data analysis/management skills – Microsoft Office Suite, Prism, and Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
• Scientific publication or conference presentation experience is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform standard laboratory activities, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing, repetitive pipetting, fine‑motor work, and use of required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to occasionally move laboratory supplies or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.

Compensation

The base salary for this role is $90,000 annually. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.

Benefits

• 401(k) with an employer match.
• Comprehensive wellness program covering medical, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and unlimited time off including summer & winter breaks.
• Learning and development opportunities, including internally developed programming, industry‑offered job‑specific training, and an education reimbursement program.