Full-Time

Associate Director

Assay Development

Posted on 8/26/2024

Cytokinetics

Cytokinetics

501-1,000 employees

Develops drugs for muscle function disorders

Biotechnology
Healthcare

Compensation Overview

$180k - $220kAnnually

Senior, Expert

San Bruno, CA, USA

Category
Bioinformatics
Biology Lab & Research
Biology & Biotech
Required Skills
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • PhD in pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry or a related scientific discipline with 8+ years of meaningful & impactful experience in the pharmaceutical / biotechnology industry
  • Broad experience in the development of 96- & 384-well, plate-based fluorescent & luminescent activity assays for rigorously interrogating the *in vitro* pharmacology of a wide variety of molecular targets, including membrane proteins such as receptors & transporters as well as soluble proteins such as enzymes & transcription factors
  • Experience in the development and execution of high-content, cellular-imaging, flow-cytometry or quantitative immunoassays is a plus
  • Hands-on experience in operating and training others in the operation of modern assay technologies including multimodal plate readers (eg, Envision, PheraStar), kinetic plate readers (eg, FLIPR, FDSS) and automated liquid-handlers (eg, Bravo, Tempest, Echo), both as standalone systems and when integrated on automated platforms
  • Previous experience in managing or mentoring others and contributing to their success is required
  • A critical thinker with strong theoretical background in drug-receptor theory and skilled in its reduction-to-practice in the laboratory. Well-versed in experiment design with ability to analyze, interpret and contextualize large volumes of complex *in vitro* pharmacological and mechanistic data
  • Highly-organized, detail-oriented and productive with excellent problem-solving & communication skills coupled with an ability to meet deadlines in collaboration with colleagues in multiple disciplines including protein science, structural biology and chemistry
Responsibilities
  • Define assay strategies to enable high-throughput screening and rigorous compound profiling during the lead identification and lead optimization stages of drug discovery
  • Collaborate with colleagues in protein sciences, biology and chemistry regarding plans for the acquisition or *de novo* generation of key cellular, protein & chemical reagents
  • Lead from the bench to investigate the technical feasibility of novel assay approaches and establish proof-of-principle for questions around target biology & cellular signaling pathways. Translate knowledge gleaned into actionable plans for development of panels of high-throughput, kinetic and endpoint assays employing various modes of fluorescence and luminescence detection
  • Manage and mentor a team of scientists and ensure successful portfolio advancement by establishing priorities, setting timelines and monitoring progress with a sense of urgency across multiple projects simultaneously
  • Oversee and guide the development, optimization and validation of robust, target-relevant cell-based and protein-based assays to enable characterization of ligand binding activity and assessment of downstream functional consequences of target engagement
  • Establish high standards for assay performance and ensure collection, analysis, interpretation & communication of reproducible, high-quality *in vitro* pharmacological data to advance our understanding of structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action of novel chemical series, including bi-specific molecules
  • Maximize lab productivity and throughput by streamlining assay processes & workflows, by leveraging the capabilities of automated instrumentation & liquid-handlers and by optimizing informatics systems & internal databases for managing large volumes of data
  • Document accurate records of experimental procedures, results & data analysis and present findings & interpretations to cross-functional project teams, research leadership and at external conferences, when appropriate
  • Prospect for novel assay approaches and maintain current knowledge of advances in enabling technologies & assay platforms

Cytokinetics focuses on developing medicines that improve muscle function for patients with cardiovascular and neuromuscular diseases. Their products are small molecule drugs designed to either enhance or inhibit muscle function, tailored to specific therapeutic needs. The company has a range of drugs in clinical trials, including omecamtiv mecarbil and reldesemtiv, aimed at treating conditions like heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. Unlike many competitors, Cytokinetics emphasizes rigorous scientific research and has conducted over 50 clinical trials to ensure the effectiveness of its treatments. The goal is to bring new therapies to market that address the unmet needs of patients suffering from debilitating muscle-related conditions.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$58.4M

Headquarters

South San Francisco, California

Founded

1998

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

-5%

2 year growth

-2%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Recent investments indicate strong interest in muscle activators and inhibitors.
  • Strategic partnerships, like with Sanofi, expand market reach and potential revenue.
  • Significant funding from Royalty Pharma supports commercial launch and R&D advancements.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition could impact market share and profitability.
  • Potential delays in clinical trials could hinder drug commercialization.
  • Dependence on strategic partnerships may expose Cytokinetics to risks if challenges arise.

What makes Cytokinetics unique

  • Cytokinetics focuses on muscle activators and inhibitors for cardiovascular and neuromuscular diseases.
  • The company has a robust pipeline including omecamtiv mecarbil and aficamten.
  • Cytokinetics engages in strategic partnerships, like with Sanofi, to expand market reach.

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