Senior Scientist

Cytokinetics•South San Francisco, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Cytokinetics is seeking a hands-on Senior Scientist, Analytical Development, to support in-house analytical development across its small-molecule pipeline. This laboratory-based role designs and executes analytical studies for drug substance and drug product development, from early-stage research through clinical development. The scientist applies chromatographic, spectroscopic, and physicochemical characterization techniques to address technical challenges, generate high-quality data, and inform development decisions. The role works cross-functionally with Process Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Development, DMPK, Manufacturing, Quality, Formulation Development, and Pharmacology. Activities include analytical method development and troubleshooting, product characterization, investigations, method transfers and validation, specification development, and stability studies. The position also supports laboratory operations and continuous improvement while ensuring work follows applicable procedures, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.

Requirements

BS or MS in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline; a PhD is preferred but not required.
At least 5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in analytical development, quality control, or a related analytical laboratory environment.
Strong hands-on experience with analytical characterization of small-molecule drug substances and drug products.
Demonstrated expertise with HPLC/UHPLC and other analytical techniques, such as LC-MS, GC, dissolution, Karl Fischer titration, XRPD, DSC/TGA, and particle size analysis.
Experience developing, optimizing, qualifying, and troubleshooting analytical methods.
Strong laboratory skills, including the ability to independently design experiments, interpret results, and solve technical problems.
Familiarity with cGMP requirements and pharmaceutical development practices.
Excellent technical writing and documentation skills.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced development environment.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

Design, execute, and document analytical studies supporting drug substance and drug product development.
Develop, optimize, qualify, and troubleshoot analytical methods for release, stability, characterization, and process-support testing.
Perform hands-on laboratory testing using chromatographic, spectroscopic, and physicochemical analytical techniques.
Characterize drug substances, intermediates, degradation products, excipients, and drug products.
Generate, analyze, interpret, and present scientific data to support development decisions and project milestones.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address analytical and technical challenges.
Support analytical investigations involving atypical results, laboratory events, and method-performance issues.
Maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, including calibration, qualification, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
Prepare and review analytical protocols, study reports, technical summaries, and laboratory documentation.
Support analytical method transfers, validation activities, specification development, and stability studies as needed.
Contribute to laboratory operational excellence through process improvements, scientific innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Ensure laboratory activities comply with applicable procedures, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.
Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented analytical development culture.