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Research Assistant, In Vivo Pharmacology

South San Francisco, California, United States

About Us 

Kardigan is a heart health company working to make cardiovascular disease preventable, curable and no longer the leading cause of death in the world. It is our mission to develop multiple targeted treatments in parallel that bring people with cardiovascular diseases to the cures they deserve. 

At Kardigan, we are motivated by our values which guide how we work, interact, and achieve our goals. Driven by patients and their families, we are deeply committed to improving the lives of patients and prioritizing their needs above all else. We believe in being authentic—leading with truth to bring out the best in others by creating an environment where every person knows they will be fully accepted. With an eagerness to learn, we encourage the highest levels of curiosity and are open to changing our minds. We are committed to winning as a team with urgency, excellence, and intention, and support each other no matter what role we play or where we sit. Lastly, we strive to enable the impossible because patients are counting on us. We are not afraid to take risks to unlock innovation and advance scientific discoveries.   

These values are the foundation of our work, empowering us to make a real difference, every day.  

 

Position Title: Research Assistant, In Vivo Pharmacology

Department: Translational Research

Reports To: Staff Scientist, Associate Director, In Vivo Pharmacology & Attending Vet

 

Job Overview

Kardigan is seeking a detail-driven Research Assistant in In Vivo Pharmacology to join our dynamic research team. As a Research Assistant in In Vivo Pharmacology, you will assist with preclinical in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapeutic candidates. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of new treatments in a fast-paced, cutting-edge environment. You will be working in a collaborative team setting where your work will help to shape the future of cardiovascular therapies. If you are passionate about advancing innovative science and enjoy a challenging, rewarding work environment, this is an exciting opportunity to make an impact.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • In Vivo Pharmacology Support: Assist in the conduct and analysis of in vivo pharmacology studies aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potential of drug candidates. Provide study support in rodent procedure set-up/clean-up, dosing, record-keeping, sample collection, and minor procedures.

  • Animal Care and Welfare: Ensure the proper care and humane treatment of laboratory animals in accordance with institutional and regulatory guidelines. Maintain accurate animal records and ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.

  • Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed records of experiments, observations, and outcomes. Prepare data for internal and external reports, presentations, and scientific publications.

  • Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and analyze data from in vivo studies, ensuring the results are accurately recorded and interpreted. Contribute to the development of reports and presentations summarizing study results.

  • Collaboration with Research Teams: Work closely with colleagues from various departments (biochemistry, in vitro pharmacology) to support laboratory and experimental needs.

  • Laboratory Maintenance: Assist in the maintenance of laboratory equipment, supplies, and inventory to ensure the smooth operation of in vivo pharmacology studies.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.

  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably in in vivo pharmacology or related fields.

  • Ability to work independently and in a team setting, with an emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and willingness to contribute.

  • Meticulous documentation and attention to detail in record-keeping and data collection.

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a time-sensitive environment with minimal supervision.

  • Proactive and self-directed approach to problem-solving.

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present scientific data clearly to colleagues and leadership.

  • Familiarity with software tools for data analysis, including GraphPad Prism, Excel, and others.

  • Experience working with laboratory rodents, including IV/SQ/PO dosing, handling, and sample collection.

  • Knowledge of IACUC protocols, animal welfare regulations, biosafety procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment in research settings.

  • Availability for occasional weekend/off-hours laboratory work as required for study support.

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