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2026 Summer Intern – Translational Research, In-Vitro Disease Modeling (PhD student)

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 Kardigan’s mission to develop multiple targeted treatments in parallel that bring people with cardiovascular diseases to the cures they deserve.
 
Led by Tassos Giannakakos, Jay Edelberg, M.D. and Bob McDowell, Ph.D., Kardigan’s co-founders have reunited after leading MyoKardia to discover and develop mavacamten, the first cardiac myosin inhibitor, resulting in an acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2020.
 
We have a cutting-edge discovery and translational research platform, a pipeline of late-stage candidates, and an industry-leading team that is driven to improve the lives of patients.
 
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: 2026 Summer Intern – Translational Research, In-Vitro Disease Modeling (PhD student)

Department: Translational Sciences

Reports To: Scientist, Biology

Location: South San Francisco, CA – On-site 5 days per week

 

Job Overview

Kardigan is seeking a Research Intern to contribute to our translational cardiovascular research platform through a focused project comparing valve interstitial cell (VIC) behavior using advanced in vitro culture systems. Valvular heart disease represents a significant unmet medical need, and this internship offers a unique opportunity to generate foundational knowledge that will advance the field's understanding of valve cell biology. You'll work hands-on with primary cells, advanced biomaterials, and state-of-the-art imaging techniques while collaborating with a team of scientists dedicated to developing targeted treatments for cardiovascular diseases.

 

What You’ll Do

  • Isolate, culture, and maintain primary valve interstitial cells
  • Fabricate advanced biomaterial constructs and encapsulate and maintain primary cell cultures
  • Perform immunofluorescence staining to assess phenotype, execute high-content confocal imaging and quantitative analysis
  • Conduct molecular biology assays including Western blotting and qPCR for quantitative gene and protein expression analysis
  • Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks with adherence to best practices in data documentation
  • Prepare summary figures, analyze data, and present findings to the broader research team at end-of-summer presentation

 

Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomaterials, or related field
  • Essential: Proven experience with hydrogels, biomaterials, or 3D culture systems
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with sterile technique and mammalian cell culture (primary cell experience preferred)
  • Hands-on experience with immunofluorescence, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques (Western blot, qPCR)
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate experimental records
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment
  • Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for learning new techniques
  • Available for 10-12 weeks during summer 2026

 

Pay: $38 per hour
Location requirement: Candidates must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area (no relocation assistance)

 

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