---
title: 'Postdoctoral Scientist, In Vitro Cardiac Functional Biology (2yr Contract) at Atrium Therapeutics'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/postdoctoral-scientist-in-vitro-cardiac-functional-biology-2yr-contract-atrium-qva9rdsxgmea'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-06'
---

# Postdoctoral Scientist, In Vitro Cardiac Functional Biology (2yr Contract) at Atrium Therapeutics

- **Company:** Atrium Therapeutics
- **Location:** San Diego, CA
- **Compensation:** $90k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-09-18
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-06
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/atrium-therapeutics/90fd6e63-f685-4f9e-9df2-9602b7307fe4

## Job description

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 What We Provide:
- The base salary for this role is $90,000 anually. The final compensation will be commensurate with such factors as relevant experience, skillset, internal equity and market factors.
- Atrium offers competitive compensation and benefits which included 401(k) with an employer match. In addition, the comprehensive wellness program includes coverage for medical, dental, vision, LTD, and unlimited of time off including summer & winter breaks.
- A commitment to learning and development which includes a variety of programming internally developed by and for Atrium employees, opportunities for job-specific training offered by industry, and an education reimbursement program.

## About Atrium Therapeutics

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Atrium Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the delivery of RNA therapeutics directly to the heart muscle to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies.
- **Entity Type**: Private (startup stage, not yet publicly traded; no funding rounds publicly disclosed)
- **Headquarters**: San Diego, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2026
- **Founders**: Not explicitly listed; the company was formed by a team of former executives from Avidity Biosciences and other biotech firms, led by CEO Kathleen Gallagher.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Biotechnology – RNA therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases (precision cardiology).
- **Target customers**: Patients with rare cardiomyopathies (PLN cardiomyopathy, PRKAG2 syndrome), healthcare providers, and payers (B2B/B2C through drug development and eventual commercialization).
- **Mission statement**: “Pioneer the delivery of RNA therapeutics to the heart to transform the standard of care for people living with cardiomyopathies.”

## Products & Services
- **ATR 1072**: Development candidate for PRKAG2 syndrome (rare cardiomyopathy). Preclinical/early clinical stage.
- **ATR 1086**: Development candidate for PLN (phospholamban) cardiomyopathy. Preclinical/early clinical stage.
- **Undisclosed pipeline**: Two additional research-stage targets in rare cardiomyopathies.
- **Technology Platform**: Proprietary RNA delivery platform based on the clinically validated AOC (Antibody-Oligonucleotide Conjugate) technology, originally designed at Avidity Biosciences. Combines the tissue selectivity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotides to deliver siRNA directly to cardiac tissue, overcoming challenges with immunogenicity, cytotoxicity, and redosing limitations.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company; no public funding rounds reported).
- **Key Metric**: Headcount of 41 employees (as of mid-2026), with 5.7% monthly growth; 28 employees recruited from Avidity Biosciences.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: No specific investors or partnerships disclosed publicly. The company’s “Investors” page is a placeholder.
- **Growth Signals**: Founded in 2026; rapid team building with deep expertise from Avidity, Ionis, Biogen, etc.; two lead candidates in development for high‑unmet‑need cardiomyopathies; 4,200+ LinkedIn followers with +4.2% monthly growth.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Proprietary cardiac RNA delivery platform** that targets heart muscle with high specificity – a key differentiator from viral and nanoparticle delivery systems.
- **Clinically validated technology** originally developed at Avidity Biosciences, reducing technical risk.
- **Focus on underserved rare cardiomyopathies** with no approved therapies (PLN, PRKAG2), offering potential for rapid regulatory pathways (orphan drug designation).
- **Experienced leadership team** with track record in RNA therapeutics, rare disease drug development, and commercialization (Akcea, Ionis, Biogen, Avidity).

## Strategic Focus
- **Advance two lead candidates** (ATR 1072, ATR 1086) through preclinical and into clinical trials.
- **Expand the pipeline** with additional undisclosed targets in rare cardiomyopathies.
- **Build out the organization**, particularly in translational medicine, process development, and quality assurance (as evidenced by current job postings).
- **Leverage the AOC platform** to potentially address broader cardiac indications beyond the initial rare disease focus.

## Why Work Here
- **Cutting‑edge science**: Opportunity to work on a novel RNA delivery platform with the potential to transform cardiology.
- **Small, agile team** (~41 employees) allows for high impact and visibility across functions.
- **Founding team from Avidity Biosciences** brings deep domain expertise and a proven track record in RNA therapeutics.
- **Location**: Onsite roles in San Diego, California (Science Center Drive), a major biotech hub.
- **Current open roles** include:
  - Scientist II, Translational Medicine (San Diego, onsite)
  - Senior Director, AOC Process Development & Manufacturing – Oligonucleotide (San Diego)
  - Senior Director, Head of Quality Assurance (San Diego)
  - Manager, Accounting (from LinkedIn)
- **Culture**: The company’s website emphasizes a commitment to patients with high unmet need, a collaborative environment, and a passion for precision medicine.
- **Perks**: Not explicitly stated, but typical biotech early‑stage includes equity, competitive compensation, and the chance to shape a young company’s culture.

## Sources
1. [Atrium Therapeutics - Homepage](https://atriumtherapeutics.com/)
2. [Atrium Therapeutics - About Page](https://atriumtherapeutics.com/about/)
3. [Atrium Therapeutics - Investors Page](https://investors.atriumtherapeutics.com/overview)
4. [Atrium Therapeutics - Careers Page](https://atriumtherapeutics.com/careers/)
5. [LinkedIn - Atrium Therapeutics](https://www.linkedin.com/company/atrium-therapeutics)

## Other roles at Atrium Therapeutics

- [Associate Director, Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics-atrium-therapeutics-san-z6ntekbtegta) — San Diego, CA
- [Senior Clinical Scientist](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-clinical-scientist-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-3rmkyxsnr87k) — San Diego, CA
- [Senior Clinical Trial Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-clinical-trial-manager-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-qanrknbqna2s) — San Diego, CA
- [Senior Director, Program Management](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-program-management-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-fmxpmsrpbsr3) — San Diego, CA
- [Associate Director, Clinical Supply Chain & Logistics](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-clinical-supply-chain-logistics-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-31w7rn8e081j) — San Diego, CA