---
title: 'Research Associate (Contract) at Atrium Therapeutics'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-contract-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-84w1pwtnp1nq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# Research Associate (Contract) at Atrium Therapeutics

- **Company:** Atrium Therapeutics
- **Location:** San Diego, CA
- **Compensation:** $38–$43/hr
- **Employment:** contract
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-08-11
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/atrium-therapeutics/b7de6572-cd5a-4179-b6b3-bc281ee10b52

## 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:

We are seeking an experienced in vivo Cardiac Biology Associate Scientist to characterize the in vivo properties of novel therapeutic Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates that deliver nucleic acids for cardiac programs. Previous experience handling rodents, using various dosing routes, and performing blood and tissue sample collection is required. Experience with mouse anesthesia is also required. Hands-on experience with mouse echocardiography is strongly preferred, and experience with electrocardiography (ECG) is also preferred. The Associate Scientist will closely collaborate with colleagues in preclinical discovery and present scientific results to multidisciplinary teams and senior management.

Responsibilities:

The candidate will be responsible for the execution of in vivo animal studies, with primary emphasis on mouse echocardiography to evaluate cardiac function and structure. Additional responsibilities will include the development and characterization of cardiac disease models, ECG studies, and collection of blood and tissue samples from rodents.

Education and Experience Requirements:

- B.S. degree in the biological sciences with at least 3 years of relevant in vivo animal study experience
- Experience with mouse cardiac disease models and evaluating in vivo cardiac function is highly preferred
- Knowledge of laboratory mouse behavior, anatomy, and guiding principles for animal welfare
- High proficiency in animal handling, various dosing techniques (IV, SC, IP, RO, IM), bleeding techniques (RO, tail, Submandibular, cardiac), necropsy and micro dissection, and sample handling.
- Demonstrate strong skills in aseptic techniques, proper handling of biological samples/specimens, protein biologics, and data collection and analysis.
- Proficient computer and data analysis/management skills - Microsoft Office Suite, Prism, and Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with little to no supervision and in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with a diverse team of co-workers

## 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, Supply Chain & Logistics](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-supply-chain-logistics-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-31w7rn8e081j) — San Diego, CA
- [Manager, Development Sciences Operations](https://feeny.ai/job/manager-development-sciences-operations-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-fkc4aevv610b) — San Diego, CA
- [Associate Director, Translational Medicine](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-director-translational-medicine-atrium-therapeutics-san-diego-ct34y2jzjtwy) — San Diego, CA