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

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About Us</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Kardigan is a heart health company working to make cardiovascular disease preventable, curable and no longer the leading cause of death in the world.<br><br></div> <div>It is Kardigan’s mission to develop multiple targeted treatments in parallel that bring people with cardiovascular diseases to the cures they deserve.</div> <div> </div> <div>Led by Tassos Giannakakos, Jay Edelberg, <span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">M.D., Ph.D.,</span> 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.</div> <div> </div> <div>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.</div> <div> </div> <div>At Kardigan, we are motivated by our values which guide how we work, interact, and achieve our goals. <strong>Driven by patients and their families</strong>, we are deeply committed to improving the lives of patients and prioritizing their needs above all else. We believe in <strong>being authentic</strong>—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 <strong>eagerness to learn</strong>, we encourage the highest levels of curiosity and are open to changing our minds. We are committed to <strong>winning as a team</strong> with urgency, excellence, and intention, and support each other no matter what role we play or where we sit. Lastly, we strive to <strong>enable the impossible</strong> because patients are counting on us. We are not afraid to take risks to unlock innovation and advance scientific discoveries.</div> <div> </div> <div>These values are the foundation of our work, empowering us to make a real difference, every day.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div></div><p><strong>Position Title:</strong> 2026 Summer Intern – Translational Research, In-Vitro Disease Modeling (PhD student)</p> <p><strong>Department: </strong>Translational Sciences</p> <p><strong>Reports To:</strong> Scientist, Biology</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> South San Francisco, CA – On-site 5 days per week</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Job Overview</strong></p> <p>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 <em>in vitro</em> 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.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What You’ll Do</strong></p> <ul> <li>Isolate, culture, and maintain primary valve interstitial cells</li> <li>Fabricate advanced biomaterial constructs and encapsulate and maintain primary cell cultures</li> <li>Perform immunofluorescence staining to assess phenotype, execute high-content confocal imaging and quantitative analysis</li> <li>Conduct molecular biology assays including Western blotting and qPCR for quantitative gene and protein expression analysis</li> <li>Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks with adherence to best practices in data documentation</li> <li>Prepare summary figures, analyze data, and present findings to the broader research team at end-of-summer presentation</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Qualifications </strong></p> <ul> <li>Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomaterials, or related field</li> <li>Essential: Proven experience with hydrogels, biomaterials, or 3D culture systems</li> <li>Demonstrated hands-on experience with sterile technique and mammalian cell culture (primary cell experience preferred)</li> <li>Hands-on experience with immunofluorescence, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques (Western blot, qPCR)</li> <li>Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate experimental records</li> <li>Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment</li> <li>Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for learning new techniques</li> <li>Available for 10-12 weeks during summer 2026</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span data-teams="true"><strong>Pay:</strong> $38 per hour<br><strong>Location requirement:</strong> Candidates must be based in the San Francisco Bay Area (no relocation assistance)</span></p> <p> </p>