Scientist, Precision Medicine

Company: Kura Oncology
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Are you ready to join a team committed to making a meaningful impact on cancer treatment through the discovery and development of precision medicines? At Kura Oncology, you have an opportunity to be a part of something bigger, with a lasting impact that you can be proud of. At Kura Oncology, we are working to change the paradigm and improve the science of cancer treatment. As an organization, we strive to cultivate a diverse and talented professional culture driven to develop precision medicine therapeutics. As we continue to build a leading biotech organization with a strong culture, a patient-focused mindset and a team focused on relentless execution, we are looking for innovative, passionate professionals to join us and make our vision a reality. To succeed at Kura, you will need to have a demonstrated ability for excellence in drug discovery and development and a roll-up your sleeves attitude. The ideal candidate will possess a values-driven work style where integrity and grit drive all behaviors, decisions, and actions. The Scientist will support the Precision Medicine Team to execute biomarker studies across Phase 1 through Phase 3 clinical trials to generate high-quality biomarker data that supports clinical development for multiple programs. The Precision Medicine Team is responsible for the design and execution of the diagnostic and biomarker strategy for oncology drug development within a highly matrixed organization. Working under the guidance of senior team members, the Scientist will collaborate closely with other internal colleagues in Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Data Sciences to execute the biomarker sample and data analysis plans. The ideal candidate has strong organizational skills to support more than one clinical study and the ability to communicate and follow up with internal collaborators to ensure the Precision Medicine needs are met in a timely manner. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION Serve as a member of the Precision Medicine team to support biomarker research across multiple Phase 1 to Phase 3 clinical trials for oncology drug development. Provide day-to-day troubleshooting for biomarker sample collection, processing, and testing by working directly with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and accurate delivery of biomarker data. Build and manage internal trackers and dashboards that link sample metrics, clinical trial data, and biomarker test results that ensures data accuracy, consistency, and timely updates for use by the Precision Medicine Team. Collaborate with internal stakeholders from Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, and Data Management to ensure Precision Medicine study plans are integrated into new clinical protocols, study databases, and data/sample review plans Partner with internal stakeholders to execute biomarker data transfer agreements with external vendors, following up on data delivery status, and escalating issues to senior Precision Medicine stakeholders when challenges are not resolved in a timely manner. Contribute to the analysis of genetic and protein biomarker data from clinical trial samples to support Precision Medicine studies Job Requirements PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, immunology, or related life sciences field. 0–3 years of relevant experience; industry experience not required. Detail oriented, proactive, and interested in building expertise in clinical biomarkers and precision medicine. Demonstrates sound judgment to recognize when issues can be resolved through continued collaboration and when unresolved risks or delays should be escalated to more senior members of the Precision Medicine team. Hands-on research experience involving genomic, transcriptomic, or proteomic data analysis. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, data reconciliation). Experience creating data summaries, dashboards, or visualizations (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or R). Experience working with large datasets using tools such as R, Python, or similar analytical software a plus. Experience managing complex datasets during graduate or postdoctoral research. The base range for a Scientist is $121,551- $137,270 per year. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, work location, and relevant education or training. Kura's compensation package also includes generous benefits, equity, and participation in an annual target bonus. LI-RM1 Kura’s Values that are used for candidate selection and performance assessments: We work as one for patients We are goal-focused and deliver with excellence We are science-driven courageous innovators We strive to bring out the best in each other and ourselves The Kura Package Career advancement/ development opportunities Competitive comp package Bonus 401K Employer contributions Generous stock options ESPP Plan 20 days of PTO to start 18 Holidays (Including Summer & Winter Break) Generous Benefits Package with a variety of plans available with a substantial employer match Paid Paternity/Maternity Leave In-Office Catered lunches Home Office Setup Lifestyle Spending Stipend Commuter Stipend (Boston Office) Regular employee social activities, including happy hours, monthly birthday celebrations, Kura Koffee Talks, and much more! Kura Oncology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to realizing the promise of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. The Company’s pipeline consists of small molecule drug candidates designed to target cancer signaling pathways. Ziftomenib, a once-daily, oral menin inhibitor, is the first and only investigational therapy to receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory (“R/R”) NPM1 -mutant acute myeloid leukemia (“AML”). In November 2024, Kura Oncology entered into a global strategic collaboration agreement with Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. to develop and commercialize ziftomenib for AML and other hematologic malignancies. Enrollment in a Phase 2 registration-directed trial of ziftomenib in R/R NPM1 -mutant AML has been completed, and in the second quarter of 2025, the companies announced the FDA’s acceptance of a New Drug Application for ziftomenib for the treatment of adult patients with R/R NPM1 -mutant AML and assignment of a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of November 30, 2025. Kura Oncology and Kyowa Kirin are also conducting a series of clinical trials to evaluate ziftomenib in combination with current standards of care in newly diagnosed and R/R NPM1 -mutant and KMT2A -rearranged AML. KO-2806, a next-generation farnesyl transferase inhibitor, is being evaluated in a Phase 1 dose-escalation trial as a monotherapy and in combination with targeted therapies for patients with various solid tumors. Tipifarnib, a potent and selective farnesyl transferase inhibitor, is currently in a Phase 1/2 trial in combination with alpelisib for patients with PIK3CA -dependent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. For additional information, please visit Kura’s website at www.kuraoncology.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn . Kura Oncology is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you are a California resident, please see the attached Privacy Notice CA Privacy Notice

Keywords: Kura Oncology, La Mesa , Scientist, Precision Medicine, Science, Research & Development , San Diego, California