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Muscular Dystrophy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$1.9K - $2.4K/wk

Chronic long-term physical disability such as Cerebral palsy, post-amputation from cancer, Muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injuries, arthrogryposis, osteogenesis imperfecta.

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Muscular Dystrophy information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do muscular dystrophy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for muscular dystrophy in California is $16.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is muscular dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass. These conditions occur when abnormal genes interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle. Symptoms vary depending on the type, but often include difficulty walking, muscle stiffness, and eventually problems with heart and lung function. While there is currently no cure, treatments like physical therapy, medications, and supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is a muscular dystrophy job?

A Muscular Dystrophy job typically involves working in healthcare, research, or patient support roles focused on muscular dystrophy—a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness. Professionals in this field may include medical doctors, physical therapists, genetic counselors, researchers, or patient advocates. Their work may involve diagnosing, treating, or developing new therapies for individuals affected by muscular dystrophy. Some roles also focus on raising awareness, securing funding, or providing emotional support to patients and their families.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a muscular dystrophy specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Muscular Dystrophy Specialist, you need a background in neurology, physical therapy, or related medical fields, often supported by relevant degrees and clinical experience. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, genetic testing systems, and rehabilitation technologies is essential. Compassion, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities help specialists support patients and families through complex care plans. These skills are crucial for delivering effective, personalized care that improves patient quality of life and outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by physical therapists working with muscular dystrophy patients, and how can these be addressed?

Physical therapists treating individuals with Muscular Dystrophy often face the challenge of balancing exercise programs to maintain mobility without causing fatigue or muscle damage. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including occupational therapists and physicians, helps tailor individualized care plans. Therapists also need to provide emotional support to patients and families, as managing progressive muscle weakness can be psychologically demanding. Ongoing education and adapting interventions as the patient's needs change are key strategies to ensure effective and compassionate care.

What is the difference between Muscular Dystrophy vs Physical Therapist?

AspectMuscular DystrophyPhysical Therapist
Required CredentialsMedical degree, specialized training in neuromuscular disordersDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research facilities, patient homesRehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Industry UsageHealthcare, neurology, geneticsRehabilitation, healthcare, sports medicine

Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic neuromuscular disorder requiring medical diagnosis and management, while a Physical Therapist focuses on rehabilitative care to improve mobility and function. Both roles are integral to patient care but differ significantly in training, work environment, and industry focus.

What are popular job titles related to Muscular Dystrophy jobs in California?

For Muscular Dystrophy jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Muscular Dystrophy jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Muscular Dystrophy jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Muscular Dystrophy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,986 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow - Skeletal Muscle Biology

City of Hope

Duarte, CA • On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Join the forefront of groundbreaking research at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. Our dedicated and compassionate faculty and staff are driven by a common mission: Contribute to innovative approaches in predicting, preventing, and curing diseases, shaping the future of medicine through cutting-edge research.

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellow to join our multidisciplinary research program investigating the molecular mechanisms by which the circadian clock regulates skeletal muscle physiology, regeneration, metabolism, and muscular dystrophy. Our laboratory integrates molecular biology, genomics, pharmacology, mouse genetics, and physiology to identify fundamental mechanisms controlling muscle stem cell function and to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for muscle diseases.

You will lead independent research projects while working collaboratively within a highly interactive laboratory environment. Current research areas include:

         Circadian regulation of skeletal muscle regeneration and stem cell biology

         Transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms governing skeletal muscle remodeling

         Drug discovery and development of small-molecule modulators targeting circadian clock

         Circadian mechanisms underlying Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for clock-targeted therapy

         In vivo evaluation of clock-targeting molecules in muscle disease models

Our laboratory values scientific curiosity, integrity, collaboration, and mentorship. We seek candidates who enjoy working in a team-oriented environment, openly sharing ideas and expertise while maintaining scientific rigor. Successful applicants should demonstrate:

         Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

         Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and collaborative research.

         Willingness to mentor junior trainees and contribute to a positive laboratory culture.

         Commitment to reproducible and rigorous science.

         Ability to work productively with collaborators across diverse scientific disciplines, including molecular biology, genomics, physiology, computational biology, medicinal chemistry, and translational medicine.

This position provides outstanding opportunities for scientific independence, professional development, collaboration with leading investigators, and publication in high-impact journals. Candidates interested in pursuing independent academic or biotechnology careers are especially encouraged to apply.

As a successful candidate, you will:

         Design, execute, and interpret mechanistic studies addressing fundamental questions in circadian biology and skeletal muscle regeneration.

         Perform molecular, cellular, and in vivo experiments using genetically engineered mouse models and disease models of muscular dystrophy.

         Apply genomic and biochemical approaches to define transcriptional regulatory mechanisms controlling muscle stem cell function.

         Develop and evaluate pharmacological strategies targeting circadian pathways for muscle repair and disease treatment.

         Analyze large-scale datasets, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, and single-cell or single-nucleus sequencing data.

         Present research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and national/international meetings.

         Prepare manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and contribute to grant applications.

         Mentor graduate students and junior trainees while fostering an inclusive and collaborative laboratory culture.

Your qualifications should include:

         Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Physiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.

         Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and independent research accomplishments.

         Expertise in at least several of the following areas:

o   Skeletal muscle biology or stem cell biology

o   Gene regulation and transcriptional biology

o   Molecular pharmacology

o   Mouse genetics

o   Circadian biology

o   Signal transduction

         Experience with standard biochemical, molecular and cellular biology techniques, including gene expression analysis, cloning, CRISPR-based approaches, protein biochemistry, and microscopy.

         Mastery of in vivo mouse studies is a plus.

Preferred qualification:

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

         Skeletal muscle regeneration or muscular dystrophy models

         Satellite cell biology and stem cell lineage analysis

         In vivo mouse physiology, including muscle injury and functional assessment

         Chromatin biology, transcription factor function, or epigenomics

         Drug screening, medicinal chemistry collaborations, or small-molecule mechanism-of-action studies

         Metabolic phenotyping and whole-animal physiology

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.  

To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE.


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About City of Hope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes specialized cancer expertise. City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Duarte, CA, US

Year founded

1913