Research Associate
San Francisco, CA, USA
USD 89k-99k / year + Equity
About Pendulum
Pendulum is on a mission to help people improve physical and mental health by creating a new category of products that target the microbiome. We are researching, developing and commercializing a novel class of rationally-designed Live Synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics) that have demonstrated utility in addressing conditions like metabolic syndrome, inflammation and neurodegeneration.
Pendulum has created a unique discovery platform that utilizes genome sequencing and advanced computational approaches to identify novel, proprietary bacterial strains that augment key functions within the gut microbiome relevant to the respective disease state.
We are a highly collaborative team of scientists, engineers, physicians, manufacturing professionals, and marketing specialists interested in improving human health by leveraging the latest research from diverse fields, such as microbiology, molecular biology, high-throughput genomics, distributed computing, pharmaceutical development and nutrition. We believe strongly in an individual’s transparency and strong communication to enable the most effective and efficient path to team success.
If you’re interested in building a new category of products that will help improve the lives of people globally and you love working in a fast-paced, cross-functional, collaborative, inspiring environment, please continue reading!
Position Summary:
Pendulum is currently seeking a Research Associate (or Senior Research Associate, depending on experience) to join our Product Development team. This role will carry significant responsibility across fermentation operations and flow cytometry workflows, supporting anaerobic probiotic strain production and strain quality control, along with other exploratory lab work. Strong aseptic and anaerobic technique is a core requirement, and there will be opportunities to grow into mammalian cell culture and cell-based assay work as well. This role's work will directly support improvements to current products as well as the development of new products.
We’re looking for someone who’s energized by the pace and possibility of a fast-growing, mission-driven company. You thrive in a collaborative, nimble environment where ideas are shaped through iteration, feedback, and shared vision. You’re not just a big thinker—you’re also a creative problem-solver who knows how to make things happen with limited resources. If you're excited by the opportunity to help shape a young brand from the ground up, and passionate about building something with purpose, you'll feel right at home here.
What You'll Do:
Independently operate DASGIP bioreactor systems for anaerobic probiotic strain fermentation, including sterile setup, inoculation, and process monitoring
Execute rigorous aseptic and anaerobic technique across fermentation and general microbiology work
Run and analyze flow cytometry assays supporting strain quality control and process development, managing this work across multiple concurrent projects
Manage and organize assay workflows, draft protocols, and support day-to-day lab operations
Apply techniques such as ELISA, imaging, and molecular and microbiology methods as needed across projects
Contribute to mammalian cell culture and cell-based assay work, with room to build out this skill set further
Work with cross-disciplinary teams on experimental design, execution, and data analysis
Keep up-to-date on current scientific literature related to microbiology
Knowledge Requirements:
B.S. with 2+ years experience post graduation or MS graduate
Expert in aseptic techniques used in microbiology and anaerobic growth of bacteria; comfortable independently operating bioreactor systems (e.g., DASGIP) for fermentation
Proficiency in basic anaerobic microbiology and sterile technique
Demonstrated ability to work independently and be a fully contributing member of a multi-functional fast-paced team environment
Experience developing/writing SOPs, documenting and tracking lot numbers, and using lab management systems
Comfort (and preferably experience) in handling human and animal samples, including stool, skin and blood
Detail oriented and organized, with good oral and written presentation skills
Familiar with Microsoft office, Google apps, and basic data analysis
Some background in mammalian cell culture and cell based assay development, with interest in growing this skill set (a plus)
Experience with ELISA and microscopy (a plus)
Experience in Chromatography (GC, HPLC) including proper sample preparation (a plus)
Salary & Benefits
- $89,000-99,000
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Commuter Benefits
- Life & STD Insurance
- Company match on 401 (k)
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Equity