Research Associate

Pendulum™; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Commuter Benefits

Life & STD Insurance

401(k) company match

Flexible Time Off

Equity

Job summary

Pendulum is seeking a Research Associate (or Senior Research Associate) to join its Product Development team. The role focuses on fermentation operations, flow cytometry workflows, and quality control of anaerobic probiotic strains, with growth potential into mammalian cell culture.

Strong aseptic and anaerobic technique is required, with opportunities to contribute to new product development and process improvements in a fast-growing company.

Qualifications

• Aseptic and anaerobic techniques are required.
• Experience operating bioreactor systems (e.g., DASGIP).
• Flow cytometry and basic microbiology experience.
• SOP development and lot tracking experience.
• Experience with ELISA, microscopy, and basic data analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate DASGIP bioreactor systems for anaerobic probiotic fermentation.
• Maintain sterile/anaerobic conditions and monitor processes.
• Run flow cytometry assays for quality control and development.
• Draft protocols and manage day-to-day lab workflows.
• Apply ELISA, imaging, and molecular microbiology methods as needed.
• Support mammalian cell culture and cell-based assay work when needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on experimental design and analysis.
• Stay current with microbiology literature.

Job description

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