Research Associate

About Pendulum Therapeutics

Pendulum Therapeutics is dedicated to enhancing both physical and mental well-being through innovative products that focus on the microbiome. Our pioneering Live Synbiotics, which combine probiotics with prebiotics, have shown promise in managing health issues such as metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Utilizing advanced genome sequencing and computational analysis, our unique discovery platform uncovers proprietary bacterial strains that play crucial roles in gut health related to various disease states.

Our interdisciplinary team includes experts from microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, data science, pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and marketing committed to collaborative innovation. We emphasize transparency and clear communication for optimal team performance.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Research Associate (or Senior Research Associate depending on experience) to contribute significantly to fermentation processes and flow cytometry workflows in our Product Development group. This role involves anaerobic probiotic strain production and quality control alongside exploratory laboratory tasks. Mastery of aseptic and anaerobic techniques is essential, with potential advancement into mammalian cell culture and cell assay development.

This position offers the chance to impact existing products and develop new microbiome-based solutions within a fast-paced, mission-oriented company culture that values collaboration and adaptability.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently operate DASGIP bioreactor systems for anaerobic fermentation, including sterile setup, inoculation, and monitoring of processes.
• Maintain stringent aseptic and anaerobic protocols across all relevant microbiology tasks.
• Conduct and interpret flow cytometry assays supporting strain quality control and process improvements, managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Organize assay workflows, develop protocols, and contribute to routine laboratory operations.
• Apply methods such as ELISA, imaging, molecular biology, and microbiology techniques as project needs arise.
• Engage in mammalian cell culture and cell-based assay tasks with opportunities for skill growth in these areas.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams on experiment design, execution, and data interpretation.
• Stay informed on current scientific advancements related to microbiology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in a related field.
• Proven expertise in aseptic microbiological techniques and anaerobic bacterial culture; comfortable managing bioreactor systems like DASGIP.
• Strong foundation in anaerobic microbiology and sterile laboratory practices.
• Ability to work autonomously and contribute effectively within fast-moving, cross-functional teams.
• Experience in developing and documenting standard operating procedures, tracking materials, and using laboratory management systems.
• Familiarity and comfort handling human and animal biological samples such as stool, skin, and blood.
• High attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and effective communication abilities.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google applications, and basic data analysis.
• Experience or interest in mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays is advantageous.
• Exposure to ELISA and microscopy techniques is a plus.
• Knowledge of chromatography methods (GC, HPLC) including sample preparation is desirable.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range of $89,000 to $99,000.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Commuter benefits to support transportation needs.
• Life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
• Company matching contributions to 401(k) retirement plan.
• Flexible time off policy for personal and vacation needs.
• Equity options to share in company success.

Additional Information

Our hiring process may be supported by artificial intelligence tools for components such as resume review or application analysis, but all final decisions are executed by human recruiters. Candidates interested in understanding the processing of their application data can request further details.