Research Associate

About the role

Pendulum is a company dedicated to improving physical and mental health through innovative probiotics and prebiotics. Our mission is to develop a new category of products that address conditions like metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and neurodegeneration by targeting the gut microbiome.

Responsibilities

• 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

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
• Experience with ELISA and microscopy (a plus)
• Experience in Chromatography (GC, HPLC) including proper sample preparation (a plus)

Qualifications

• Strong background in microbiology and anaerobic growth of bacteria
• Experience with DASGIP bioreactor systems
• Knowledgeable in flow cytometry and its applications in strain quality control
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and maintain workflow organization
• Basic understanding of mammalian cell culture and cell-based assay development

Skills

• Aseptic techniques
• Anaerobic microbiology
• Flow cytometry
• Mammalian cell culture
• ELISA and microscopy
• Chromatography (GC, HPLC)

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Commuter benefits
• Life & STD insurance
• Company match on 401(k)
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Equity