Senior/Staff Research Associate
San Francisco, CA$110.5k - $123.5kFull-timePosted 1w ago
About the role
Pendulum is seeking a Senior Research Associate (or Staff Research Associate) to join the Product Development team. The role focuses on fermentation operations and flow cytometry workflows to support anaerobic probiotic strain production, quality control, and exploratory lab work, with strong aseptic and anaerobic techniques.
Responsibilities
- Independently operate DASGIP bioreactor systems for anaerobic probiotic strain fermentation, including sterile setup, inoculation, and process monitoring
- Lead and manage design of experiments for anaerobic fermentation
- Run and analyze flow cytometry assays supporting strain quality control and process development, managing this work across multiple concurrent projects
- Become a subject matter expert in flow cytometry
- Execute rigorous aseptic and anaerobic technique across fermentation and general microbiology work
- Manage and organize assay workflows, draft protocols, and support day-to-day lab operations
- Work with cross-disciplinary teams on experimental design, execution, and data analysis
- Keep up-to-date on current scientific literature related to microbiology
Qualifications
- B.S. with 4+ years experience post graduation or MS graduate
- Expert in aseptic techniques used in microbiology and anaerobic growth of bacteria; expert in independently operating bioreactor systems (e.g., DASGIP) for fermentation
- Expert in in flow cytometry techniques used for live/dead bacterial cell classification
- 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, basic data analysis, and basic AI tools
- Experience with shelf-life and stability testing of live biotherapeutic or probiotic products (a plus)
- Familiarity with real-time and accelerated stability study design and execution (a plus)
Skills
Required:Aseptic techniqueBioreactor operation (DASGIP)Flow cytometrySOP development & lab managementCross-functional collaborationCommunication
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Commuter Benefits
- Life & STD Insurance
- Company match on 401 (k)
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Equity
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Pendulum
The Next Generation of Probiotics
Pendulum is a microbiome company focused on developing clinically effective probiotics with proprietary strains, including live Akkermansia, to improve metabolic health, gut function, and support a healthy weight.
ProbioticsGut healthMetabolic healthAkkermansiaClinical efficacy
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