Job Description

Overview

Pendulum Therapeutics is leading a revolution that is occurring around the world to improve physical and mental health by first understanding, then restoring and enhancing the human microbiome.

Pendulum is at the forefront of addressing how the microbiome affects metabolism, immune health, and overall well-being. The company has developed proprietary probiotic pipelines, a discovery platform for key bacterial strains and prebiotics, and manufacturing technology to produce bacteria in an anaerobic environment at scale.

The medical probiotics Pendulum has formulated aim to deliver the efficacy of pharmaceuticals with the safety and accessibility of a natural probiotic. Pendulum has earned recognition on Forbes Magazines The Next Billion Dollar Startups list for its growth and potential.

We are a collaborative team of scientists, engineers, physicians, marketers, and analysts working to improve human health using diverse scientific fields and a transparent team culture where effective communication drives success.

Position Summary

The Sr. Manager, Discovery will lead early-stage research and discovery efforts to fuel Pendulums innovation pipeline. This role requires a strong scientific background (PhD) paired with experience managing research teams and collaborating across disciplines. The successful candidate will guide discovery strategy, oversee assay development, drive pre-clinical research, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to support product claims, safety, early product and process development, and regulatory readiness.

At Pendulum, youll have the opportunity to transform breakthrough microbiome science into products that can change lives on a global scale. If youre passionate about leading a team at the intersection of discovery science, innovation, and human health, this role offers a lasting impact in a fast-paced startup environment that values agility, creativity, and collaboration.

What Youll Do

• Team Leadership & Research Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of discovery scientists; drive a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence
• Early-Stage Research: Oversee discovery research for new product concepts in collaboration with Marketing and Regulatory to align science with market needs and compliance requirements
• Assay Development: Develop and validate in-vitro assays to support product characterization and claims
• Pre-Clinical Research: Lead pre-clinical studies in collaboration with the Clinical team to evaluate efficacy and support development decisions
• Safety & Toxicology: Guide early safety and toxicology studies in collaboration with Regulatory to enable GRAS dossier submissions
• External Collaboration & Publications: Build collaborations with key opinion leaders (KOLs); drive publication strategy for peer-reviewed journals and conferences
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Marketing, Regulatory, and Clinical teams to generate scientific data that supports claims and product positioning; collaborate with external collaborators, academic institutions, and CROs as needed

What Youll Need

• Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field
• 7+ years in biotech, pharma, supplements, or related industry, with 2+ years in a team leadership role
• Proven track record in early-stage discovery, assay development, and pre-clinical research
• Strong understanding of safety/toxicology principles and regulatory considerations for consumer health or therapeutic products
• Expertise in microbiome science with a deep understanding of its role in human health
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across scientific, clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams

Salary & Benefit

• $160,000 - $180,000
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Commuter Benefits
• Life & STD Insurance
• Company match on 401 (k)
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Equity

Were inviting qualified candidates to apply and join a mission to improve lives globally through microbiome science.

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