Application Scientist - Raman Forensics

Pendar Technologies
Cambridge, MA
About Pendar Technologies

Pendar Technologies designs and manufactures advanced chemical analysis instruments for mission-critical applications, delivering reliable answers in challenging environments. Our products are trusted by public safety professionals, forensic scientists, and defense agencies to provide rapid and accurate chemical intelligence in the field and in the lab. We are a small, multidisciplinary team driven by scientific rigor, engineering excellence, and the desire to make a tangible impact in safety and forensic science.
You:
  • Have experience with forensic workflows, particularly seized drug analysis.
  • Are deeply familiar with Raman spectroscopy, ideally including SERS.
  • Have strong general chemistry knowledge, and are comfortable managing the purchase, handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory chemicals in compliance with safety regulations.
  • Are motivated by real-world problems faced by forensic chemists and public safety users.
  • Thrive in a hands-on role developing, testing, and refining analytical methods.
  • Value pragmatic experimentation, iterative development, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both scientific writing and technical discussions.
  • Are reliable, self-directed, and excited to build technology that matters.
The Role

As an Application Scientist reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead scientific and technical efforts to support the use of our Raman platforms in forensic science, with a focus on drug chemistry and trace evidence. You will help shape analytical methods, support product development, and engage directly with the forensic science community.
  • Today, you will...
    • Design and run experiments using Pendar's Raman platforms.
    • Explore and evaluate sample prep techniques, substrates, and field-relevant workflows.
    • Collaborate with R&D and software teams to align product features with specific use cases.
    • Draft technical notes and user-facing materials based on experimental results.
    • Support customer-facing efforts with your subject-matter expertise.
  • In six months, you will have...
    • Taken ownership of method development and validation for at least one application area.
    • Built working relationships with external collaborators.
    • Co-authored application notes or white papers.
    • Delivered a presentation at a leading scientific conference.
  • In one year, you will have...
    • Established yourself as a key scientific contributor within the applications team.
    • Led validation studies or collaborative pilots with outside labs on Raman-based workflows.
    • Contributed to technical requirements definition for future instrument features.
    • Helped define best practices for field and laboratory use of Raman in forensic drug analysis.
Location and Additional information
  • This is a full-time position, fully on-site in Cambridge, MA, accessible by car, bike, and bus.
  • Competitive benefits include healthcare, dental, vision, and matching 401k.
  • Salary range: $110,000-$140,000, commensurate with experience and capabilities.
Join our Team

Join a growing technology company developing cutting-edge optomechanical and spectroscopy instruments, where you'll take projects from concept to deployment and collaborate with a top-notch multidisciplinary engineering team.

We welcome applicants who are excited to build world-class hardware that makes a real impact.
Posted 2025-12-18

Recommended Jobs

Assistant Professor of Immunology - Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Brookline, MA

Overview The Department of Cancer Immunology & Virology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Department of Immunology at Harvard Medical School invite applications for a tenure-track faculty …

View Details
Posted 2026-01-01

Financial Reporting Associate - $100k + Bonus & Profit Sharing

ProPivotal Staffing
Boston, MA

Financial Reporting Associate – $100k + Bonus & Profit Sharing One of Boston’s premier hedge funds is hiring a Financial Reporting Associate due to growth! This is your chance to join a firm known…

View Details
Posted 2025-12-26

MAINTENANCE A

Packaging Corporation Of America
Northampton, MA

At Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), a leading manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products, we are seeking a Maintenance A Technician to join our dedicated team. This role i…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-08

School Psychologist | Revere, MA

Amergis Healthcare Staffing
Revere, MA

School Psychologist - Details of the Position Include: Location: Revere, MA Duration: 2025-2026 School Year Start Date: ASAP Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 2:45pm Pay R…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-12

Floor Manager

Jetro / Restaurant Depot
Everett, MA

Position Title:  Floor Manager Department:  Floor Supervisor:  Assistant Branch Manager/Branch Manager FLSA:  Exempt Position Summary: Responsible for receiving product and ensures that …

View Details
Posted 2025-11-22

Cardiac Sonographer-ECA

Emerson Hospital
Concord, MA

Cardiac Sonographer-ECA Job Ref: 33168 Category: Radiology & Imaging Location: 133 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Concord, MA 01742 Department: Emerson Cardiology Associates Schedule: P…

View Details
Posted 2025-12-14

Manager - Release Engineering

New Balance
Boston, MA

• • • • • • • • Manager - Release Engineering Who We Are: Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We inn…

View Details
Posted 2025-12-16

Senior Internal Auditor up to $150k + 15% bonus

ProPivotal Staffing
Boston, MA

Senior Internal Auditor up to $150k + 15% bonus Are you an experienced auditor looking for an impactful role that combines analytical work with strategic advising? We are seeking a Senior Internal…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-13

Senior Architect (Industrial Construction)

Dennis Group
Springfield, MA

About the Job As a design/build engineering firm and general contractor, Dennis Group’s Architects support our industrial architectural practice in designing and building food and beverage processin…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-06

Senior Software Engineer, Mission System, Maritime

Anduril Industries
Quincy, MA

ABOUT THE TEAM Anduril is fielding the next generation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to tackle the extremely challenging industry demands of seabed exploration. Anduril has brought to…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-07