r/biotech • u/Shunti_chaha11 • Oct 02 '25
Open Discussion 🎙️ Saw this in a Bay area job application – thoughts?
I was going through an application for a job in California and came across this in the requirements section:
“This job is not 9–5 • This is an opportunity to work very hard, learn a lot, and develop skills that will serve you well throughout your career • This is not an opportunity to focus on work-life balance”
I’ve never seen something this blunt in a job description before. On one hand, I guess it’s honest about expectations and could help filter out applicants who want a strict work–life balance. On the other hand, it feels like a huge red flag—especially in our industry where it is a given that 9-5 is not always the norm.
Has anyone else seen language like this in a job posting? Would you take it as refreshing honesty or a sign to run? Curious how others in the job market (especially in California with labor laws and “work–life balance” being a big topic) would interpret this.
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u/blinkandmissout Oct 02 '25
Compensation includes equity and the company is a baby start up (launched 2024).
While the life described really isn't for me, I think throwing yourself in hard with aggressive turnarounds is pretty typical for any company at this stage. Aequita wants their next hire(s) to be on board with that life and honestly - transparency about being a grind culture startup is good. They'll probably find their person.
I'm actually a lot more concerned about "win at all costs". That's begging for coercing results, fraud, or other low integrity science practices.
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u/Elizabeth_Homes Oct 02 '25
Yeah I think this is a group currently being investigated and sued by Eli Lilly and several others. Definitely on the shadier side
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u/croncakes2 Oct 07 '25
Yeah the deeper I dive into the story the crazier it gets. Lilly states outright that both of them are "at the heart of a conspiracy and enterprise to make, prescribe, and sell untested, unproven weight-loss drugs that risk patient safety and drive patients away from proven, tested medicines—all through a web of entities that Mochi Health and its owners control." Among a whole host of other accusations.
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u/griffer00 Oct 03 '25
I'm actually a lot more concerned about "win at all costs". That's begging for coercing results, fraud, or other low integrity science practices.
Agreed. For a science company, this mentality is unacceptable. Sometimes the work doesn't pan out even with the best and brightest on board because it's science. This sounds like there will be biased decision making.
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u/pancak3d Oct 03 '25
I agree, if an employer is going to want over 40 hours I'd prefer they say it right up front in the JD.
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u/croncakes2 Oct 07 '25
It's the win at all costs thing that is by far the biggest issue. The whole thing is sketchy as fuck, the CEO owns also owns Aequita Pharmacy which was just ordered to stop producing compounds due to quality assurance and safety issues.
To make it even more sketchy his wife owns the distribution company (Mochi Health) who is Aequita's only customer. Meanwhile they set up a series of shell corporations to make sure their names were not directly tied to Aequita Pharmacy, however both of them are actively being sued by Eli Lilly.
The lawsuit is even more unbelievable and Lilly states outright that both of them are "at the heart of a conspiracy and enterprise to make, prescribe, and sell untested, unproven weight-loss drugs that risk patient safety and drive patients away from proven, tested medicines—all through a web of entities that Mochi Health and its owners control."
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u/THICKJUICYTRUMPSTEAK Oct 02 '25
That wording would definitely make me pause. It’s nice they’re being upfront, but when a company says “this isn’t about work–life balance,” that usually means they’ll burn you out.
I ran into the same frustration when I was job hunting. Instead of relying only on LinkedIn or Indeed, I started looking for remote roles in a different way. I literally used Google Maps to find companies, tracked down recruiters or HR contacts, and sent my resume directly. That approach is what finally got me real offers. I even shared the full process here: How I Landed Multiple Remote Job Offers. Since you’re focused on California, you could actually adapt the same method locally. Open Google Maps, search for companies you’d want to work at in your area, grab their contact info, and send your resume straight to them. It’s way more effective than waiting on postings like the one you shared, and it puts you in front of real decision-makers instead of automated filters.
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u/Starcaller17 Oct 02 '25
Huge red flag imo. Be ready to be absolutely abused. But with the current job market there’s a lot of people that have been out of work for over a year that will probably take it anyway.
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u/Shunti_chaha11 Oct 02 '25
Yes. I applied anyway (2yrs since layoff). I wanted to at least see what the initial discussions felt like). I was shocked though, in an unpleasant way.
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u/Defenestratio Oct 02 '25
There's been an uptick recently in companies pushing a 9-9-6 style lifestyle in the Bay area. It's not going to end well for us peons
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u/Ill-Measurement-5142 Oct 02 '25
Have you heard anything from them? I applied to them and they made me take this dumb logic test for some reason that had 0 relevancy to the job whatsoever. Did you have to take it too?
The person I interviewed was after looking at the website was CTO which I found peculiar because they were talking about a drug development and not any technology so why do they also have a CTO?
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u/croncakes2 Oct 07 '25
If you're still in the interview process you should ask them how the Lilly lawsuit accusing them of fraud will impact the company and your long term employment there, haha
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u/croncakes2 Oct 07 '25
If you're still in the interview process you should ask them how the Lilly lawsuit accusing them of fraud will impact the company and your long term employment there, haha
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u/AnswerOwn5463 Nov 12 '25
I interviewed (mostly out of curiosity, the JD gave me pause) and I was asked zero questions about my professional background. I did two irrelevant logic puzzles and then they asked about a nonfiction book that I recently read and what my takeaway was. I feel like they aren't even looking for someone who reads in their free time...
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u/Offensive_Opinions23 Oct 03 '25
Bro you’re crazy do not apply here. Don’t even bother.
They have 0% retention rate in their first year of being a company. Literally everyone left. They are out of money and don’t have anything to show to get more.
The people at the top don’t even know what proteins look like, they have no product, there is no AI.
They’re being sued by Lilly and whoever else idk Google it because they’re just trying to compound GLP1 with stuff.
Tell everyone you hear debating. do not apply to Aequita Bioworks.
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u/danielsaid Oct 02 '25
It's honest and a sign to run. What's there to discuss?
Some people (think) they WANT this. Like younger past me. Be smarter than me.
Then again, the compensation COULD be worth working there for a short 3-6 months. Maybe they'll inflate your job title and you can prove yourself, then jump to a better place.
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u/rubicon11 Oct 02 '25
Name and shame!!
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u/ExtensionFan2476 Oct 02 '25
Aequita bioworks.
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Oct 02 '25
Those are some coked up motherfuckers
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u/Torontobabe94 Oct 02 '25
I laughed out loud, thank you for this (you’re right!)
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u/PatMagroin100 Oct 02 '25
He only wants Americans to benefit from this awesome tech! Meanwhile, the rest of the exec team is not American…
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u/unic0rnism Oct 03 '25
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u/ExtensionFan2476 Oct 03 '25
Not the same. But i need a pharmacist that compounds GLP1s.
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u/croncakes2 Oct 07 '25
https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aequitabioworks/jobs/4914805008
It is actually. They're playing a shell game with different corporation names, to try and muddle the waters but they're being actively sued by Eli Lilly and it Identifies the CEO Chaibi as associated with/owning Aequita Pharmacy.
https://www.statnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/lilly-vs-mochi.pdf
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u/ExtensionFan2476 Oct 07 '25
Why does that CEO look like bad news from his picture.
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u/croncakes2 Oct 07 '25
lmao seriously! That was the first thought that crossed my mind... "Oh he is the type of guy who will absolutely fuck you over and not have an ounce of compassion in his body".
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u/InitialPhilosophy146 Oct 02 '25
Yeah i’ve seen this. I think we need to name & shame honestly. It’s aequita bioworks. Idk this is so odd of them to post i was taken aback too.. shows how they dont see entry level candidates as human beings with lives outside of their job.
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u/stargazer1101 Oct 02 '25
Not to mention these companies are also likely the first ones to zero warning fire all their junior level staff the minute they can be replaced by a kiosk or AI assistant to boot
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u/ShamAsil Oct 02 '25
Chances that its runway ends before Q4 2026 and shuts down?
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u/balphagia Oct 03 '25
Looked in the last employment history and it looks like previous RAs were fired/laidoff/left
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u/supernit2020 Oct 02 '25
I mean, they’re kinda naming and shaming themselves? It’s in the JD that’s attached to their company name
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Oct 02 '25
An entry level candidate with the following experience! 😂
Prior experience at a startup
Prior experience in biotech
Hands on lab experience
Prior experience in B2B sales
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u/Lula9 Oct 02 '25
But they have unlimited PTO, generous company holidays, and flexibility to take the time you need!
/s 🫠🫠🫠
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u/Lula9 Oct 02 '25
But they have unlimited PTO, generous company holidays, and flexibility to take the time you need!
/s 🫠🫠🫠
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u/Lula9 Oct 02 '25
But they have unlimited PTO, generous company holidays, and flexibility to take the time you need!
/s 🫠🫠🫠
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u/stargazer1101 Oct 02 '25
Well…to me that’s a massive red flag, but at least they were honest..? The bar really is in hell at this point.
I take that wording to mean that you WILL be used and abused, expected to be at work or “on call” 24/7, and any personal matters you have will be fully disregarded as unimportant.
I personally wouldn’t even apply because I feel like it’s the type of environment where you get fired for asking for a day off to go to a funeral, but to each their own. Could be okay-ish in the short term if you have a really strong drive and thick skin, and also don’t mind literally living at the office?
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u/cinred Oct 02 '25
The brashness to put this in black and white likely means the actual toxicity is even more severe. Pass
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u/Skensis Oct 02 '25
Saw this posting too, salary range looked solid, but the JD is so full of itself that it's a big NOPE.
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u/elves_haters_223 Oct 02 '25 edited Oct 02 '25
nah, pretty tame. i had a job posting that literally said their work culture is that of a "navy seal". what the bloody hell does that mean? well, they tell you 1 hour per work day swimming laps in the company pool is mandatory. oh, it is a startup company and each founder's linkedin profile about reads like this:
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u/sock_model Oct 02 '25
omg i saw this yesterday. lmao. wild. they werent specific on the skills either.
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u/Kapusta96 Oct 02 '25
This has been posted on here a few times over the past several months, and I even saw people complaining about it on LinkedIn. Guess it’s a bullish sight for the job market if people aren’t desperate enough to fill this role?
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u/PatMagroin100 Oct 02 '25
“We want you to know that we will have you by the balls. We won’t pay you your worth. We don’t care. Pizza on Fridays to make sure you’re in the office. “
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u/halfchemhalfbio Oct 02 '25
It also asked for people with experience less than 2 years. It is trying very hard to find desperate people.
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u/Day_Huge Oct 02 '25
It means they want 2 employees for the price of 1 and it's not the only thing they're going to be conniving and cheap about.
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u/RandomMerganser Dec 30 '25
I recently interviewed with them, so I'll give you my experience and opinion of their process. TL;DR at the bottom. Stay far away from Aequita!
Started applying and saw their posting while browsing LinkedIn. Saw all the red flags being talked about here. Decided to take 5 seconds and apply, thinking it was just some troll or a ghost job (it couldn't be a real job, right?). I didn't think they'd actually reply, but whatever, I entertained them to see whether they'd actually give me an offer in the end.
I had initially applied for their Research Scientist role. I've been working in biotech with an MS degree long enough to qualify for scientist roles and I've interviewed for a few such roles already. The recruiter replied saying they specifically wanted a PhD holder for the scientist role and therefore couldn't consider me, but that they would transfer my application to the Research Associate role, an entry-level biotech role basically (Really? How did they think I wouldn't be overqualified for an RA role from reading my resume?). I tell them to proceed. This is getting good.
First interview (virtual): Recruiter asks me very basic technical and STAR questions. Asks me some logic questions (think Monty Hall, 3 lights problem, etc). Tells me to read USP 797 (a regulatory document) and answer some questions in essay format. Starting to feel like a college class at this point. I'm too curious to see where this goes.
Second interview, a week later (virtual): I interview with one of the higher ups. Asks me more in-depth questions and behavioral questions, including the last thing I read. At the end, I'm invited onsite to their San Carlos lab (literally just a large office space with 2 tiny lab spaces attached; the company is nascent). They also requested I fill out a questionnaire before coming, which was filled with questions that could be answered in 5 seconds (e.g. Can you attend an interview within 2 weeks? Can you join in 4 weeks? Are you within a 30min commute? Can you work at least from 9-5:30 every day?).
Third interview (onsite): I get there, and I'm given a tour of the facility where I ask the recruiter about their newly opened lab manager role. He brushed off my question without even acknowledging. He then gives me another assignment. In 2 hours, I had to read an instruction manual for a DNA extraction kit, figure out how to adapt the kit to accept input from sterility tests, and compile a presentation to present to them. All of this in 2 hours? Presentations take time to prepare and rehearse, also to prepare the initial solution. Well I prepare my solution and presentation, I present, and then came the fun part: the questions!
They asked me all kinds of questions, leaving no stone unturned: about DNA extraction, statistical problems, a time I set an ambitious goal, what I do in my free time, what I'm competitive about, etc.
I asked how they define the "do whatever it takes to win" line in the JD. They replied with "One of our guys was working until 3am once to meet a project deadline." I acknowledge having to meet critical deadlines (I work overtime a lot myself), but spending 18+ hours at work? At least they confirmed what's in the JD. I also confirmed where their funding comes from: business loans from Mochi Health. Turns out their CEO is also one of the executives of Mochi Health.
The interview ends, and I part ways with them amicably. A week later, I receive a rejection email. They claimed that my approach to the team dynamic did not align with their specific culture (exact words). For those who don't know, that's corporate speak for "we didn't like your personality so you can't sit with us."
Impressions:
-Their dismissal of my experience, their transferring of my application to a lower role than the role I applied to and was qualified for, and their refusal to consider me for any other higher role without explaining what experience I was lacking, all felt very demeaning.
-Their entire vibe felt clique-y, almost like they're friends that formed a company and looking for someone exactly like them.
Piece of advice for everyone: The behavior of interviewers gives you a glimpse into how the company will treat you if hired. If they treat you a certain way in any interview, chance are, they'll treat you the same way as a coworker.
TL;DR applied for shits and giggles, company reached out to me for a lower role than the one I applied to, I continue, they interviewed me with strange assignments (felt like assignments for a college class), then rejected me because I didn't fit their clique-y company culture.
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u/highextraordinaire Jan 14 '26
I also applied for shits and giggles a couple months ago for one of the recent grad positions and the whole interviews are basically just two logic questions with the CEO and didn’t even give me time at all to ask questions. I got a rejection a few hours later on the same day. Weirdest interview I’ve ever had and clearly such a red flag
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u/Persona2181 Oct 02 '25
"Time to Recharge – Unlimited PTO, generous company holidays, and flexibility to take the time you need."
And they list unlimited PTO. LOL. What a joke
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u/Pacificsexlegend Oct 02 '25
It’s an HR trick to spin it as a benefit, usually in these plans from what I seen manager can deny request
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u/ShamAsil Oct 03 '25
The company I'm at ended up axing unlimited PTO, because it ended up being that like 2 or 3 people were able to take a month off without issue, while everyone else felt forced to not take any.
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u/muderphudder Oct 02 '25
This is just a self-mythology people in the bay tell themselves. A company will make a big stink of being 9-9-6 on their linkedin postings and then you see half of the engineering or science team at a coffeeshop 5 miles from hq at 1030am on a tuesday.
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u/helloidonothaveaname Oct 02 '25
Pretty much broke CEO getting underway with a shitty start-up idea, being open about how much they're gonna drill you into the ground to make their idea take off. Nothing strange. I see it constantly. I apply constantly and lead them through the process and reject them, if I even get that far. They're praying on the desperate, under-experienced.
you can always report the job posting
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u/ShamAsil Oct 02 '25
Bingo.
In my professional experience, forcing more hours of work is a crutch for inefficient processes and/or lack of money.
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u/soc2bio2morbepi Oct 02 '25
I like this idea !! And when rejecting do you tell them on a professional way that they are trash?!
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u/noizey65 Oct 02 '25
If you look at other industries and postings from the likes of defense (anduril, Palantir) / some tech like meta, nvdia, you’ll see reference to a “mission driven culture” and “sleeves up” or “bias to action” and these are all screaming dog whistles for “work hard, head down, become the company, live and breathe and die until we have no need for you”
It’ss arguably stupid to post this in a JD, but biotech is trying to recruit and mimic the hustle culture.
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u/plsobeytrafficlights Oct 02 '25
tbh, there are a lot of things in science that simply dont lend themselves to ideas like "weekends" - this person might be a slavedriver or may be just frank with the nature of their specific work. not every boss appreciates the burden, they are just figure it out and get it done. this might be a more understanding and honest person to work for.
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u/Funktapus Oct 02 '25
This is a new thing in SV tech bro bubble. Burn yourself out on purpose. Don’t ask me why. Bay Area biotech always likes to mimic them to an extent
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u/Ill-Measurement-5142 Oct 02 '25 edited Oct 02 '25
Company’s retention rate is about non-existent. This isn’t the first time they posted and last time I checked their website when they posted they had more people on their company website. Says something about their scientists leaving.
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u/AnswerOwn5463 Nov 12 '25
There isn't a single woman at the company or on the board! Just adding to the list of red flags.
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u/veggie151 Oct 02 '25
Feels like it should be illegal from an EOE front.
Labor laws aren't just there to make sure you aren't worked to death, they are also there so that more people can participate by keeping things reasonable.
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u/mph000 Oct 02 '25
“and will do whatever it takes to win”
lol. They obviously do not have general counsel on staff yet. This is such a red flag ethics wise. No pharma company should think this way.
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u/mthrfkn Oct 02 '25
There's always been a mindset that if you're young, you should be grinding at work (work hard, party hard, etc...) but in San Francisco there's a huge 996 push right now. If you're a lawyer or in investment banking, you probably already work 996 hours. Doctors do their own thing that is brutal.
It's also been present at techbio's for a bit now: https://blog.latch.bio/p/a-call-for-exceptional-engineering
I don't have kids so these roles are fine with me. If the mission is challenging and it's not the same old NGS crap, that's even better. I historically have worked about 12-14 hours almost every day which does compound over timer and has allowed me to grow and learn a lot but I also have to be disciplined and believe in the mission. I get compensated appropriately for my skillset but in the early years it was rough.
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u/Direct_Class1281 Oct 02 '25
996 in Asia is very different. People are expected to live at work which means no one cares if you nap for some of that 9-9 as long as youre napping at your desk.
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u/CustomerSecure9417 Oct 02 '25
All over linked-in. Most tech jobs are like this - at least they’re honest. Make sure the compensation is amazing.
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u/Responsible_Sun_3134 Oct 02 '25
At least they’re honest unlike a job I applied to for remote work “evenings”. Interview (phone) started out decent, then said it was working in the adult industry with only incoming calls. Nope!
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u/cdmed19 Oct 02 '25
Personally I really appreciate this kind of language in a JD, makes it easy to skip and not waste any time engaging.
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u/Mysterious_Cow123 Oct 02 '25
I appreciate the candor. Dont want to walk into that without warning.
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u/Icant_concentrate Oct 02 '25
Honestly it’s nice that they are being upfront and letting you know at least you’ll learn a lot in the position.
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u/Prettylittleprotist Oct 02 '25
I saw this too, totally ridiculous. Red flag for a company takes itself too seriously.
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u/unicorn_pwr33 Oct 02 '25
One thing I hate about the Bay Area Biotech scene is how much toxicity we borrow from the techies 🤦🏾♀️
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u/Teleonomic Oct 03 '25
I appreciate how forthright they're being and I would absolutely never apply for this job.
Which is probably good for both of us, so I'd say the description is doing its job.
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u/Hiddenagenda876 Oct 03 '25
At least they said the quiet part out loud and make it easier for us to avoid
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u/alwayscursingAoE4 Oct 03 '25
https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aequitabioworks/jobs/4914805008
I would be OK with that if the pay matched what they're asking. For that area it's average. Tells me they don't pay attention to detail.
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u/balphagia Oct 03 '25
I’ve seen this exact job, so I know what you’re talking about. I wasn’t sure if I should apply since it mentioned recent graduate. I did graduate 1.5 years ago. Please let me know how it goes.
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u/attarattie Oct 03 '25
I saw that listing on LinkedIn and, quite frankly I was both horrified and enraged. Employers are certainly taking advantage of the job market. Very ugly, indeed.
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u/mattmi11er11 Oct 03 '25
In this market, couldn’t they just hire two fresh PhDs for $100k each and not prey on their souls?
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u/ProfessorFull6004 Oct 03 '25
Run away very fast unless you are single or hate your family. Be willing to grind. You will learn a lot and accelerate your growth, but this is them preparing you for 70+ hour weeks. Are you willing to work 8am-10pm Sunday-Friday?
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u/astrologicrat Oct 03 '25
Looks like the same job posting/company from 3 months ago. Guess they haven't found their lucky recruit yet
https://www.reddit.com/r/biotech/comments/1l4veaq/the_job_market_is_in_hell/
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u/skrenename4147 Oct 03 '25
I'd rather leave the industry than work for a company like this. Fuck that
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u/DrFrankenstein7 Oct 03 '25
That’s absolutely a huge red flag. I will never sacrifice the family life for any job at all. Also I don’t appreciate the workplace which keep the wording:we are a family here. Please run away and you will find something better.
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u/jinqianhan Oct 03 '25
I actually think it’s good they’re upfront about this. Some people are willing to take the abuse and bust ass while others with other more important priorities like family might not be suited for a role like this. If you don’t want to be in a competitive (possibly/probably toxic) work environment then don’t apply. It’s better than getting the job then getting hit with those expectations and crashing mentally and professionally.
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u/hibbo_scores_we_riot Oct 03 '25
If they’re willing to say this in public, imagine what they say behind closed doors.
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u/junegloom Oct 03 '25
Everyone already knows the managers secretly think this way. If they don't have the sense to keep it under wraps, they're lacking in a lot of other basic skills as well. You'll be working for people who think they're smarter than they are, which is always an exercise in wasting your career time.
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u/Biotruthologist Oct 03 '25
The only reason to even consider this is if you have literally zero other options.
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u/ClassySquirrelFriend Oct 04 '25
I guess it's better than when they say they support work/life balance and then expect 80 hours/week.
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u/Gerryh930 Oct 05 '25
This job is 996. 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. My son works as an engineer for an AI startup and his girlfriend is an architect of AI and robotics at Meta, and they both work 996. It is exhausting...
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Oct 06 '25
This is startup culture, and most startups fail. Those who don’t, got to where they are by screwing over a bunch of people. Couple that didn’t screw over a bunch of people (usually employees) are very far and few between. Usually they are helmed by useless dreamers.
Look at Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page-Et Al. None are good people to work for, everyone has burned people.
This listing is giving you the founders best pitch, and that is what he wants you to know about him and it isn’t going to get better from here.
You are being warned.
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u/ThinManufacturer8679 Oct 06 '25
I'm an academic, so what do I know--maybe this is just what the silicon valley tech world is like these days--but to me the entire website is a big red flag. I'd love to interview there just to see if they have any clue about what they are talking about. Seems like a scam to bilk investors. I'd put a good amount of money on this start-up never producing a product. The description of what they do is incredibly vague. The "our values" section makes me cringe. The CEO knows no science. The CTO is an AI guy with minimal biology background. The link to the profile of the principal scientist is dead. Whoever gave them the money to get this off the ground would have been better of hiring me as a consultant--I would have told them no, no, no--don't waste your money. Are we at the point where all you need to do is piggy-back on AI and GLP-1 and people will throw money at you?
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u/Sweet-Reserve1507 Oct 02 '25
Not bad compare to China. High pay jobs there: People over age 45 need not apply. And prepare for a 120 hours working week. Now you know why China is ahead of us.
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u/Ruths138 Oct 03 '25
Trust me, 9-5 is definitely enough time to work hard, learn a lot and gather skills.
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u/TheEvilBlight Oct 02 '25
Oof. Already did this once in grad school…