Postdoc: Anaerobic Microbiology & Natural Products Discovery

Northeastern University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Woolston Lab at Northeastern University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead an innovative program at the intersection of anaerobic microbiology, enzyme biochemistry, and natural products discovery.

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Woolston and a multidisciplinary team, conduct independent research, mentor students, and communicate findings through publications, talks, and NIH grant reports.

Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience with natural products biosynthesis or oxygen‑sensitive enzymes (iron‑sulfur and radical enzymes).
• Experience with bacterial genetics workflows (CRISPR, cloning, genome editing, transposon mutagenesis).
• Experience with anaerobic microbiology techniques.
• Bioinformatics skills for genomics‑driven natural products discovery.
• Strong quantitative and statistical analysis skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication; mentoring ability.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research, develop assays, design experiments, generate data, and analyze results.
• Discuss research plans with Prof. Woolston; complete research activities independently.
• Communicate progress in regular meetings with Prof. Woolston.
• Read and review scientific literature relevant to the project scope.
• Communicate results through lab meetings, conferences, publications, and funding reports.
• Prepare manuscripts, patent applications, and other scholarly materials.
• Engage in professional development and fellowship applications.
• Career development activities and opportunities.

Skills

Publication record

Anaerobic microbiology

Natural products biosynthesis

CRISPR-based tools

Transposon mutagenesis

Genome mining

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Mentoring

Education

PhD in microbiology/biochemistry/chemical engineering or related field

Tools

CRISPR tools

Job description

The Woolston Lab at Northeastern University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead an innovative program at the intersection of anaerobic microbiology, enzyme biochemistry, and natural products discovery.

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Woolston and a multidisciplinary team, conduct independent research, mentor students, and communicate findings through publications, talks, and NIH grant reports.