Postdoctoral Fellow, Microbial Transcription

New England Biolabs, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 67,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

New England Biolabs (NEB) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship focused on transcription of bacteriophages and mobile genetic elements. The fellow will use computational and experimental approaches to identify MGE factors that modulate RNA polymerase activity, in a highly collaborative environment within NEB’s RNA Division.

Successful candidates will contribute to mechanistic studies, publish findings, and mentor graduate and undergraduate interns as part of a dynamic, campus-like

Qualifications

• Recent Ph.D. in biophysics, biochemistry, microbiology or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in biochemical and microbiological experimental methods as well as computational analysis of large datasets.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment.
• Record of publishing original scientific research in high-quality journals.
• Strong work ethics, scientific curiosity, creativity, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Interrogate sequence databases to generate models for transcriptional regulation in MGEs.
• Utilize next-generation DNA synthesis and high-throughput experiments to test these models, then follow up with detailed mechanistic studies.
• Present results to internal and external audiences.
• Work within a team to support the supervision of graduate and undergraduate interns.

Skills

Biochemical methods

Microbiological methods

Computational analysis

Independent work

Education

Ph.D. in biophysics/biochemistry/microbiology

Tools

DNA synthesis

High-throughput assays

Job description

About NEB New England Biolabs® is a different kind of biotechnology company – we are a community of scientists, innovators and collaborators driven by a shared mission to advance science for the benefit of society. Founded in 1974 with a deep commitment to research excellence and environmental stewardship, NEB® has become a global leader in the discovery and production of enzymes for molecular biology applications. Our reagents are trusted by researchers worldwide for their quality and reliability and have played a critical role in breakthroughs across genomics, proteomics, diagnostics and academic research. With a corporate culture rooted in passion, humility and authenticity, we offer a dynamic and inclusive workplace where creativity thrives, voices are heard, and personal growth is celebrated. Whether you are interested in pursuing a research career or supporting our mission through other roles, joining NEB means contributing to meaningful scientific progress in a collaborative, campus-like environment that values both innovation and integrity.

The RNA Division of the Research Department invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship focused on transcription of bacteriophages and other mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Bacterial MGEs employ diverse mechanisms to repurpose host machinery for their own proliferation. A postdoc will use computational and experimental approaches to discover MGE factors that modulate the activity of RNA polymerase (RNAP). This work will be supported by the state-of-the-art resources and expertise of the NEB research community. The successful candidate will enjoy a highly collaborative and intellectually open environment where clear communication of ideas and publication of results are expected.

How you’ll contribute:

• Interrogate sequence databases to generate models for transcriptional regulation in MGEs
• Utilize next-generation DNA synthesis and high-throughput experiments to test these models, then follow up with detailed mechanistic studies
• Present results to internal and external audiences
• Work within a team to support the supervision of graduate and undergraduate interns

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Recent Ph.D. in biophysics, biochemistry, microbiology or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in biochemical and microbiological experimental methods as well as computational analysis of large datasets
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment
• Record of publishing original scientific research in high-quality journals
• Strong work ethics, scientific curiosity, creativity, and attention to detail

What will make you stand out:

• Experience using comparative genomics and protein homology to understand biology
• An academic background in bacteriophage biology and/or bacterial transcription is preferred but not strictly necessary

What you will gain:

• Broad, hands‑on scientific training in an industry setting
• Opportunity to publish in peer‑reviewed journals and participate in national and international conferences
• Learn how scientific discovery is translated to applied research in nucleic acid synthesis

Estimated base salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow is $74,000.

Benefits at NEB. Base salary decisions depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, individual qualifications, job location, internal equity, and market data alignment.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, New England Biolabs considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, qualified physical or mental disability, transgender status, marital status, ethnicity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, or status as a disabled veteran or any other protected veteran, in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

New England Biolabs is a participating employer in the Employment Verification (E-Verify) program.

If you need an accommodation for any part of the employment process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 978-927-5054 to let us know the nature of your request.

Employment at NEB offers a challenging and creative work environment in a state-of-the‑art research and production facility, with a team of exceptional scientists and professional staff. The NEB culture emphasizes personal and professional growth through creativity, teamwork, respect and responsibility, while maintaining a casual campus‑like working environment.

Our diverse and talented team of scientists enjoy a collaborative research environment with much of the freedom and intellectual challenge of academia.

Our unique corporate philosophy encourages dialogue and innovation.

NEB’s philosophy can be distilled down to three core values: passion, humility and being genuine.