Research Technician - Antibiotic Discovery Center

NU USA Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University seeks a motivated Research Technician to assist in natural product‑based antibiotic discovery. You will help perform microbiological and biochemical experiments, culture bacteria, prepare reagents, and support extraction and analysis of compounds in a collaborative, fast‑paced research setting.

This entry‑level role offers hands‑on experience in a premier center focused on antimicrobial resistance, with opportunities to learn multiple techniques and contribute to ongoing

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of microbial culture, molecular biology, or biochemical assays.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with routine microbiological and biochemical experiments to support ongoing discovery projects.
• Culture and maintain bacterial strains and prepare media, buffers, and reagents.
• Perform basic assays to evaluate compound activity under supervision.
• Support compound extraction, purification, and sample preparation for analysis.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and assist with data organization and entry.
• Contribute to general laboratory maintenance and equipment upkeep.
• Collaborate with senior laboratory members to learn new techniques.

Skills

Microbiology basics

Biochemistry knowledge

Molecular biology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field

Job description

About the Opportunity About the Antibiotic Discovery Center (ADC) The Antibiotic Discovery Center (ADC) at Northeastern University is an interdisciplinary research hub dedicated to discovering, characterizing, and developing novel antibiotics and bioactive natural products. The ADC integrates expertise in microbiology, biochemistry, chemical biology, and natural product chemistry to address the urgent global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Researchers at the ADC work collaboratively to identify new compounds from diverse microbial sources, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and advance them toward preclinical development through innovative screening, analytical, and genomic approaches.

Job Summary The ADC is seeking a motivated Research Technician to assist in natural product-based antibiotic discovery. The successful candidate will support the preparation, execution, and analysis of microbiological and biochemical experiments, contributing to research on the identification and characterization of novel bioactive compounds. This position offers an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to gain hands‑on experience in an active research environment.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Assist with routine microbiological and biochemical experiments to support ongoing discovery projects.
• Culture and maintain bacterial strains and prepare media, buffers, and reagents.
• Perform basic assays to evaluate compound activity under supervision.
• Support compound extraction, purification, and sample preparation for analysis.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and assist with data organization and entry.
• Contribute to general laboratory maintenance, including supply inventory and equipment upkeep.
• Collaborate closely with senior laboratory members to learn new experimental techniques.

Minimum Qualifications

• Required Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of microbial culture, molecular biology, or biochemical assays.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and eagerness to learn.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Preferred

• Prior laboratory experience, including academic or internship-based experience.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 105H Expected Hiring Range: $20.77 - $28.56 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system - includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide - serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.