Associate Research Scientist

About this role

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY The Antibiotic Discovery Center (ADC) is seeking an experienced Associate Research Scientist to lead and expand efforts in natural product–based antibiotic discovery. The ideal candidate will manage multidisciplinary projects that integrate microbiology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry to discover and characterize new natural product scaffolds and elucidate their biological activities.

QUALIFICATIONS • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.

• Expertise in natural product discovery, purification, or bioassay-guided screening highly preferred.

• Experience with analytical instrumentation (LC-MS, HPLC, NMR) and biological assay development highly preferred.

• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate multidisciplinary data to drive scientific discovery and innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead discovery and characterization of novel natural products with antibacterial or other bioactive properties.

• Direct and oversee bioassay development, screening, and hit validation efforts.

• Manage compound isolation, purification, and structure elucidation workflows in collaboration with analytical and chemistry teams.

• Conduct and supervise mechanistic studies to elucidate compound mode of action.

• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship for junior researchers and technical staff.

• Ensure rigorous data management, reproducibility, and compliance with safety standards.

• Contribute to strategic planning, proposal writing, and publication of research findings.

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.

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.   

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and 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: 109S Expected Hiring Range: $67,855.00 - $95,845.00 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.

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