Posted: 14-Feb-26
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Type: Temp to Full Time
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Internal Number: 2026-001
About HyperSpectral
HyperSpectral is building an AI-powered spectral intelligence platform that combines physics-based spectroscopy with advanced machine learning to identify dangerous pathogens and chemical signatures in minutes—not the hours or days required by traditional laboratory methods.
We are pursuing FDA regulatory pathways for our clinical diagnostics platform and are conducting clinical studies with leading academic medical centers. Our commercial partnerships span Fortune 500 companies.
Backed by venture funding and headquartered in the Cambridge/Boston biotech corridor at The Engine, we are a team of ~15 scientists, engineers, and operators moving from proof-of-concept to clinical validation and commercialization. This is a high-impact moment to join a small, mission-driven company working on technology that will fundamentally change how the world detects invisible threats.
Why This Role Matters
Our Science & Clinical team is developing novel assay protocols that bridge established clinical microbiology techniques with our next-generation spectral detection platform. We need someone who has lived in a clinical micro lab—processing real patient specimens, isolating pathogens from complex matrices—and can bring that deep operational knowledge to accelerate our protocol development. This isn’t a routine bench position. It’s a chance to apply your clinical expertise to shape a technology platform that could transform how infections are diagnosed worldwide.
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Clinical Microbiologist to join our Science & Clinical team on a part-time basis. You will work alongside our CLSO and R&D team to process clinical sample matrices, optimize bacterial isolation protocols, and help bridge the gap between established clinical laboratory methods and our spectral detection platform. The right candidate has processed real patient specimens, understands the “why” behind clinical isolation techniques, and is energized by the challenge of adapting that expertise to a startup research environment where innovation and creative problem-solving drive progress.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Sample Processing & Bacterial Isolation
Process clinical sample matrices including blood, sputum, urine, synovial fluid, and other biological specimens using standard clinical laboratory methods
Isolate and identify bacterial pathogens from complex polymicrobial samples
Perform microbiological characterization through staining, biochemical evaluation, colony morphology assessment, and microscopy
Conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing as needed
Assay Development & Protocol Optimization
Critically evaluate existing isolation protocols and recommend improvements based on clinical experience
Contribute to SOP development for novel sample preparation workflows tailored to spectral analysis
Prepare samples for downstream spectroscopic and imaging-based analysis
Troubleshoot and iterate on isolation and enrichment procedures to improve yield and purity
Laboratory Operations
Execute experiments in BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratory environments with strict adherence to safety protocols
Assist in culture maintenance, media preparation, and manage organism inventories
Generate accurate, well-documented laboratory data and maintain detailed lab notebooks
Support quality control procedures and ensure regulatory compliance
Collaboration & Knowledge Transfer
Partner with the Science & Clinical team on experimental design and data interpretation
Share clinical microbiology expertise to elevate the team’s overall capabilities in bacterial isolation and characterization
Contribute to technical reports and internal presentations
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or related field
Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in a clinical microbiology laboratory processing patient specimens (hospital, reference lab, or clinical diagnostics setting)
Direct experience with bacterial pathogen isolation, identification and confirmation from clinical matrices (blood cultures, respiratory specimens, urine, sterile body fluids)
Proficiency with standard clinical microbiology identification methods: staining, selective/differential media confirmations, antimicrobial resistance characterization, culture morphology, biochemical testing, automated ID systems
Working knowledge of BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratory operations and biosafety requirements
Experience with aseptic technique, media preparation, and culture maintenance
Familiarity with clinical laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures
Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities and the capacity to work independently
Preferred Qualifications
MLS(ASCP), MT(ASCP), or MB(ASCP) certification — strongly preferred
Experience with automated blood culture systems (BacT/ALERT, BACTEC)
Experience with automated microbiology identification platforms (VITEK, MALDI-TOF, MicroScan)
Knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods (Kirby-Bauer, MIC, automated AST)
Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic data management
Understanding of regulatory requirements (CLIA, CAP, state licensure, FDA 510(k) / De Novo)
Previous experience in a research, biotech, or assay development environment in addition to clinical lab work
Experience with sample preparation for spectroscopic or imaging-based analysis
Comfort working in a fast-paced, less-structured startup environment where initiative and creative problem-solving are valued