Clinical Microbiologist

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

Work Environment & Schedule :
• On-site work in our Cambridge, MA BSL-1/BSL-2 laboratory (The Engine)
• ~20 hours per week with flexible scheduling (specific days/hours negotiable)
• Small, collaborative Science & Clinical team within a ~15-person company
• Opportunity to directly shape assay development for a novel diagnostic platform with leading academic medical center partners

• Physical Requirements
• This role requires the ability to safely handle biological materials and operate standard laboratory equipment. Candidates must have manual dexterity for precise pipetting and laboratory techniques, the ability to stand and work at laboratory benches for extended periods, visual acuity for microscopic work, and the ability to lift laboratory supplies up to 25 pounds.

Compensation
Competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience and certification. This is a contract position with the opportunity to convert to a permanent role based on mutual fit and performance.

To Apply
Send your resume and a brief note describing your clinical microbiology experience through this platform. We are reviewing candidates on a rolling basis and aim to fill this position quickly.