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.