About the Opportunity About the Woolston Lab The Woolston Lab at Northeastern University conducts research at the intersection of anaerobic microbiology, enzyme biochemistry, and natural products discovery. This position is funded by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant focused on unlocking the biosynthetic potential of Clostridial bacteria, a poorly understood but exceptionally rich source of novel bioactive
compounds and unusual biosynthetic enzymes. The research program pursues two complementary directions. The first involves the biochemical and in vivo characterization of a newly discovered family of cobalamin-dependent radical S-adenosylmethionine (B12-rSAM) enzymes fused to non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) adenylation domains. These enzymes are hypothesized to catalyze a stereoselective carbon backbone
methylation reaction with no precedent in NRPS biochemistry. The second direction focuses on the discovery of novel antimicrobials from cellulolytic Clostridia through heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters in a newly developed Clostridial chassis strain and activation of cryptic pathways in native producers via elicitor screening. Job Summary The Woolston Lab at Northeastern University seeks a
Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead an exciting research program at the intersection of anaerobic microbiology, enzyme biochemistry, and natural products discovery. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work closely with Prof. Woolston and a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of graduate students and undergraduate researchers. The Woolston Lab places a strong emphasis on open scientific exchange,
mentorship, and a team-oriented culture in which postdoctoral researchers play a central role in shaping both the science and the intellectual environment of the group. The associate will be expected to conduct independent research, contribute to the mentorship of junior lab members, and communicate findings through publications, presentations, and reports to the funding agency. Minimum Qualifications Required PhD in
microbiology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. Demonstrated publication record of scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals. Experience investigating and characterizing natural products biosynthesis or experience purifying and functionally characterizing oxygen-sensitive enzymes (for example, iron-sulfur proteins and radical enzymes). Candidates with demonstrated expertise in both areas are
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