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Antimicrobial Discovery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Fellow

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Experience in antimicrobial resistance, antibacterial drug discovery, genomics, or bacterial immunology. • Demonstrated expertise in bacterial genomics, in vitro and in vivo antibacterial studies ...

Bacteriology Research Scientist

Frederick, MD · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Support research focused on bacterial threats and medical countermeasures, including studies involving bacterial pathogenesis, antimicrobial activity, small-molecule discovery, and therapeutic ...

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Associate Research Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$67K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Opportunity JOB SUMMARY The Antibiotic Discovery Center (ADC) is seeking an experienced ... the urgent global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Researchers at the ADC work ...

Associate Research Scientist

Boston, MA

$67K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Opportunity JOB SUMMARY The Antibiotic Discovery Center (ADC) is seeking an experienced ... the urgent global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Researchers at the ADC work ...

Clinical Pharmacist

State College, PA · On-site

$60.35 - $93.54/hr

Antimicrobial stewardship experience * BLS, ACLS, PALS, SIDP, or BCIDP certifications are a plus ... Discover more about: * Top Pharmacy jobs near you * Why job seekers trust ASG Pharmacy for their ...

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Antimicrobial Discovery information

See salary details

$34.5K

$70.6K

$126K

How much do antimicrobial discovery jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for antimicrobial discovery in the United States is $70,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is antimicrobial discovery?

Antimicrobial discovery is the scientific process of identifying and developing new substances that can inhibit or kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This field is critical due to the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, which makes existing drugs less effective. Researchers in antimicrobial discovery work to find novel compounds, often from natural sources or through chemical synthesis, that can serve as the basis for new medicines. The process includes initial screening, laboratory testing, and eventually clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in antimicrobial discovery?

To thrive in Antimicrobial Discovery, you need a strong background in microbiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, typically supported by an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a life science field. Expertise in laboratory techniques, analytical instrumentation (such as HPLC and mass spectrometry), and familiarity with bioinformatics tools are often required. Critical thinking, creativity, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills that drive innovation and collaborative research. These abilities are essential for developing novel antimicrobials and addressing the urgent global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

What are some common challenges faced in antimicrobial discovery roles, and how can professionals navigate them?

Professionals in antimicrobial discovery often encounter challenges such as identifying novel compounds with effective antimicrobial activity, overcoming bacterial resistance mechanisms, and translating laboratory findings into viable drug candidates. These challenges require strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists, microbiologists, and pharmacologists, as well as staying current with advances in screening technologies and resistance trends. To navigate these obstacles, it's important to maintain rigorous documentation, actively participate in team discussions, and seek opportunities for continued education or training in emerging methodologies.

What is the difference between Antimicrobial Discovery vs Microbiologist?

AspectAntimicrobial DiscoveryMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsDegree in microbiology, biochemistry, or related field; lab experienceDegree in microbiology, biology, or related field; lab experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsResearch labs, healthcare, environmental agencies
Industry UsageDrug development, pharmaceutical researchHealthcare, environmental monitoring, research

Antimicrobial Discovery focuses on identifying new antimicrobial agents to combat infections, often within pharmaceutical settings. Microbiologists study microorganisms broadly, including their behavior, genetics, and roles in various environments. While both roles require microbiology expertise and lab work, Antimicrobial Discovery is specialized in developing new drugs, whereas Microbiologists have a broader scope in studying microorganisms across industries.

More about Antimicrobial Discovery jobs

What cities are hiring for Antimicrobial Discovery jobs?

Cities with the most Antimicrobial Discovery job openings:

What states have the most Antimicrobial Discovery jobs?

States with the most job openings for Antimicrobial Discovery jobs include:

Infographic showing various Antimicrobial Discovery job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,647 per year, or $34 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology, Antimicrobial Discovery, and Diagnostic Technologie

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology, Antimicrobial Discovery, and Diagnostic Technologies
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Rued Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to several innovative research projects focused on microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial discovery, and diagnostic assay development. Research areas include investigating the regulation of streptococcal peptide systems, applying artificial intelligence approaches to design novel antimicrobial peptides targeting Salmonella and Campylobacter, and validating a rapid minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, preparing manuscripts for publication, and presenting research findings. The successful candidate will be expected to independently manage multiple research projects and provide regular updates regarding scientific progress and project outcomes. In addition, the individual will supervise and mentor graduate students and summer veterinary scholars supported through these research programs.
We seek a highly motivated scientist with a strong record of research productivity who is interested in advancing interdisciplinary research at the intersection of microbiology, antimicrobial development, artificial intelligence, and diagnostic technologies.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or related
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience performing molecular biology techniques, including DNA isolation, RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and gene expression analysis.
  • Experience operating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and/or Raman spectroscopy instrumentation.
  • Experience working with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) bacterial organisms, including Streptococcus, Salmonella, and/or Campylobacter.
  • Experience isolating, characterizing, or evaluating small peptides.
  • Record of authorship on peer-reviewed scientific publications and experience mentoring student researchers.

Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (VMPM) at Iowa State University is dedicated to advancing animal and public health through excellence in research, teaching, and service. Department faculty conduct innovative research on infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions, and microbial biology while contributing to the education and training of veterinary and graduate students
Department Unit/Website:
Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine - Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:
September 14, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
August 13, 2026
Posting Close Date:
August 20, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19763
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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