# Research Assistant - Phage & Bacterial R&D - Company: [Tabulabio]() - Location: Madison Lab - Team: Science - Employment type: Full Time - Posted: May 18, 2026 ## Job description **About the role** We’re seeking a hands-on Research Assistant to support a fast-moving microbiology and molecular biology R&D program focused on bacteriophages and gram-negative bacteria (including E. coli and Pseudomonas). This is a temp-to-hire position for someone with 1–3 years of biotech/industry lab experience who is detail-oriented, contamination-conscious, and able to execute on SOPs with a path toward contributing to research. **What you'll do** You’ll spend the majority of your time at the bench executing SOPs, with the goal of progressing toward running portions of experiments independently. **Core Responsibilities** * Perform routine molecular biology workflows, including PCR, agarose gels, basic molecular cloning, and DNA/RNA handling. * Conduct bacterial culture work with BSL-2 gram-negative organisms: picking colonies, streaking, culturing, preparing samples, and maintaining strain stocks. * Execute phage assays including plaque assays / spot assays, and related workflows (e.g., host range / EOP-style readouts and quantitation). * Run growth curves and plate-based assays, including work in 96-well formats and use of a plate reader. * Prepare media, agar plates, and stock solutions; support general lab readiness (mixing reagents, labeling, sterile technique). * Support NGS-related sample preparation tasks (e.g., nucleic acid extraction and handling, sample QC, and sequencing prep steps as assigned). * Maintain excellent documentation in an R&D environment (lab notebooking; Benchling experience is a plus). **Required qualifications** * 1-3 years of relevant lab experience, ideally in a biotech/industry setting (academic experience considered if highly hands-on). * Demonstrated competency with each core responsibility above * Strong attention to detail and excellent contamination control habits. * Ability to work on-site in a BSL-2 lab and complete required safety training. * Comfortable with physical lab work, including lifting up to 35 lbs. * Clear communication, reliability, and ability to follow written SOPs and protocols. **Highly desired / nice-to-have** * Phage experience (plaque assays, spot assays, phage handling/quantitation). * Experience with e. coli, klebsiella, pseudomonas, or other gram-negative pathogens in BSL-2 settings. * Experience with nucleic acid extraction and NGS sample preparation workflows. * Familiarity with Benchling or similar ELN systems. * MS degree is a plus (but hands-on lab skill is most important). **About Tabula Bioscience** Tabula is developing a new class of phage therapies to address antibiotic resistant infections. We are a team of phage, machine learning, and genomics researchers from MIT and Harvard. Pay: $25.00 - $37.00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Work Location: In person ## Apply [Apply on Tabulabio]() Canonical job page: