- Project/division: Nucleic Acid Observatory
Start date: as soon as possible
Status: Part‑time Employee
Compensation: $16/hour + $0.20/swab collected
Work schedule: Every Tuesday, 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, for 2-3 months
Work location: Boston, MA
Reports to: Simon Grimm
Application deadline: May 11th, 2025, 23:59 EST (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
About the engagement
The Nucleic Acid Observatory (NAO) is scaling a city‑wide swab‑sampling initiative to strengthen early detection of emerging pathogens. We are now looking for individuals who will help support this mission. As a Field Sampler, you’ll spend one day a week approaching members of the public, inviting them to participate in our study, and handing samples off for analysis. You’ll be paid on a per-hour basis, with an additional bonus depending on the number of swabs collected. Given past sampling rates, we project an hourly wage of $23-$27.
Responsibilities
What you'll do
Collect samples from the public every Tuesday, 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM at sites around Boston (includes a paid 30-minute lunch break and two sample drop-offs).
Engage and reassure participants: answering questions and clearly explaining our work.
Handle samples responsibly, following our simple biosafety checklist.
Represent the NAO with professionalism and enthusiasm.
What a typical workday looks like:
- 07:30 – 08:00: Meet your sampling partner at 1 Broadway (Kendall Sq.). Pick up sampling materials and travel to Boston.
- 08:00 – 10:30: First sample collection.
- 10:30 – 11:00: Drop first batch at our wet-lab (Tufts Launchpad Biolabs, Chinatown).
- 11:00 – 11:30: Paid break. Grab coffee and lunch.
- 11:30 – 14:00: Second sample collection.
- 14:00 – 14:30: Final lab drop-off.
- 14:30 – 15:00: Return gear to 1 Broadway, log hours & sampling metrics.
Who we're looking for
- Extroversion: You’re comfortable approaching strangers and enjoy friendly conversation.
- Caring for the NAO’s mission: You are motivated to help us in our mission to better detect new pathogen outbreaks.
- Reliable & conscientious: You show up on time, follow protocols, and log accurate data.
- Availability: You can commit to one Tuesday a week for 2–3 months. You can start work immediately.
Application Details
This position is not eligible for benefits (health insurance, paid time off, etc.)
SecureBio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.