Northeastern University, located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, stands as a leading private research institution renowned for its innovative approach to higher education. Founded in 1898, NEU has evolved into a global powerhouse with over 37,000 students across its Boston campus and international locations. Jobs at Northeastern University span faculty, research, administrative, and support roles, attracting professionals passionate about experiential learning. The university's signature co-operative education (co-op) program, which integrates classroom study with professional experience, shapes its employment landscape, emphasizing practical skills and industry partnerships.
Career opportunities at NEU are diverse, reflecting its nine colleges and schools, including the College of Engineering, D'Amore-McKim School of Business, and Bouvé College of Health Sciences. Whether you're seeking tenure-track professor jobs, postdoctoral research positions, or administrative leadership roles, Northeastern offers competitive salaries, robust benefits, and a dynamic environment. In recent years, NEU has invested heavily in research, with annual expenditures exceeding $200 million, creating demand for experts in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainability.
Northeastern University's journey began as the Evening Institute for Younger Men, a cooperative initiative to provide accessible education to working-class youth. By 1923, it became a full university, and the co-op model—pioneered in 1909—became central. This history influences today's jobs, prioritizing candidates who value hands-on learning. Over decades, NEU transitioned from regional commuter school to R1 research university, ranking #53 in U.S. News & World Report 2025 national universities.
Employment growth mirrors this ascent: from modest faculty in the early 20th century to thousands today, supported by expansions like the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (2017). Key milestones include co-op partnerships with 3,300+ employers, placing 13,000 students annually, which faculty often oversee. Understanding this background helps job seekers align with NEU's culture of innovation and inclusivity.
Jobs at Northeastern University fall into several categories. Faculty positions include assistant, associate, and full professors across disciplines. Research roles encompass postdocs, research associates, and lab managers. Administrative jobs cover deans, directors, HR specialists, and executive positions. For a deeper dive into <a href='/university-job-types'>university job types</a>, explore common higher ed roles.
Popular openings include computer science professors amid AI boom and nursing faculty due to health initiatives. Salaries average $120,000 for assistant professors, higher in STEM.
To secure jobs at Northeastern University, candidates need strong credentials. Most faculty roles demand a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field, such as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) for clinical positions.
Research focus should align with NEU priorities: marine science via the Oceanic Institute, cybersecurity through the Khoury College, or network science. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (aim for 10+ for tenure-track), federal grants like NSF (National Science Foundation), and teaching diverse students.
Essential skills and competencies:
Entry-level research assistants may need a master's and lab experience; executives require 10+ years leadership.
Co-op (Co-operative Education): A structured program alternating semesters of academic study with full-time paid work, lasting six months per placement, unique to NEU's model.
R1 Research University: Carnegie classification for very high research activity, indicating $50M+ annual spending and 70 doctoral degrees.
Tenure-track: Path to permanent faculty status after review, typically 5-7 years probationary period.
The application process starts on NEU's careers site (northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com). Submit via Workday portal: CV/resume, cover letter (1-2 pages), research/teaching statements, and 3-5 references.
Tip: Use <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice/how-to-write-a-winning-academic-cv'>academic CV tips</a>. Applications reviewed year-round, peak fall. Diversity statements boost chances.
NEU commits to inclusive excellence via the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Initiatives include:
Boston's diverse population enhances recruitment. NEU's global network promotes international hires.
In Boston's Fenway neighborhood, NEU's campus buzzes with energy. Work-life balance features:
Campus life includes Huskies athletics, cultural events, and proximity to museums, Fenway Park. Faculty enjoy research leaves, sabbaticals every 7 years. Boston's public transit aids commutes; summers quieter post-co-op rotations.
NEU invests in growth: professional development funds ($3,000/year), leadership programs. Benefits package rivals top privates: 401k match, tuition remission (100% for employees' kids), health plans. Research seed grants support early faculty. Explore <a href='/professor-salaries'>professor salaries</a> for benchmarks.
Alumni network (250,000+) aids advancement; many rise to deanships or industry C-suites.
Jobs at Northeastern University offer unparalleled opportunities in a vibrant, innovative setting. From faculty pioneering AI to researchers tackling climate challenges, NEU values impact. Ready to apply? Browse <a href='/higher-ed-jobs'>higher ed jobs</a>, seek <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice'>higher ed career advice</a>, or check <a href='/university-jobs'>university jobs</a>. Institutions can <a href='/post-a-job'>post a job</a> to attract top talent. With Boston's allure and NEU's co-op legacy, your next step awaits.
For research roles, review <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice/postdoctoral-success-how-to-thrive-in-your-research-role'>postdoctoral success</a>. Lecturer hopefuls, see <a href='/higher-ed-career-advice/become-a-university-lecturer-earn-115k'>become a university lecturer</a>.
