Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Massachusetts
Postdoctoral Associate jobs in Massachusetts are concentrated in biomedical research, life sciences, and computational biology, with the state consistently ranking among the most active markets in the country for early-career researchers. Boston, Cambridge, and Worcester anchor most of the hiring, where institutions like Harvard University, MIT, and Massachusetts General Hospital maintain large and ongoing postdoctoral programs. The most in-demand specialties right now are cancer biology, neuroscience, and structural biology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 29+ Postdoctoral Associate jobs
INTRODUCTION
Working at MIT offers opportunities that just aren’t found anywhere else, including generous and unique benefits that help to ensure that MIT employees are healthy, supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work/life balance.
We welcome people from all walks of life to bring their talent, ideas, and experience to our community. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds – like yours. If you want to be part of our exceptional, multicultural, collaborative, and inclusive community, then take a look at this opportunity.
MIT provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a full time position at the time of posting (if you are applying for a part time salaried job, you will need to prorate the posted pay range). The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.
Position Summary
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Mechanical and Biological Engineering - Del Vecchio Lab, will conduct cutting-edge research in mammalian synthetic biology, with focus on chromatin regulation. The goal of the project is to understand the molecular principles governing epigenetic memory and to use this knowledge to program user-defined cellular memories for cell engineering applications. Will be responsible for:
- Research Execution: Design and execute experiments, analyze experimental data, and collaborate with a theory student on model development and hypothesis refinement
- Publications & Dissemination: Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed journal publications and present research findings at national and international scientific conferences
- Grant & Proposal Writing: Contribute data, figures, and text to grant applications and progress reports
- Lab Management: Help maintain safe laboratory operations, compliance protocols, and equipment standards
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular and Cellular Biology or a closely related discipline by the start date
- Demonstrated track record of research productivity evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
- Technical expertise in cloning and mammalian cell culturing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED:
- Expertise with cell line creation, chromatin regulation, and cellular differentiation protocols
This is a one-year term appointment, eligible for renewal based on mutual agreement and available funding.
JOB DETAILS
- Job Number: 26200
- Functional Area: Research - Engineering
- Department: Mechanical Engineering
- School Area: Engineering
- Pay Range Minimum: $73,308
- Pay Range Maximum: $90,000
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Employment Category: Exempt
- Visa Sponsorship Available: Yes
- Schedule:
- Pay Grade: No Grade
10/30/2026
INTRODUCTION
Working at MIT offers opportunities that just aren’t found anywhere else, including generous and unique benefits that help to ensure that MIT employees are healthy, supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work/life balance.
We welcome people from all walks of life to bring their talent, ideas, and experience to our community. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds – like yours. If you want to be part of our exceptional, multicultural, collaborative, and inclusive community, then take a look at this opportunity.
MIT provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a full time position at the time of posting (if you are applying for a part time salaried job, you will need to prorate the posted pay range). The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.
Position Summary
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Mechanical and Biological Engineering - Del Vecchio Lab, will conduct cutting-edge research in mammalian synthetic biology, with focus on chromatin regulation. The goal of the project is to understand the molecular principles governing epigenetic memory and to use this knowledge to program user-defined cellular memories for cell engineering applications. Will be responsible for:
- Research Execution: Design and execute experiments, analyze experimental data, and collaborate with a theory student on model development and hypothesis refinement
- Publications & Dissemination: Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed journal publications and present research findings at national and international scientific conferences
- Grant & Proposal Writing: Contribute data, figures, and text to grant applications and progress reports
- Lab Management: Help maintain safe laboratory operations, compliance protocols, and equipment standards
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular and Cellular Biology or a closely related discipline by the start date
- Demonstrated track record of research productivity evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
- Technical expertise in cloning and mammalian cell culturing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED:
- Expertise with cell line creation, chromatin regulation, and cellular differentiation protocols
This is a one-year term appointment, eligible for renewal based on mutual agreement and available funding.
JOB DETAILS
- Job Number: 26200
- Functional Area: Research - Engineering
- Department: Mechanical Engineering
- School Area: Engineering
- Pay Range Minimum: $73,308
- Pay Range Maximum: $90,000
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Employment Category: Exempt
- Visa Sponsorship Available: Yes
- Schedule:
- Pay Grade: No Grade
10/30/2026
See All 29 Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Postdoctoral Associate JobsPostdoctoral Associate Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Associate Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral associate jobs across Massachusetts.
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline completed before the start date
- Demonstrated peer-reviewed publication record in the field of research
- Experience with grant writing or fellowship application processes
- Proficiency in specialized laboratory techniques such as CRISPR, mass spectrometry, or advanced imaging
- Strong collaborative skills for working within a principal investigator's research group
- Experience mentoring graduate students or junior laboratory members
Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a postdoctoral associate in Massachusetts?
You become a postdoctoral associate in Massachusetts by completing a doctoral degree and then applying directly to principal investigators or institutional postdoctoral offices at universities, research hospitals, or biotechnology companies. Massachusetts does not require a state-issued license for postdoctoral research roles. Most positions are filled through direct academic networking, institutional postdoctoral portals at institutions like Harvard, MIT, and UMass, and national research job boards. Strong publication output and recommendation letters from your doctoral advisor are the most important factors in securing an appointment.
Which companies hire postdoctoral associates in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts postdoctoral associate roles are posted by Boston University, Umass Lowell, and Broad Institute and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Massachusetts's dense concentration of research universities, academic medical centers, and life sciences companies along Route 128 and the Kendall Square corridor makes it one of the most active states for postdoctoral hiring nationwide.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most postdoctoral associate jobs?
Cambridge, Boston, and Lowell have the most postdoctoral associate openings in Massachusetts. Boston and Cambridge dominate because they are home to Harvard, MIT, the Broad Institute, and a dense cluster of teaching hospitals and biotechnology firms, while Worcester draws significant postdoctoral hiring through UMass Chan Medical School and the growing life sciences presence in that metro.
Are there remote postdoctoral associate jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, but they're rare. About 33% of postdoctoral associate openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which reflects how heavily the role depends on laboratory access, specialized equipment, and in-person mentorship with a principal investigator. The portions of postdoctoral work most likely to be conducted remotely include computational analysis, bioinformatics, data modeling, and manuscript preparation.
How can I get hired as a postdoctoral associate in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to postdoctoral training programs at Massachusetts academic medical centers and research universities before your doctoral defense, since many positions are offered on a pending-degree basis. Institutions like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Whitehead Institute run structured postdoctoral programs that actively recruit candidates finishing their PhD. Building a relationship with a potential principal investigator through conference presentations or collaborative projects before you finish your degree significantly improves your chances, as does having at least one first-author manuscript in progress.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral associate jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral associate jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current Massachusetts openings across research institutions, biotechnology companies, and academic medical centers. Find the roles that fit your research focus and apply directly through the listings.
See All 29 Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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