Research Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts
Research assistant jobs in Massachusetts are among the most active in the country, concentrated in academic research, life sciences, and clinical trials, with openings ranging from entry-level lab positions through senior research coordinators. The heaviest hiring clusters in Boston, Cambridge, and Worcester, where institutions like Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Pfizer maintain large and sustained research operations. The most in-demand specialties are clinical research coordination, biomedical and molecular biology research, and social science data analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 80+ Research Assistant jobs
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge infectious disease research involving pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Working within BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments, you will conduct laboratory and animal-based studies while collaborating with a multidisciplinary research team to advance scientific discovery and public health initiatives.
Conduct Infectious Disease Research
- Perform research activities in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory settings in support of infectious disease studies.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to execute scientific projects and achieve study objectives.
-
Conduct laboratory procedures, including:
- Cell culture
- Viral and bacterial culture and quantification
- DNA/RNA extraction
- RT-PCR and qPCR
- ELISA, serum neutralization assays, and ELISPOT
- Flow cytometry
- Microscopy and immunofluorescence techniques
- Additional microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and immunology assays
- Contribute to the development, optimization, and validation of laboratory assays, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Learn and implement new laboratory techniques, technologies, and research methodologies.
Support Animal Research Studies
- Participate in in vivo studies utilizing small animal models, including mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and avian species.
- Monitor animal health and disease progression.
- Collect biological samples and perform study-related procedures.
- Assist with animal handling, anesthesia, necropsy, and tissue collection activities.
Analyze and Communicate Scientific Findings
- Accurately record, organize, and maintain research data.
- Analyze and interpret experimental results.
- Prepare protocols, SOPs, reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other scientific documentation.
- Assist with study design and execution to support research objectives.
Support Laboratory Operations and Compliance
- Assist with the operation, maintenance, scheduling, and recordkeeping of core laboratory equipment, including flow cytometers, qPCR systems, and imaging instruments.
- Participate in laboratory organization, inventory management, restocking, autoclaving, and biohazardous waste disposal.
- Provide training or guidance to laboratory staff, students, and research personnel, as appropriate.
- Maintain compliance with institutional biosafety requirements, laboratory SOPs, select agent regulations, and required training programs.
- Support NERBL operational activities and other research-related functions as needed.
Application Instructions: Please submit a resume and cover letter with application.
In your cover letter, please tell us about your experience and interest in infectious disease research, any biosafety laboratory and/or animal research experience, relevant laboratory techniques and skills, and your interest in the New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (NERBL).
Basic Requirements:Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
- Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Animal Sciences, or a related field with 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience; OR Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with 1-3 years of laboratory experience.
- Experience working in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory environment.
- Experience with sterile cell culture techniques.
- Strong technical laboratory skills and demonstrated experience with microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and/or immunology methodologies.
- Experience working with, or willingness to work with, laboratory animals.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and scientific software applications such as GraphPad Prism.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including accurate data collection and recordkeeping.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and present scientific findings in written and oral formats.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
- Willingness and eligibility to enroll in the Federal Select Agent Program.
- Ability to meet all occupational health requirements associated with A/BSL-3 laboratory work, including respirator use, medical screenings, and required immunizations.
- Degree with a focus in Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
- Experience performing routine virology, microbiology, molecular biology, and immunology assays.
- Competence in laboratory animal procedures, including blood collection, anesthesia, injections, necropsy, and tissue collection.
- Experience working in a BSL-3 laboratory environment and familiarity with biocontainment procedures.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge infectious disease research involving pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Working within BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments, you will conduct laboratory and animal-based studies while collaborating with a multidisciplinary research team to advance scientific discovery and public health initiatives.
Conduct Infectious Disease Research
- Perform research activities in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory settings in support of infectious disease studies.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to execute scientific projects and achieve study objectives.
-
Conduct laboratory procedures, including:
- Cell culture
- Viral and bacterial culture and quantification
- DNA/RNA extraction
- RT-PCR and qPCR
- ELISA, serum neutralization assays, and ELISPOT
- Flow cytometry
- Microscopy and immunofluorescence techniques
- Additional microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and immunology assays
- Contribute to the development, optimization, and validation of laboratory assays, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Learn and implement new laboratory techniques, technologies, and research methodologies.
Support Animal Research Studies
- Participate in in vivo studies utilizing small animal models, including mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and avian species.
- Monitor animal health and disease progression.
- Collect biological samples and perform study-related procedures.
- Assist with animal handling, anesthesia, necropsy, and tissue collection activities.
Analyze and Communicate Scientific Findings
- Accurately record, organize, and maintain research data.
- Analyze and interpret experimental results.
- Prepare protocols, SOPs, reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other scientific documentation.
- Assist with study design and execution to support research objectives.
Support Laboratory Operations and Compliance
- Assist with the operation, maintenance, scheduling, and recordkeeping of core laboratory equipment, including flow cytometers, qPCR systems, and imaging instruments.
- Participate in laboratory organization, inventory management, restocking, autoclaving, and biohazardous waste disposal.
- Provide training or guidance to laboratory staff, students, and research personnel, as appropriate.
- Maintain compliance with institutional biosafety requirements, laboratory SOPs, select agent regulations, and required training programs.
- Support NERBL operational activities and other research-related functions as needed.
Application Instructions: Please submit a resume and cover letter with application.
In your cover letter, please tell us about your experience and interest in infectious disease research, any biosafety laboratory and/or animal research experience, relevant laboratory techniques and skills, and your interest in the New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (NERBL).
Basic Requirements:Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
- Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Animal Sciences, or a related field with 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience; OR Master's degree in a related scientific discipline with 1-3 years of laboratory experience.
- Experience working in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory environment.
- Experience with sterile cell culture techniques.
- Strong technical laboratory skills and demonstrated experience with microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and/or immunology methodologies.
- Experience working with, or willingness to work with, laboratory animals.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and scientific software applications such as GraphPad Prism.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including accurate data collection and recordkeeping.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and present scientific findings in written and oral formats.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
- Willingness and eligibility to enroll in the Federal Select Agent Program.
- Ability to meet all occupational health requirements associated with A/BSL-3 laboratory work, including respirator use, medical screenings, and required immunizations.
- Degree with a focus in Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, or a closely related field.
- Experience performing routine virology, microbiology, molecular biology, and immunology assays.
- Competence in laboratory animal procedures, including blood collection, anesthesia, injections, necropsy, and tissue collection.
- Experience working in a BSL-3 laboratory environment and familiarity with biocontainment procedures.
See All 80 Research Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant JobsResearch Assistant Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Harvard University11
- Brigham and Women's Hospital9
- Boston University7
- Headlands Research5
- Boston Medical Center5
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Science & Research
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant jobs across Massachusetts.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, psychology, or a related discipline
- Hands-on experience with data collection, entry, and basic statistical analysis
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance requirements
- Proficiency with research software such as SPSS, R, or laboratory information management systems
- Strong written communication skills for drafting reports, abstracts, and research documentation
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team environment
Research Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research assistant in Massachusetts?
A bachelor's degree in your intended research field is the standard entry point for research assistant roles in Massachusetts. No state-issued license is required for most positions, though clinical research assistants working with human subjects must complete CITI Program training in human subjects protection, which many Massachusetts institutions require before hiring. Degrees in life sciences, psychology, public health, or a related discipline are most competitive for the dense academic and clinical research environment in the Boston and Cambridge area.
Which companies hire research assistants in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring research assistants in Massachusetts right now include Harvard University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Boston University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Massachusetts's concentration of teaching hospitals, biotechnology firms, and research universities means hiring is sustained year-round rather than seasonal.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most research assistant jobs?
Boston, Cambridge, and Woods Hole have the most research assistant openings in Massachusetts. Boston and Cambridge dominate because of their dense cluster of academic medical centers, universities, and biotech companies, while Worcester draws consistent hiring from UMass Memorial Health and Worcester Polytechnic Institute's research programs.
Are there remote research assistant jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, but they are limited. Research assistant work is often hands-on, requiring lab access, specimen handling, or in-person participant interaction, which limits full remote options. About 53% of research assistant openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in data analysis, literature review, and survey-based social science research rather than laboratory or clinical roles.
How can I get hired as a research assistant in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
Applying to undergraduate or post-baccalaureate research assistant positions at Massachusetts universities and teaching hospitals is the most realistic starting point. Institutions like Boston University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Broad Institute regularly hire entry-level research assistants and research coordinator trainees who work alongside faculty or principal investigators. Completing CITI human subjects training before applying and highlighting coursework in statistics or laboratory methods gives candidates a concrete edge over peers with no formal research background.
Where can I find and apply to research assistant jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to research assistant jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current Massachusetts openings across academic, clinical, and industry research settings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 80 Research Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant Jobs