Research Associate Jobs in Cambridge, MA
Research Associate jobs in Cambridge are concentrated in Kendall Square, East Cambridge, and the Harvard Square corridor, driven by the city's dense biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic research sectors. Employers actively hiring include Lila Sciences, Moderna, and Sanofi. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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General information
Description & Requirements
About the Traverso Lab
The Traverso Laboratory focuses on translational medicine at the intersection of engineering, biology, and clinical care. Our goal is to develop technologies that improve human health, including advanced drug-delivery systems, diagnostics, biomaterials, medical devices, and therapeutic platforms.
The laboratory is led by Dr. Giovanni Traverso and includes a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, clinicians, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, and students working across the Broad Institute, MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School.
Position Overview
The Research Associate III – Bioanalytics will support the development, implementation, and operation of bioanalytical workflows for the Traverso Laboratory, with the position primarily based at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The individual will serve as a central technical resource for the measurement and characterization of drugs, metabolites, biomarkers, formulation components, and other analytes across a range of translational research programs. A significant portion of the role is expected to involve high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, including the development, qualification, execution, and troubleshooting of analytical methods.
The position may also support additional analytical techniques, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and other quantitative biochemical or physicochemical assays, depending on project requirements. The balance of responsibilities will evolve as new analytical workflows are established and the needs of the laboratory’s research portfolio change.
In addition to technical bioanalytical responsibilities, the Research Associate III will contribute to laboratory operations, training, safety, procurement, equipment stewardship, and workflow organization. The individual will work closely with Aaron and other Broad-based team members while collaborating with researchers across the broader Traverso Laboratory.
There may also be limited near-term support for establishing the laboratory’s new Brigham and Women’s Hospital research space, particularly with respect to equipment, supplies, safety systems, and laboratory workflows to synergize with the collaborative projects between the Broad and BWH. The position itself, however, will remain Broad-centric.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, qualify, and execute analytical methods for the quantitative measurement of drugs, metabolites, biomarkers, excipients, and other analytes.
- Operate and support high-performance liquid chromatography systems for assay development, purity assessment, stability studies, release testing, and related analytical applications.
- Operate and support liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry workflows for sensitive and selective quantification of analytes in biological and nonbiological matrices.
- Assist with sample preparation, extraction, dilution, filtration, and processing methods for plasma, serum, tissue, formulations, release media, and other sample types.
- Develop and conduct ELISAs and other plate-based assays when required by project needs.
- Evaluate analytical performance, including sensitivity, specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, matrix effects, stability, carryover, and reproducibility.
- Identify and troubleshoot technical issues involving instrumentation, chromatography, sample preparation, assay performance, and data quality.
- Support analytical method transfer, standardization, and implementation across research projects and collaborating groups.
- Maintain familiarity with emerging analytical technologies and recommend new instrumentation, methods, or workflows when appropriate.
Instrumentation and Data Management
- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and coordinate servicing of HPLC, LC-MS, plate-reader, and related analytical equipment.
- Establish preventive-maintenance schedules and maintain accurate instrument usage, calibration, and service records.
- Develop standardized procedures for instrument operation, data acquisition, data processing, and quality review.
- Analyze experimental data using appropriate analytical and statistical methods.
- Review chromatograms, calibration curves, quality-control samples, assay outputs, and related datasets for completeness and reliability.
- Organize, document, archive, and communicate analytical results in a clear and reproducible manner.
- Contribute to the implementation of effective sample tracking, data management, and laboratory information workflows.
Research Program Support
- Work closely with engineers, chemists, biologists, clinicians, postdoctoral fellows, students, and research staff to define analytical requirements for multidisciplinary projects.
- Advise project teams on assay selection, experimental design, sample collection, controls, acceptance criteria, and data interpretation.
- Coordinate analytical activities across multiple research programs while balancing competing priorities, instrument availability, and project timelines.
- Generate high-quality analytical data to support internal project decisions, publications, presentations, regulatory activities, sponsored research deliverables, and grant proposals.
- Summarize results and provide technical updates during laboratory and project meetings.
- Contribute technical expertise to manuscripts, reports, protocols, grant applications, and presentations.
- Coordinate with external laboratories, core facilities, vendors, and collaborators when specialized analytical services are required.
Laboratory Operations and Stewardship
- Support the organization and day-to-day operation of the Broad-based laboratory.
- Assist with procurement of reagents, analytical standards, consumables, columns, equipment, and other laboratory supplies.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels and help establish systems for ordering, receiving, storage, and tracking of materials.
- Support chemical, biological, and analytical safety practices and ensure that laboratory activities comply with institutional requirements.
- Help establish and maintain standard operating procedures, equipment documentation, training records, and laboratory policies.
- Promote consistent, efficient, and reproducible laboratory workflows.
- Assist with laboratory inspections, equipment installation, waste-management procedures, and corrective actions when needed.
- Provide limited support for the setup and organization of the new Brigham laboratory space, including equipment, supplies, safety procedures, and basic analytical workflows.
Training and Team Support
- Train and onboard students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and other laboratory members in analytical methods, instrumentation, sample preparation, data processing, and laboratory safety.
- Provide hands-on technical guidance and troubleshooting support to researchers using shared analytical equipment.
- Establish clear expectations for instrument use, sample submission, data review, and laboratory documentation.
- Promote a collaborative environment in which analytical resources are used responsibly and efficiently.
- Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable technical resource for the broader research team.
Senior-Level Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of bioanalytical capabilities supporting multiple translational research programs.
- Establish priorities and coordinate analytical workloads based on scientific importance, project timelines, and available resources.
- Independently assess analytical challenges and propose practical, scientifically rigorous solutions.
- Develop scalable workflows that can accommodate increasing sample volumes and changing research needs.
- Establish quality-control standards and acceptance criteria appropriate for research-stage bioanalytical studies.
- Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, data quality, reproducibility, and turnaround time.
- Evaluate and recommend major equipment purchases, service agreements, software, and technical resources.
- Mentor junior staff and promote strong practices in experimental design, documentation, safety, and data integrity.
- Represent the bioanalytical function in project meetings and collaborations across the Broad Institute, MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and external partner organizations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, biology, or a related discipline.
- Several years of relevant laboratory experience in bioanalysis, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, or a related field.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with HPLC, including method development, instrument operation, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
- Experience with LC-MS or LC-MS/MS workflows for qualitative or quantitative analysis.
- Experience preparing biological, pharmaceutical, or formulation samples for analytical testing.
- Strong understanding of calibration standards, quality-control samples, standard curves, analytical variability, and quantitative data interpretation.
- Experience documenting experimental procedures and preparing clear, reproducible standard operating procedures.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, samples, instruments, and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary research teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, data integrity, and high-quality experimental work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing or qualifying quantitative LC-MS/MS assays.
- Experience with triple-quadrupole, high-resolution, or other mass spectrometry platforms.
- Experience with ELISA development, optimization, and execution.
- Experience measuring drug concentrations or biomarkers in plasma, serum, tissue, or other biological matrices.
- Experience with drug-delivery systems, pharmacokinetic studies, controlled-release formulations, stability studies, or pharmaceutical product development.
- Familiarity with analytical method validation principles and relevant regulatory guidance.
- Experience with chromatography and mass-spectrometry data-analysis software.
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems, electronic laboratory notebooks, or structured sample-tracking systems.
- Experience supporting shared laboratory facilities or analytical core operations.
- Experience with laboratory setup, equipment installation, vendor management, and procurement.
- Experience training and supervising students, junior researchers, or technical staff.
- Familiarity with complementary analytical methods such as UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence assays, dissolution or release testing, particle analysis, or other physicochemical characterization techniques.
Candidate Attributes
The successful candidate will be self-motivated, highly organized, and willing to learn new tools and techniques. The candidate should demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, sound scientific judgment, and a strong commitment to producing accurate and reproducible results.
The role requires an individual who can work both independently and collaboratively, communicate effectively with researchers from varied technical backgrounds, and manage changing priorities in a fast-paced translational research environment. The candidate should be comfortable taking ownership of analytical workflows, identifying operational needs, training team members, and helping ensure that the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Primary Work Location
The position will be primarily based at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The individual will interact regularly with collaborators and laboratory members based at MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and affiliated institutions. Limited travel between local research sites may be required.
The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.
General information
Description & Requirements
About the Traverso Lab
The Traverso Laboratory focuses on translational medicine at the intersection of engineering, biology, and clinical care. Our goal is to develop technologies that improve human health, including advanced drug-delivery systems, diagnostics, biomaterials, medical devices, and therapeutic platforms.
The laboratory is led by Dr. Giovanni Traverso and includes a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, clinicians, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, and students working across the Broad Institute, MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School.
Position Overview
The Research Associate III – Bioanalytics will support the development, implementation, and operation of bioanalytical workflows for the Traverso Laboratory, with the position primarily based at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The individual will serve as a central technical resource for the measurement and characterization of drugs, metabolites, biomarkers, formulation components, and other analytes across a range of translational research programs. A significant portion of the role is expected to involve high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, including the development, qualification, execution, and troubleshooting of analytical methods.
The position may also support additional analytical techniques, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and other quantitative biochemical or physicochemical assays, depending on project requirements. The balance of responsibilities will evolve as new analytical workflows are established and the needs of the laboratory’s research portfolio change.
In addition to technical bioanalytical responsibilities, the Research Associate III will contribute to laboratory operations, training, safety, procurement, equipment stewardship, and workflow organization. The individual will work closely with Aaron and other Broad-based team members while collaborating with researchers across the broader Traverso Laboratory.
There may also be limited near-term support for establishing the laboratory’s new Brigham and Women’s Hospital research space, particularly with respect to equipment, supplies, safety systems, and laboratory workflows to synergize with the collaborative projects between the Broad and BWH. The position itself, however, will remain Broad-centric.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, qualify, and execute analytical methods for the quantitative measurement of drugs, metabolites, biomarkers, excipients, and other analytes.
- Operate and support high-performance liquid chromatography systems for assay development, purity assessment, stability studies, release testing, and related analytical applications.
- Operate and support liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry workflows for sensitive and selective quantification of analytes in biological and nonbiological matrices.
- Assist with sample preparation, extraction, dilution, filtration, and processing methods for plasma, serum, tissue, formulations, release media, and other sample types.
- Develop and conduct ELISAs and other plate-based assays when required by project needs.
- Evaluate analytical performance, including sensitivity, specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, matrix effects, stability, carryover, and reproducibility.
- Identify and troubleshoot technical issues involving instrumentation, chromatography, sample preparation, assay performance, and data quality.
- Support analytical method transfer, standardization, and implementation across research projects and collaborating groups.
- Maintain familiarity with emerging analytical technologies and recommend new instrumentation, methods, or workflows when appropriate.
Instrumentation and Data Management
- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and coordinate servicing of HPLC, LC-MS, plate-reader, and related analytical equipment.
- Establish preventive-maintenance schedules and maintain accurate instrument usage, calibration, and service records.
- Develop standardized procedures for instrument operation, data acquisition, data processing, and quality review.
- Analyze experimental data using appropriate analytical and statistical methods.
- Review chromatograms, calibration curves, quality-control samples, assay outputs, and related datasets for completeness and reliability.
- Organize, document, archive, and communicate analytical results in a clear and reproducible manner.
- Contribute to the implementation of effective sample tracking, data management, and laboratory information workflows.
Research Program Support
- Work closely with engineers, chemists, biologists, clinicians, postdoctoral fellows, students, and research staff to define analytical requirements for multidisciplinary projects.
- Advise project teams on assay selection, experimental design, sample collection, controls, acceptance criteria, and data interpretation.
- Coordinate analytical activities across multiple research programs while balancing competing priorities, instrument availability, and project timelines.
- Generate high-quality analytical data to support internal project decisions, publications, presentations, regulatory activities, sponsored research deliverables, and grant proposals.
- Summarize results and provide technical updates during laboratory and project meetings.
- Contribute technical expertise to manuscripts, reports, protocols, grant applications, and presentations.
- Coordinate with external laboratories, core facilities, vendors, and collaborators when specialized analytical services are required.
Laboratory Operations and Stewardship
- Support the organization and day-to-day operation of the Broad-based laboratory.
- Assist with procurement of reagents, analytical standards, consumables, columns, equipment, and other laboratory supplies.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels and help establish systems for ordering, receiving, storage, and tracking of materials.
- Support chemical, biological, and analytical safety practices and ensure that laboratory activities comply with institutional requirements.
- Help establish and maintain standard operating procedures, equipment documentation, training records, and laboratory policies.
- Promote consistent, efficient, and reproducible laboratory workflows.
- Assist with laboratory inspections, equipment installation, waste-management procedures, and corrective actions when needed.
- Provide limited support for the setup and organization of the new Brigham laboratory space, including equipment, supplies, safety procedures, and basic analytical workflows.
Training and Team Support
- Train and onboard students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and other laboratory members in analytical methods, instrumentation, sample preparation, data processing, and laboratory safety.
- Provide hands-on technical guidance and troubleshooting support to researchers using shared analytical equipment.
- Establish clear expectations for instrument use, sample submission, data review, and laboratory documentation.
- Promote a collaborative environment in which analytical resources are used responsibly and efficiently.
- Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable technical resource for the broader research team.
Senior-Level Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of bioanalytical capabilities supporting multiple translational research programs.
- Establish priorities and coordinate analytical workloads based on scientific importance, project timelines, and available resources.
- Independently assess analytical challenges and propose practical, scientifically rigorous solutions.
- Develop scalable workflows that can accommodate increasing sample volumes and changing research needs.
- Establish quality-control standards and acceptance criteria appropriate for research-stage bioanalytical studies.
- Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, data quality, reproducibility, and turnaround time.
- Evaluate and recommend major equipment purchases, service agreements, software, and technical resources.
- Mentor junior staff and promote strong practices in experimental design, documentation, safety, and data integrity.
- Represent the bioanalytical function in project meetings and collaborations across the Broad Institute, MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and external partner organizations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, biology, or a related discipline.
- Several years of relevant laboratory experience in bioanalysis, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, or a related field.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with HPLC, including method development, instrument operation, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
- Experience with LC-MS or LC-MS/MS workflows for qualitative or quantitative analysis.
- Experience preparing biological, pharmaceutical, or formulation samples for analytical testing.
- Strong understanding of calibration standards, quality-control samples, standard curves, analytical variability, and quantitative data interpretation.
- Experience documenting experimental procedures and preparing clear, reproducible standard operating procedures.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, samples, instruments, and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary research teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety, data integrity, and high-quality experimental work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing or qualifying quantitative LC-MS/MS assays.
- Experience with triple-quadrupole, high-resolution, or other mass spectrometry platforms.
- Experience with ELISA development, optimization, and execution.
- Experience measuring drug concentrations or biomarkers in plasma, serum, tissue, or other biological matrices.
- Experience with drug-delivery systems, pharmacokinetic studies, controlled-release formulations, stability studies, or pharmaceutical product development.
- Familiarity with analytical method validation principles and relevant regulatory guidance.
- Experience with chromatography and mass-spectrometry data-analysis software.
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems, electronic laboratory notebooks, or structured sample-tracking systems.
- Experience supporting shared laboratory facilities or analytical core operations.
- Experience with laboratory setup, equipment installation, vendor management, and procurement.
- Experience training and supervising students, junior researchers, or technical staff.
- Familiarity with complementary analytical methods such as UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence assays, dissolution or release testing, particle analysis, or other physicochemical characterization techniques.
Candidate Attributes
The successful candidate will be self-motivated, highly organized, and willing to learn new tools and techniques. The candidate should demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, sound scientific judgment, and a strong commitment to producing accurate and reproducible results.
The role requires an individual who can work both independently and collaboratively, communicate effectively with researchers from varied technical backgrounds, and manage changing priorities in a fast-paced translational research environment. The candidate should be comfortable taking ownership of analytical workflows, identifying operational needs, training team members, and helping ensure that the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Primary Work Location
The position will be primarily based at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The individual will interact regularly with collaborators and laboratory members based at MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and affiliated institutions. Limited travel between local research sites may be required.
The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.
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Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Job Market in Cambridge
Who's Hiring
- Lila Sciences21
- Moderna11
- Sanofi5
- Pivotal5
- EGENESIS5
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals26
- Science & Research5
- Technology & Software5
Research Associate Jobs in Cambridge: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research associate job in Cambridge?
Target Cambridge's biotech and pharmaceutical companies clustered in Kendall Square and East Cambridge, along with university-affiliated labs near Harvard and MIT. A background in life sciences, chemistry, or a related field gives you a strong foundation. Hands-on lab experience from internships or academic research matters here, and familiarity with techniques like PCR, cell culture, or data analysis is often what separates candidates in Cambridge's competitive market.
Which companies hire research associates in Cambridge?
Cambridge research associate roles are posted by Lila Sciences, Moderna, and Sanofi and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Cambridge's hiring landscape is shaped heavily by its biotech startups, global pharmaceutical firms, and research hospitals, many of which maintain permanent research associate pipelines due to high turnover in early-career lab roles.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Cambridge?
Yes, but only selectively. Research associate roles requiring hands-on lab work are almost always on-site, while positions focused on data analysis, literature review, or clinical data management can be hybrid or fully remote. About 24% of research associate openings tied to Cambridge are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with the most flexibility found in computational biology and clinical research roles at larger organizations.
How can I get a research associate job in Cambridge with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Cambridge is through a research technician or lab assistant role at one of the university-affiliated research centers near Harvard, MIT, or the Broad Institute, where entry-level hiring is consistent. Contract research organizations in Kendall Square also take on junior candidates for rotating lab support roles. Completing a relevant bachelor's thesis project, volunteering in a lab, or completing a co-op through a local university program gives Cambridge hiring managers a concrete reason to take a chance on you.
Which industries hire the most research associates in Cambridge?
The sectors hiring the most research associates in Cambridge are Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Science & Research, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Cambridge's exceptional density of biotech startups, established pharmaceutical companies, and world-class academic medical institutions creates sustained, year-round demand for research associates across every stage of drug discovery and clinical development.
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See All 95 Research Associate Jobs in Cambridge
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