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 Flagship Pioneering, Moderna, and Lila Sciences. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 132+ Research Associate jobs
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Mirai Bio is a privately-held, Flagship-founded biotechnology company that is delivering genetic medicines from promise to performance. Mirai was built to solve one of the field's central challenges: achieving precise, scalable delivery of diverse nucleic acid payloads to specific cells and tissues, particularly beyond the liver. By combining a large and growing proprietary in vivo biodistribution dataset, machine learning-guided lipid nanoparticle optimization, modular targeted particle design, and integrated translation and manufacturing capabilities, Mirai helps partners accelerate development, reduce technical risk, and pursue high-value programs making delivery a strategic advantage. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for defining the future of genetic medicines together.
THE ROLE
Mirai Bio is seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate, LNP Production to support the development and advancement of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. In this role, you will design, produce, characterize, and optimize LNP formulations to support preclinical research and the development of genetic medicines.
The successful candidate will contribute to the continuous improvement of Mirai Bio's delivery platform and work across multiple programs and partners to advance novel delivery vehicles for a range of nucleic acid cargos. This is a hands-on role that requires strong technical expertise in LNP formulation and production, sound scientific judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, formulate, produce, and characterize LNPs to support preclinical research for internal platform and external partnerships.
- Execute LNP production across a range of process scales, from small-scale formulation and process optimization through larger-scale production.
- Operate and develop processes using relevant LNP manufacturing and process-development equipment, including mixers, pumping systems, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and related technologies.
- Troubleshoot formulation and process challenges and contribute to the optimization and continuous improvement of LNP production processes.
- Collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to design experiments, interpret results, and advance program objectives.
- Support the development and implementation of robust, reproducible LNP production and characterization workflows.
- Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of experimental procedures, results, and conclusions in electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Analyze and communicate experimental results and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
- Contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- BS or MS in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biology, or a related scientific discipline
- RA II: BS + 2-4 years or MS + 0-2 years of relevant industry or research experience
- SRA: BS + 5 years or MS + 3 years of relevant industry or research experience
- Hands-on experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation and production, particularly for nucleic acid cargos such as mRNA, siRNA, or other genetic medicines.
- Experience with a range of LNP processing techniques and equipment across multiple scales, including mixers, pumping systems, TFF, and related unit operations.
- Familiarity with common analytical techniques used to characterize LNPs, including measurements of particle size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, and other relevant physicochemical attributes.
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, interpret data, and drive projects forward.
- Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
- Collaborative and adaptable team player who is equally comfortable working independently and partnering across functions.
- Ability to prioritize effectively and consistently deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:
Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.
Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.
At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, "FSP") do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
#LI-TL1
Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering or one of its portfolio companies, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Mirai Bio is a privately-held, Flagship-founded biotechnology company that is delivering genetic medicines from promise to performance. Mirai was built to solve one of the field's central challenges: achieving precise, scalable delivery of diverse nucleic acid payloads to specific cells and tissues, particularly beyond the liver. By combining a large and growing proprietary in vivo biodistribution dataset, machine learning-guided lipid nanoparticle optimization, modular targeted particle design, and integrated translation and manufacturing capabilities, Mirai helps partners accelerate development, reduce technical risk, and pursue high-value programs making delivery a strategic advantage. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for defining the future of genetic medicines together.
THE ROLE
Mirai Bio is seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate II/Senior Research Associate, LNP Production to support the development and advancement of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. In this role, you will design, produce, characterize, and optimize LNP formulations to support preclinical research and the development of genetic medicines.
The successful candidate will contribute to the continuous improvement of Mirai Bio's delivery platform and work across multiple programs and partners to advance novel delivery vehicles for a range of nucleic acid cargos. This is a hands-on role that requires strong technical expertise in LNP formulation and production, sound scientific judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, formulate, produce, and characterize LNPs to support preclinical research for internal platform and external partnerships.
- Execute LNP production across a range of process scales, from small-scale formulation and process optimization through larger-scale production.
- Operate and develop processes using relevant LNP manufacturing and process-development equipment, including mixers, pumping systems, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and related technologies.
- Troubleshoot formulation and process challenges and contribute to the optimization and continuous improvement of LNP production processes.
- Collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to design experiments, interpret results, and advance program objectives.
- Support the development and implementation of robust, reproducible LNP production and characterization workflows.
- Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of experimental procedures, results, and conclusions in electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Analyze and communicate experimental results and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
- Contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- BS or MS in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biology, or a related scientific discipline
- RA II: BS + 2-4 years or MS + 0-2 years of relevant industry or research experience
- SRA: BS + 5 years or MS + 3 years of relevant industry or research experience
- Hands-on experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation and production, particularly for nucleic acid cargos such as mRNA, siRNA, or other genetic medicines.
- Experience with a range of LNP processing techniques and equipment across multiple scales, including mixers, pumping systems, TFF, and related unit operations.
- Familiarity with common analytical techniques used to characterize LNPs, including measurements of particle size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, and other relevant physicochemical attributes.
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, interpret data, and drive projects forward.
- Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
- Collaborative and adaptable team player who is equally comfortable working independently and partnering across functions.
- Ability to prioritize effectively and consistently deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:
Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.
Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.
At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, "FSP") do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
#LI-TL1
Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering or one of its portfolio companies, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.
See All 132+ Research Associate Jobs in Cambridge
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Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Job Market in Cambridge
Who's Hiring
- Flagship Pioneering20
- Moderna12
- Lila Sciences12
- Broad Institute12
- Obsidian Therapeutics12
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Science & Research
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 Flagship Pioneering, Moderna, and Lila Sciences and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 9% of research associate openings tied to Cambridge are remote or hybrid as of November 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 and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 132+ Research Associate Jobs in Cambridge
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