Research Jobs in Cambridge, MA
Research jobs in Cambridge, Massachusetts are in high demand, concentrated in Kendall Square, Harvard Square, and the Main Street corridor across life sciences, biotechnology, and higher education. Employers hiring right now include Lila Sciences, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Iterative Health is a healthcare technology and services company powering the acceleration of clinical research to transform patient outcomes.
We built a leading performance-driven network of 100+ sites across the US, Europe, India, and Australia, conducting research directly in the communities where care is delivered across gastrointestinal, hepatology, obesity, and cardiology. By combining deep clinical trial expertise with cutting-edge AI, we connect sponsors' scientific ambitions with high-performing research teams that expedite and expand access to novel therapeutics for patients in need. Today, Iterative Health is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and New York City with 250+ employees world-wide.
The Research Finance Manager is a senior leader at the intersection of finance, clinical operations, and sponsor partnerships. This role owns clinical trial budgeting, contracting, and financial performance across Iterative Health's global research network — overseeing a team of Budget Specialists while serving as the key escalation point for complex negotiations with sponsors, CROs, and research sites. The ideal candidate is a seasoned clinical research finance professional who brings sharp negotiation instincts, strong team leadership, and the operational rigor to keep study startup moving efficiently at scale.
Where You’ll Drive Impact
Clinical Trial Budgeting & Contracting
- Manage the development, negotiation, and execution of clinical trial budgets, Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), amendments, and related study agreements across a global network of research sites.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex budget, contract, and study startup issues involving sponsors, CROs, research sites, and internal stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain standardized budgeting methodologies, negotiation tools, and country-specific rate cards.
- Prepare sponsor budget estimates, feasibility assessments, and pricing analyses to support new study opportunities and partnerships.
Team Leadership & Development
- Manage and mentor Clinical Trial Budget Specialists and Contract Administrators responsible for study budgeting and contracting activities.
- Provide coaching, training, and performance management to ensure high-quality execution and professional development across the team.
- Lead regular team meetings and establish priorities to support organizational goals and study startup timelines.
- Develop educational programs and training materials related to budgeting, contracting, and negotiation best practices.
Site Network & Operational Support
- Partner with Clinical Operations and site leadership to support study startup, activation metrics, and operational readiness.
- Participate in site selection discussions by evaluating financial feasibility, budget assumptions, and operational considerations.
- Support sponsor alliance management activities and participate in regular sponsor governance and project meetings.
- Collaborate with post-award teams to ensure accurate invoicing and adherence to contractual payment terms.
Contract Administration
- Assist with contract lifecycle management (CLM) initiatives, including workflow improvements, document repository management, and process standardization.
- Coordinate with Legal and Procurement teams to support contract compliance and operational efficiency.
Process Improvement & Compliance
- Develop and maintain SOPs, workflows, templates, and process documentation supporting budgeting and contracting activities.
- Track and report key performance indicators related to contract turnaround times, budget negotiations, and study startup milestones.
- Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Performs related duties as requested
What You Bring to the Team
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Life Sciences, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in clinical trial budgeting, contracting, clinical research finance, or related research administration, including at least 3 years managing a team.
- Proven experience negotiating clinical trial budgets and contracts with sponsors, CROs, and research sites.
- Working knowledge of clinical trial operations, study startup processes, and research financial management.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional relationships across clinical, finance, and legal stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting global research programs across Europe and Asia.
- Familiarity with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and tools.
- Background in healthcare technology, biotech, or a multi-site clinical research network.
How We Work
- Collaborative and low-ego team environment
- High ownership and accountability culture
- Fast-paced and highly iterative growth environment
- Open communication and continuous learning mindset
- Mission-driven organization focused on improving patient outcomes
- Comfortable navigating evolving business priorities and opportunities
Benefits That Support You
We believe great teams do their best work when they feel supported — professionally and personally.
- Hybrid work environment with in-office collaboration two days per week in either our NYC or Boston office
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with up to 80% of premiums covered by Iterative Health
- Mental health and wellness support through Spring Health
- Health HSA or FSA options, and commuter FSA contributions supported by Iterative Health
- Unlimited PTO, 12 company holidays, and a company-wide shutdown between Christmas and New Years
- 401(k) program with a company match of up to 3% (up to $3,000 annually)
- Weekly in-office lunch benefit every Tuesday
- 100% company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Annual wellness and professional development stipend to support your health and growth
- And more!
At Iterative Health, we’re actively working towards creating an environment that is representative of the diversity of patients our technology serves. We are focused on building an equitable and inclusive culture, and by extension, hiring process. If you require any accommodations to make the application process or interviewing experience more accessible to you, please contact CandidateAccommodations@iterative.health.
Iterative Health is a healthcare technology and services company powering the acceleration of clinical research to transform patient outcomes.
We built a leading performance-driven network of 100+ sites across the US, Europe, India, and Australia, conducting research directly in the communities where care is delivered across gastrointestinal, hepatology, obesity, and cardiology. By combining deep clinical trial expertise with cutting-edge AI, we connect sponsors' scientific ambitions with high-performing research teams that expedite and expand access to novel therapeutics for patients in need. Today, Iterative Health is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and New York City with 250+ employees world-wide.
The Research Finance Manager is a senior leader at the intersection of finance, clinical operations, and sponsor partnerships. This role owns clinical trial budgeting, contracting, and financial performance across Iterative Health's global research network — overseeing a team of Budget Specialists while serving as the key escalation point for complex negotiations with sponsors, CROs, and research sites. The ideal candidate is a seasoned clinical research finance professional who brings sharp negotiation instincts, strong team leadership, and the operational rigor to keep study startup moving efficiently at scale.
Where You’ll Drive Impact
Clinical Trial Budgeting & Contracting
- Manage the development, negotiation, and execution of clinical trial budgets, Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), amendments, and related study agreements across a global network of research sites.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex budget, contract, and study startup issues involving sponsors, CROs, research sites, and internal stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain standardized budgeting methodologies, negotiation tools, and country-specific rate cards.
- Prepare sponsor budget estimates, feasibility assessments, and pricing analyses to support new study opportunities and partnerships.
Team Leadership & Development
- Manage and mentor Clinical Trial Budget Specialists and Contract Administrators responsible for study budgeting and contracting activities.
- Provide coaching, training, and performance management to ensure high-quality execution and professional development across the team.
- Lead regular team meetings and establish priorities to support organizational goals and study startup timelines.
- Develop educational programs and training materials related to budgeting, contracting, and negotiation best practices.
Site Network & Operational Support
- Partner with Clinical Operations and site leadership to support study startup, activation metrics, and operational readiness.
- Participate in site selection discussions by evaluating financial feasibility, budget assumptions, and operational considerations.
- Support sponsor alliance management activities and participate in regular sponsor governance and project meetings.
- Collaborate with post-award teams to ensure accurate invoicing and adherence to contractual payment terms.
Contract Administration
- Assist with contract lifecycle management (CLM) initiatives, including workflow improvements, document repository management, and process standardization.
- Coordinate with Legal and Procurement teams to support contract compliance and operational efficiency.
Process Improvement & Compliance
- Develop and maintain SOPs, workflows, templates, and process documentation supporting budgeting and contracting activities.
- Track and report key performance indicators related to contract turnaround times, budget negotiations, and study startup milestones.
- Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, contractual requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Performs related duties as requested
What You Bring to the Team
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Life Sciences, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in clinical trial budgeting, contracting, clinical research finance, or related research administration, including at least 3 years managing a team.
- Proven experience negotiating clinical trial budgets and contracts with sponsors, CROs, and research sites.
- Working knowledge of clinical trial operations, study startup processes, and research financial management.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional relationships across clinical, finance, and legal stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting global research programs across Europe and Asia.
- Familiarity with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and tools.
- Background in healthcare technology, biotech, or a multi-site clinical research network.
How We Work
- Collaborative and low-ego team environment
- High ownership and accountability culture
- Fast-paced and highly iterative growth environment
- Open communication and continuous learning mindset
- Mission-driven organization focused on improving patient outcomes
- Comfortable navigating evolving business priorities and opportunities
Benefits That Support You
We believe great teams do their best work when they feel supported — professionally and personally.
- Hybrid work environment with in-office collaboration two days per week in either our NYC or Boston office
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with up to 80% of premiums covered by Iterative Health
- Mental health and wellness support through Spring Health
- Health HSA or FSA options, and commuter FSA contributions supported by Iterative Health
- Unlimited PTO, 12 company holidays, and a company-wide shutdown between Christmas and New Years
- 401(k) program with a company match of up to 3% (up to $3,000 annually)
- Weekly in-office lunch benefit every Tuesday
- 100% company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Annual wellness and professional development stipend to support your health and growth
- And more!
At Iterative Health, we’re actively working towards creating an environment that is representative of the diversity of patients our technology serves. We are focused on building an equitable and inclusive culture, and by extension, hiring process. If you require any accommodations to make the application process or interviewing experience more accessible to you, please contact CandidateAccommodations@iterative.health.
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Find Research JobsResearch Job Market in Cambridge
Who's Hiring
- Lila Sciences16
- Harvard University15
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology15
- Flagship Pioneering8
- Broad Institute5
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals31
- Science & Research15
- Education4
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Technology & Software1
Research Jobs in Cambridge: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research job in Cambridge?
The strongest entry point in Cambridge is targeting the life sciences and biotechnology employers concentrated in Kendall Square, along with the major universities in Harvard Square and the surrounding area. Candidates who can demonstrate hands-on laboratory skills, familiarity with clinical or academic research protocols, and experience with data analysis tools stand out. Applying directly to research institutions, biotech startups, and hospital-affiliated programs gives you the best foothold in this market.
Which companies hire researchs in Cambridge?
Companies currently hiring researchs in Cambridge include Lila Sciences, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Cambridge draws a dense mix of global pharmaceutical companies, early-stage biotech firms, and university-affiliated research centers, making it one of the most active research hiring markets in the country.
Are there remote research jobs in Cambridge?
Yes, though remote availability depends heavily on the role type, with hands-on laboratory and clinical positions requiring on-site presence while data analysis, literature review, and computational research roles are more commonly remote. About 35% of research openings tied to Cambridge are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the mixed nature of local demand. Biotech and academic employers in Kendall Square most often offer hybrid arrangements for non-lab research functions.
How can I get a research job in Cambridge with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Cambridge is pursuing a research assistant or lab technician role at one of the city's university-affiliated hospitals or academic departments, where entry-level hiring is consistent year-round. Cambridge biotech startups in Kendall Square also hire junior research associates who can demonstrate relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer lab work. Gaining experience with standard laboratory techniques or research software widely used in life sciences gives candidates a concrete edge in this market.
Which industries hire the most researchs in Cambridge?
Cambridge research roles concentrate in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Science & Research, and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Cambridge's identity as a global hub for life sciences innovation, anchored by its universities and the Kendall Square biotech cluster, drives sustained demand for research professionals across those sectors.
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