Research Scientist Jobs in Massachusetts
Research Scientist jobs in Massachusetts represent one of the most active markets in the country, with demand concentrated in life sciences, biotech, and academic research and openings at every level from early-career bench scientist through principal investigator. The greatest concentration of hiring is in Boston, Cambridge, and Worcester, where employers like Pfizer, Broad Institute, and Mass General Brigham maintain long-term research operations. The most consistently in-demand specialties include oncology, immunology, computational biology, and neuroscience. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- Utilize modern molecular and cell biology techniques to validate target engagement and interrogate functional outcomes of novel chemical biology approaches for severe genetic diseases with a high unmet medical need
- Develop in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays aimed at elucidating target functions and biology
- Independently design and perform key studies to understand compound mechanism of action at the molecular and cellular level in support of drug discovery projects
- Critically analyze and interpret complex data, and effectively document and communicate results to scientific working groups and project teams
- Work effectively with colleagues from cross-functional disciplines
- Collaborate and deliver on objectives successfully in a fast-paced work environment
- Ph.D. or (equivalent degree) and 0-5 years’ post-doctoral experience in Molecular and Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field; or equivalent industrial experience
- Skilled in molecular and cell biology techniques including Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, quantitative real-time PCR, fluorescent/bioluminescent resonance energy transfer assays, gel shift/spectral shift assays, and other techniques
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills, along with strong collaboration skills and effectiveness in a team environment focused on drug discovery
At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.
On-Site Designated
In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements
By applying for this position, you agree to the Atrium Terms and Conditions and you direct Atrium to share your application materials, which may include your CV/Resume, email address or phone number, with Vertex. For more information on how Vertex handles your personal data related to your job application, please see Vertex’s Careers Privacy Notice. Agreeing to the Atrium Terms and Conditions, includes permission to use the email address and mobile phone number you provide during the application process or throughout the duration of your prospective or actual employment to notify you of job openings, profiles, articles, news, and other employment-related information, as well as to notify you of special promotions or additional products and services offered by us or our affiliates and partners
If you do not agree with the Atrium Terms and Conditions, you can still complete your application for this position by emailing your resume to our team at tempstaffing@vrtx.com. Please include the job title in the subject of your email.
No C2C or Third-Party Vendors
- Utilize modern molecular and cell biology techniques to validate target engagement and interrogate functional outcomes of novel chemical biology approaches for severe genetic diseases with a high unmet medical need
- Develop in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays aimed at elucidating target functions and biology
- Independently design and perform key studies to understand compound mechanism of action at the molecular and cellular level in support of drug discovery projects
- Critically analyze and interpret complex data, and effectively document and communicate results to scientific working groups and project teams
- Work effectively with colleagues from cross-functional disciplines
- Collaborate and deliver on objectives successfully in a fast-paced work environment
- Ph.D. or (equivalent degree) and 0-5 years’ post-doctoral experience in Molecular and Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field; or equivalent industrial experience
- Skilled in molecular and cell biology techniques including Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, quantitative real-time PCR, fluorescent/bioluminescent resonance energy transfer assays, gel shift/spectral shift assays, and other techniques
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills, along with strong collaboration skills and effectiveness in a team environment focused on drug discovery
At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.
On-Site Designated
In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements
By applying for this position, you agree to the Atrium Terms and Conditions and you direct Atrium to share your application materials, which may include your CV/Resume, email address or phone number, with Vertex. For more information on how Vertex handles your personal data related to your job application, please see Vertex’s Careers Privacy Notice. Agreeing to the Atrium Terms and Conditions, includes permission to use the email address and mobile phone number you provide during the application process or throughout the duration of your prospective or actual employment to notify you of job openings, profiles, articles, news, and other employment-related information, as well as to notify you of special promotions or additional products and services offered by us or our affiliates and partners
If you do not agree with the Atrium Terms and Conditions, you can still complete your application for this position by emailing your resume to our team at tempstaffing@vrtx.com. Please include the job title in the subject of your email.
No C2C or Third-Party Vendors
See All 85 Research Scientist Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Scientist Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Science & Research
- Retail
- Education
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research scientist jobs across Massachusetts.
- PhD or master's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related life science field
- Hands-on laboratory experience with techniques such as PCR, CRISPR, flow cytometry, or cell culture
- Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and present findings in peer-reviewed publications
- Proficiency in statistical or computational tools such as R, Python, or GraphPad Prism
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including clinical, regulatory, or translational science groups
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grants, reports, and scientific presentations
Research Scientist Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research scientist in Massachusetts?
Most research scientist positions in Massachusetts require at minimum a master's degree, with a PhD strongly preferred for independent research roles. Massachusetts does not issue a state license for research scientists, so hiring decisions center on academic credentials, published work, and laboratory skill sets. Many candidates enter through postdoctoral fellowships at institutions like Harvard, MIT, or UMass, which serve as the primary pipeline into Boston-area biotech and academic research roles.
Which companies hire research scientists in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring research scientists in Massachusetts right now include AbbVie, NVIDIA, and Novartis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Massachusetts's dense concentration of biotech headquarters and academic medical centers means research scientist openings appear year-round rather than seasonally, particularly in Cambridge's Kendall Square corridor.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most research scientist jobs?
Boston, Cambridge, and Westford have the most research scientist openings in Massachusetts. Boston and Cambridge drive the majority of postings because of the Kendall Square biotech cluster and the concentration of teaching hospitals and university research programs, while Worcester draws openings through UMass Chan Medical School and the growing life sciences presence along Route 9.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, but they're rare. About 29% of research scientist openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which reflects how much of the work requires physical access to laboratory equipment, reagents, and controlled environments. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely are data analysis, literature review, grant writing, and computational modeling.
How can I get hired as a research scientist in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research associate or junior scientist role, which large Massachusetts employers like Moderna, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and Mass General Brigham use as a structured on-ramp for candidates with a bachelor's or fresh master's degree. Completing a thesis project with published or presented results gives candidates a concrete edge. Many biotech companies in the Kendall Square area also post research associate openings that accept recent graduates and provide mentored training toward full scientist responsibilities.
Where can I find and apply to research scientist jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to research scientist jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current Massachusetts openings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 85 Research Scientist Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist Jobs