Research Scientist Jobs in Boston, MA
Research Scientist jobs in Boston are concentrated in the Longwood Medical Area, Kendall Square, and the Seaport District, driven by demand across biopharma, biotech, and academic medical research. Employers hiring right now include Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston University, and Northeastern University. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 85+ Research Scientist jobs
- 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 Boston
Find roles in Boston that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Job Market in Boston
Who's Hiring
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals13
- Boston University9
- Northeastern University9
- Brigham and Women's Hospital9
- STR6
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Research Scientist Jobs in Boston: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research scientist job in Boston?
The strongest path into Boston's research scientist market runs through its biopharma and biotech hubs, particularly the Longwood Medical Area and Kendall Square. Employers in these clusters hire heavily for wet-lab, translational, and computational research roles. A doctoral degree in a relevant life science discipline is standard for most positions, but candidates with strong publication records, postdoctoral experience at a Boston-area institution, or deep expertise in a target therapeutic area have a clear edge.
Which companies hire research scientists in Boston?
Employers hiring research scientists in Boston right now include Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston University, and Northeastern University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Boston's hiring landscape is anchored by large-cap biopharma firms, venture-backed biotechs, and the research arms of major academic medical centers.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Boston?
Yes, though remote availability depends heavily on the type of work: computational, bioinformatics, and data-focused research roles are far more remote-friendly than hands-on wet-lab positions. About 32% of research scientist openings tied to Boston are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the mix of bench and desk roles in the local market. Hybrid arrangements are most common at larger biopharma employers in the Seaport and Kendall Square.
How can I get a research scientist job in Boston with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a postdoctoral fellowship at one of Boston's academic medical institutions, which directly feeds into industry hiring pipelines. Smaller Kendall Square and Seaport biotechs regularly hire associate scientist and research associate roles that serve as stepping stones. Rotation programs at larger biopharma companies also offer structured entry. Candidates who have completed work at a Boston-area university lab or contributed to a published study gain a concrete local credential that resonates with hiring managers here.
Which industries hire the most research scientists in Boston?
The sectors hiring the most research scientists in Boston are Education, Science & Research, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Boston's dense cluster of teaching hospitals, research universities, and biopharma headquarters creates unusually concentrated demand across those sectors relative to most other U.S. cities.
Related Jobs in Massachusetts
See All 85 Research Scientist Jobs in Boston
Find roles in Boston that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist Jobs