Research Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts
Research Specialist jobs in Massachusetts are in strong demand, concentrated in biomedical research, healthcare policy, social sciences, and higher education, with openings at every level from entry-level research assistant through senior investigator. The largest hiring markets are Boston, Cambridge, and Worcester, where institutions like Mass General Brigham, Harvard University, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute maintain deep, ongoing research operations. The most sought-after specialties in Massachusetts include clinical research, public health data analysis, and laboratory-based biomedical investigation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The New England Centenarian Study and Long Life Family Study, based at Boston University School of Medicine seeks a Research Specialist (RS)to be responsible for collection and management of study participant data. This position will work both independently and as a member of a team to collect clinical data from study participants ages 18 to 110+ years during in-person home visits, telephone, and video visits. The Research Specialist will receive standardized training in conducting and scoring the following measures and will work toward certification in these measures in order to perform them independently.
The Research Specialist will be trained and certified in administration of the neuropsychological assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, vitals and anthropometry assessment, neuromotor exam, carotid ultrasound, blood sample processing, phlebotomy, and video visit administration and technical troubleshooting, as needed by the study. They will obtain vital signs measures, conduct cognitive testing, perform carotid ultrasounds, administer physical function assessments, troubleshoot technology, and draw blood, if interested, or coordinate phlebotomy with lab agencies. After each visit, the research specialist will score the cognitive data, process digital cognitive and physical function data and will assist with periodic data quality control efforts.
The RS receives a list of data that have been flagged for review. The RS determine whether follow up questions are required from the participant and collect the necessary information to resolve the error, whether the data were entered incorrectly, or whether the flagged values are valid data outside the typical range. Additionally, the RS will obtain annual follow-up data via mailed and telephone-administered questionnaires.
The RS works one-on-one with participants without supervision to perform assessments and collect data. The RA independently determines the best engagement methods to achieve the participant's maximal performance while ensuring their safety and gauges the participant's stamina and effort to determine when to terminate the assessments.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree with 1-3 years of related experience.
- The position is located in Boston, MA. Schedule is Monday-Friday, typically 9:00am-5:00pm but varies depending on daily schedule to accommodate participants. Occasional Saturdays required (3-4 in Spring and 3-4 in Fall).
- Travel to participants' homes to conduct offsite examinations and coordination of travel logistics for multiple visits may be required.
- Previous phlebotomy experience is highly desirable though willingness to take part in a phlebotomy course to learn these skills is also acceptable.
- Spanish fluency is a plus.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
See All 35 Research Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts
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Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across Massachusetts.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or public health field
- Experience designing or executing quantitative and qualitative research studies
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Python
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and research compliance standards
- Strong scientific writing skills for reports, grants, or peer-reviewed publications
- Ability to manage multiple research projects and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams
Research Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in Massachusetts?
Most research specialist roles in Massachusetts require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, public health, psychology, or social science, with a master's degree preferred for clinical or policy-focused positions. Massachusetts does not issue a state license specific to the research specialist title, but positions in clinical research often expect certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Gaining experience through university labs, hospital research programs, or public health agencies is the standard path.
Which companies hire research specialists in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring research specialists in Massachusetts right now include Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston University, and Iterative Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Massachusetts's concentration of academic medical centers, life sciences companies, and public health agencies means demand is distributed across a broad mix of institutional and private-sector employers.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most research specialist jobs?
Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville account for the most research specialist openings in Massachusetts. Boston and Cambridge dominate because of their density of academic medical centers, biotechnology firms, and universities, while Worcester draws significant hiring through UMass Memorial Health and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, anchoring a secondary research corridor in central Massachusetts.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles, particularly for positions focused on data analysis, literature review, policy research, or survey-based studies. About 54% of research specialist openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much analytical and writing-intensive research work can be done off-site. Roles that require laboratory work, patient contact, or specimen handling remain predominantly on-site.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research coordinator or research assistant role at a hospital system or university, where formal mentorship structures exist. Mass General Brigham, Boston Children's Hospital, and the Broad Institute regularly bring on candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree and no prior professional research experience through their new-graduate research coordinator pipelines. Completing a thesis project, a public health internship, or a clinical trials volunteer placement builds the portfolio that gets these applications noticed.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to research specialist jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current Massachusetts openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings for roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 35 Research Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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