Research Specialist Jobs in Boston, MA
Research Specialist jobs in Boston are concentrated in the Longwood Medical Area, Kendall Square, and the Fenway corridor, driven by world-class academic medical centers, life sciences firms, and policy think tanks. Employers hiring right now include Boston University, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Medical Center. 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.
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Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Job Market in Boston
Who's Hiring
- Boston University11

- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute11

- Boston Medical Center3

- Beacon Hill2

- Analysis2

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Research Specialist Jobs in Boston: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research specialist job in Boston?
Focus your search on Boston's core hiring sectors: academic medical centers in Longwood, biotech and pharma firms in Kendall Square, and policy and social science organizations across the Back Bay and downtown. Candidates with hands-on lab, clinical, or data experience stand out most here. Tailoring your application to the specific research mission of each institution gives you a real edge in this competitive, credential-driven market.
Which companies hire research specialists in Boston?
Companies currently hiring research specialists in Boston include Boston University, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Medical Center, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Boston's employer mix skews heavily toward hospitals, university-affiliated research institutes, and life sciences companies, making it one of the densest research hiring markets in the country.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in Boston?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on role type: desk-based and analytical positions are far more likely to be remote than hands-on lab or clinical roles. About 58% of research specialist openings tied to Boston are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with most of those concentrated in health policy, social science, and data-focused positions rather than wet-lab or patient-facing work.
How can I get a research specialist job in Boston with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Boston is through a research assistant or coordinator role at one of the city's teaching hospitals or university research offices, such as those affiliated with Harvard Medical School or Boston University. Lab technician positions in Longwood and Kendall Square also serve as common stepping stones. Volunteering on a funded study, gaining certification in clinical research coordination, or completing a relevant graduate program part-time all strengthen a local candidacy.
Which industries hire the most research specialists in Boston?
Boston research specialist roles concentrate in Education, Staffing & Recruiting, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Boston's unusually dense cluster of teaching hospitals, NIH-funded research institutions, and venture-backed biotech firms sustains exceptionally high and consistent demand for research specialists across those sectors.
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