Scientist Jobs in Waltham, MA
Scientist jobs in Waltham, Massachusetts are concentrated in the biotech and pharmaceutical corridors along Route 128 and in the Waltham Watch Factory innovation district, with strong demand from employers in life sciences, diagnostics, and research. Employers actively hiring include CSL, Sanofi, and Novo. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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About the Department
Our Research & Development organization brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown, Cambridge and Plainsboro reflect the full R&D continuum, from early research through late-stage clinical development. Here, we are building for the future, creating a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting-edge research across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. We recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients.
- Provide senior scientific leadership: identify capability gaps, set goals, and lead initiatives that deliver business impact.
- Lead research and development of generative AI methodologies for computational drug design; advance, optimize, and deploy models that balance multiple design criteria.
- Translate computational insights into experimental strategies and leverage the organization’s substantial data-generation capabilities to train and validate models.
- Develop and implement new deep learning approaches (e.g., diffusion models, reinforcement/active learning, LLMs for molecular design) and maintain a well-documented, reusable codebase with traceable model history.
- Represent MolAI externally and internally: publish in top venues, present at conferences, and build collaborations with academic and commercial partners.
- Mentor and grow talent: lead, guide, and develop junior ML scientists and engineers; promote best practices in version control, CI/testing, and model reproducibility.
- Participate in cross-functional teams and program readouts, partnering closely with Digital Chemistry and Design, experimental scientists, research engineers, and IT.
- Publish research in developing AI methods (example in ICLR, NeurIPS, ICML, Nature, Science, Cell etc.)
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree or PhD preferred. Degree within subject matter expertise preferred
- A Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years’ relevant experience, or Master’s Degree with 5+ years’ relevant experience, or PhD with 4+ years’ relevant experience can be considered
- Relevant experience includes:
- Experience in modeling, diseases modeling, physiological modeling, big data analytics and AI/ML algorithm development and validation
- Knowledge of at least 4 of the following is required: deep learning, Bayesian reasoning, recommendation systems, learning from semi-structured data, reinforcement or active learning, machine learning (ML) software systems, machine learning on mobile devices
- Knowledge and/or professional experience in healthcare industry, especially disease management
- Experience in pharmaceutical industry, healthcare industry, regulated medical device development or in another regulated field
- Experience in leading technology, software, or hardware development
- Experience with data management and science tools such as Jupyter Notebook, Matlab, R Studio, etc
- Preferred experience includes:
- Solid understanding of metabolic disease states is required. Deep knowledge of Diabetes and/or Obesity along with the molecular and physiological role of drug, food and other factors relating to the diseases, is preferred
- Additional preferred experience includes insert subject matter preferred experience
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Detail oriented with strong documentation skills
- Demonstrated ability to generate valuable and relevant ideas, create concepts based on ideas and develop new products based on concepts
The base compensation range for this position is $122,300K to $222,600K. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors.
Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy and parental leave policy.
We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.
At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.
Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.
If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
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Who's Hiring
- CSL50

- Sanofi50

- Novo25

- AbbVie25

- Cambrex25

Scientist Jobs in Waltham: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a scientist job in Waltham?
Focus on the biotech and pharmaceutical companies clustered along the Route 128 corridor and near Waltham's Watch Factory district, where the highest concentration of research and development roles sits. Hands-on laboratory experience in areas like cell biology, molecular biology, or analytical chemistry carries particular weight with Waltham employers. Familiarity with GMP or GLP environments and exposure to drug development pipelines gives candidates a clear edge in this market.
Which companies hire scientists in Waltham?
Employers hiring scientists in Waltham right now include CSL, Sanofi, and Novo, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Waltham's employer base skews heavily toward mid-size biotech firms, large pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations, many of which maintain dedicated research campuses in the Route 128 life sciences cluster.
Are there remote scientist jobs in Waltham?
Yes, though with an important qualifier: most scientist roles in Waltham are lab-based and require on-site presence, making fully remote positions relatively uncommon compared to desk-oriented fields. About 80% of scientist openings tied to Waltham are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be in data analysis, bioinformatics, regulatory affairs, or scientific writing rather than bench research.
How can I get a scientist job in Waltham with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Waltham is targeting research associate or laboratory technician roles at the smaller biotech startups and contract research organizations in the Route 128 corridor, which hire more entry-level talent than large established firms do. Internships or co-op placements at Waltham-area companies, often coordinated through Boston-area universities, also serve as a direct pipeline into full-time positions. Proficiency with common lab instruments and documentation practices helps candidates stand out immediately.
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