Academic Research Associate Jobs in Massachusetts

Who We Are

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change. Among the world's largest science centers and New England's most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year - at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.

The Museum's singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world's most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all. Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.

Why We Need You

The Research Associate supports the Advancement team by conducting prospect research and providing insights that inform donor engagement and fundraising strategy.

This role plays an important part in identifying and qualifying prospective donors, maintaining accurate and useful data, and ensuring that fundraisers have the information they need to effectively engage supporters. Through strong research practices and attention to detail, this role contributes to building and sustaining a robust donor pipeline.

What You'll Accomplish

Prospect Research & Analysis

• Conducts research on individuals, corporations, and foundations to support donor identification and qualification
• Assists in developing prospect profiles, including background information, giving capacity, and areas of interest
• Gathers and synthesizes information from a variety of sources to support fundraising strategy

Data Management & CRM Support

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date research information within CRM systems
• Supports data entry, validation, and quality control processes related to prospect research
• Ensures consistency and integrity of donor and prospect data

Fundraiser Support & Collaboration 

• Partners with Advancement staff to fulfill research requests and provide timely information
• Supports preparation for donor meetings, events, and leadership engagement
• Collaborates with Research Manager and Advancement Operations to align research efforts with broader strategy

Process Support & Continuous Improvement

• Assists in maintaining research tools, templates, and processes
• Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and organization of research workflows
• Contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance data quality and research practices 

What We're Looking For (Competencies)

The Research Associate brings strong curiosity and analytical thinking, with the ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize information from multiple sources. This individual is detail-oriented and takes care to ensure accuracy and consistency in all research and data management activities.They are organized and reliable, able to manage multiple tasks and requests while maintaining a high level of quality and follow-through. The role requires the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with colleagues, providing information in a way that is useful and actionable for fundraising efforts.

This individual is comfortable working with data and systems and demonstrates a willingness to learn new tools and processes. They are proactive in seeking out information, asking questions, and improving their work over time. A strong sense of accountability, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to supporting the Museum's mission are essential, along with an interest in contributing to successful fundraising through thoughtful and well-executed research.

How We Work-Our Values

Mission-Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone.

Audience-Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.

Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.

Generous: We offer time and energy towards common goals.