1

Cancer Research Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$72K - $76K/yr

Research Fellow in Mehmet Samur's lab Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana ... We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to ...

$72K - $76K/yr

This position is for a Research fellow at Dana-Farber Located in Boston and the surrounding ... We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to ...

$72K - $76K/yr

This position is for a Research fellow at Dana-Farber. Located in Boston and the surrounding ... We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to ...

$72K - $76K/yr

Franziska Michor, PhD at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Department of Data Science) & Harvard ... The Research Fellow is expected to stay current with relevant literature, adhere to research ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cancer Research Fellow information

See salary details

$33K

$69.7K

$183.5K

How much do cancer research fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for cancer research fellow in the United States is $69,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Dana Farber research fellows make?

Research fellows at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience and education level. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and access to research resources, with some positions offering stipends or additional funding for conference travel.

What is the difference between Cancer Research Fellow vs Cancer Research Associate?

AspectCancer Research FellowCancer Research Associate
Required CredentialsTypically PhD or equivalent in biomedical sciencesBachelor's or Master's degree in related field
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, academic institutions, or hospitalsResearch labs, clinical settings, or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesHospitals, research labs, pharmaceutical companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, career progressionEntry-level research positions, job responsibilities

The main difference between a Cancer Research Fellow and a Cancer Research Associate lies in their qualifications and experience. Cancer Research Fellows usually hold a PhD and focus on independent research, while Cancer Research Associates often have a bachelor's or master's degree and support research projects. Both roles are vital in research settings, but the Fellow typically has more advanced responsibilities and independence.

What is a research fellow vs. postdoc?

A Cancer Research Fellow is a position often funded by specific grants or institutions, sometimes with a focus on independent research or specialized training, while a postdoctoral researcher (postdoc) is typically an early-career scientist working under supervision to gain experience and publish research. Both roles involve conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific knowledge, but fellowships may offer more independence or funding support. The distinction varies by institution and field, but generally, a fellowship emphasizes a more autonomous or funded research position compared to a postdoc.

Can I be a research fellow without a PhD?

A Cancer Research Fellow typically requires a PhD or equivalent research experience in a relevant field. While some research positions may accept candidates with a master's degree or significant research background, most fellowships at this level prioritize doctoral qualifications. Additional skills such as laboratory techniques and research publications can also be important for eligibility.

What is the salary of a research fellow?

The salary of a Cancer Research Fellow typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and funding source. Research fellows often hold advanced degrees and may receive additional benefits such as health insurance and research stipends.
More about Cancer Research Fellow jobs
Infographic showing various Cancer Research Fellow job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,680 per year, or $33.5 per hour.
Research Fellow - CWR

$72K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Dana-Farber Cancer Institute rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Research Fellow in Mehmet Samur's lab
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
The Research Fellow will conduct independent and collaborative research under the guidance of a faculty mentor or principal investigator. Responsibilities include designing and executing research projects, analyzing and interpreting data, contributing to manuscripts and presentations, and participating in lab or program activities. The Research Fellow is expected to stay current with relevant literature, adhere to research protocols and ethical standards, and support grant-related or collaborative initiatives as needed.
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO Poster
Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$72,000.00 - $76,385.00

What Dana-Farber Cancer Institute employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Dana-Farber Cancer Institute logo

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1947