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Computer Science Researcher Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

MedSchoolCoach

Research Mentor

Boston, MA · Remote

$75 - $100/hr

The MedSchoolCoach Research Mentorship Program is a fully virtual opportunity designed to help high ... Medical/Biological Sciences Physics, Chemistry Computer Science, AI Environmental Sciences ...

MedSchoolCoach

Research Mentor

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$75 - $100/hr

The MedSchoolCoach Research Mentorship Program is a fully virtual opportunity designed to help high ... Medical/Biological Sciences ⚛ Physics, Chemistry Computer Science, AI Environmental Sciences ...

MedSchoolCoach

Research Mentor (Remote)

Boston, MA · Remote

$75 - $100/hr

The MedSchoolCoach Research Mentorship Program is a fully virtual opportunity designed to help high ... Medical/Biological Sciences Physics, Chemistry Computer Science, AI Environmental Sciences ...

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$122.9K

$178.7K

How much do computer science researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer science researcher in Boston, MA is $122,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $167,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Science Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Science Researcher, you need a strong background in algorithms, mathematics, and theoretical computer science, commonly supported by an advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in computer science or a related field. Proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, C++, or Java), research methodologies, and experience with tools like MATLAB, TensorFlow, or research databases is essential. Critical thinking, curiosity, effective communication, and collaboration are crucial soft skills for generating innovative ideas and sharing findings. These skills and qualities are important for advancing the field, producing original research, and successfully working in multidisciplinary teams.

What are common challenges faced by Computer Science Researchers when working on collaborative projects?

Computer Science Researchers often collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, which can present challenges such as aligning goals, integrating diverse technical expertise, and managing communication across different fields. Additionally, coordinating schedules and research timelines between multiple contributors can be complex, especially when team members are based in different institutions or countries. Overcoming these challenges requires strong project management skills, clear communication, and adaptability to different working styles.

What does a Computer Science Researcher do?

A Computer Science Researcher investigates new ideas, algorithms, and technologies in the field of computer science. Their work often involves designing experiments, developing prototypes, and publishing findings in academic journals or conferences. They may focus on areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, or software engineering. Through their research, they contribute to advancements that can impact both industry and academia. Their role typically requires strong analytical skills, programming expertise, and a deep understanding of theoretical concepts.

Is a CS degree worth IT in 2026?

A computer science researcher typically benefits from a CS degree, as it provides foundational knowledge in algorithms, programming, and systems. While practical experience and skills in areas like machine learning or data analysis are increasingly valued, a degree remains a strong credential for research roles and advancing in the field.
What are popular job titles related to Computer Science Researcher jobs in Boston, MA? For Computer Science Researcher jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Science Researcher jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Science Researcher jobs in Boston, MA are:
Computer Science Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Science Researcher job openings in Boston, MA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 31% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,874 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Security Researcher / Systems Hacker

Riverside Research Institute

Lexington, MA • On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Riverside Overview
Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship
Position Overview
Riverside Research's Secure and Resilient Systems group seeks a computer scientist with a focus on systems security research.
The researcher will contribute to applied research projects from cradle to grave including: ideation (e.g., system architecture, technical proposal writing), planning (e.g., designing new methods and approaches), execution (e.g., prototyping, experimentation) and transition (e.g., publishing and/or briefing results).
Research problems tackled in this position may involve systems software (e.g., real time operating systems (RTOS), secure hypervisors), computer architecture (e.g., tagged architectures), peripheral hardware (e.g., custom device drivers, FPGA hardware, bus protocols), compiler extensions (e.g., LLVM passes, custom backends) and/or program analysis (e.g., fuzzer implementation, symbolic execution). Awareness of peripheral domains such as cryptography, formal methods and reverse engineering will enable better collaboration across the Secure and Resilient Systems group.
Successful candidates for this role will have the deep technical and big-picture skills necessary to both decompose big problems and communicate effectively with both technical and less-technical stakeholders and contributors. If you can see a forest made of weeds, if you know how to eat an elephant (hint: one bite at a time), or if you can explain virtual memory to your grandmother... you may have the right skills to join Riverside Research's Secure and Resilient Systems group.
Responsibilities
  • Help design and implement innovative solutions to customer problems related to systems software security
  • Prototype and evaluate features within large system software projects (e.g., Linux, Xen, QEMU, etc.)
  • Build new tools features, and/or capabilities in languages like C/C++, Python, Rust, Assembly, etc.
  • Contribute to whitepapers and/or published papers that document innovative work performed.
  • Document and communicate design decisions, technical challenges, and progress to technical and less-technical internal and external stakeholders
  • Collaborate with team members on debugging programs, pair programming, reviewing papers/proposals, etc.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Thesis-based MS degree with 3+ years experience or PhD degree. Equivalent work experience in systems research may substitute. Degree is preferred in related technical field, such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or cybersecurity.
  • Strong systems software development fundamentals, including proficiency with C/C++, Assembly (1 or more architecture), and Python. Knowledge of principles in computer architecture, operating systems, and compilers.
  • Strong software development fundamentals such as source code version control, documentation, debugging, toolchains, build systems, etc
  • Experience working inside a large project (e.g., submitting PRs, interacting with open-source communities and mailing lists, git branches/merges/rebasing, tiered build systems, etc)
  • Strong grasp on the research process (e.g., reading & writing academic papers, ideation for inventing solutions to hard problems)
  • Superior written and verbal communications skills
  • Must be eligible to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Bonus/Desired:
  • Healthy balance between technical orientation and business acumen
  • Ability to operate independently with limited supervision and feedback, and establish a solid working relationship with technical staff and business leaders in the group and across Riverside Research
  • Experience with both defensive and offensive cyber tools
  • Familiarity with seL4, Rust, LLVM, AFL++, or other cutting-edge system software languages and tools
  • Existing/prior security clearance

Global Comp
$95,000 - $200,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Closing Statement
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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