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Contract Research Associate Jobs in Groton, MA (NOW HIRING)

Adecco

Research Associate I

Waltham, MA

$44.39/hr

Contract Job Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Molecular Biology ... Learn new techniques and workflows quickly and contribute effectively in a fast-paced research ...

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Contract Research Associate information

See Groton, MA salary details

$17

$35

$51

How much do contract research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract research associate in Groton, MA is $35.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.70 and $40.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract research associate?

A Contract Research Associate (CRA) is a professional who is typically hired on a contractual basis to support and manage clinical trials or research projects. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring research sites, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations, collecting and verifying data, and maintaining proper documentation. CRAs play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and safety of clinical studies, often working for pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or academic institutions. The contract nature of the role means that assignments are usually project-based and may vary in duration and scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract research associate?

To thrive as a Contract Research Associate, you need a solid background in life sciences or a related field, attention to detail, and experience with clinical research processes. Familiarity with regulatory systems like FDA guidelines, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), data management tools, and electronic data capture (EDC) systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently or in teams help set candidates apart. These competencies ensure that clinical trials are conducted accurately, compliantly, and efficiently, supporting successful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract research associates when managing multiple studies simultaneously?

Contract Research Associates often juggle several clinical trials at once, which can pose challenges in time management and prioritization. Balancing the requirements of different sponsors, adhering to varying protocols, and ensuring accurate documentation for each study demand strong organizational skills. Additionally, staying up to date with regulatory changes and effective communication with site staff are crucial to avoid delays and ensure compliance. Developing efficient workflows and leveraging project management tools can help address these challenges.

What is the difference between Contract Research Associate vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectContract Research AssociateClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often in life sciences; certifications like CCRP beneficialBachelor's degree in health sciences or related field; certifications like CCRP or CCRC advantageous
Work EnvironmentTypically in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, contract research organizations (CROs)Usually in hospitals, clinics, or research sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsHospitals, academic medical centers, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles support clinical trials, a Contract Research Associate primarily works for pharmaceutical or biotech companies managing trial processes remotely or at sites, often on a contractual basis. A Clinical Research Coordinator typically works directly at research sites, coordinating patient visits and data collection. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their work environments and employer types differ.

What cities near Groton, MA are hiring for Contract Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Groton, MA with the most Contract Research Associate job openings:

Contract Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Research Associate job openings in Groton, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,128 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Research Associate - Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Worcester, MA • On-site

$40K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate will perform research experiments as defined by the PI.

This is an open-rank posting (there are 4 levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.

The Zhou lab focuses on intestinal immunology and host-microbiome interactions. The RA will receive hands-on training in immunological techniques and preclinical mouse models and will be offered authorship credit on resulting publications, if applicable.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Research Associate I:

  • Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project.
  • Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used.
  • Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps under the direction of the PI or designee.
  • Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee.
  • Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects.
  • Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol
  • Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
  • Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice.
  • Present findings at lab/group meetings
  • Monitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
  • Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
  • Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards.
  • Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
  • Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements.
  • Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
  • Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
  • Perform other duties as required.

 

Research Associate II:

Duties noted above plus:

  • May assist with the training of new lab personnel.
  • Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
  • May assist with drafting manuscript sessions.

 

Research Associate III:

Duties noted above plus:

  • Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects.
  • Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
  • Compile and analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications.
  • May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as needed; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources.
  • Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
  • May manage general operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
  • May create new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI.
  • Prioritize and perform several tasks or procedures simultaneously with attention to detail.
  • Perform duties and experiments with independence.
  • Provide training of new lab personnel.
  • May monitor laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
  • May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding.

Research Associate IV:

Duties noted above plus:

  • This position will contribute significantly to the management of the research program and will be involved in multiple aspects of the research projects and lab maintenance activities.
  • Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments.
  • Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence.
  • Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
  • Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment.
  • Monitor and enforce all safety regulations and infection control standards.
  • Identify and write standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
  • Train on IACUC, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
  • Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
  • Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
  • Develop and implement new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI
  • Mentor and train lab personnel on proper lab conduct and techniques.
  • Manage laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
  • Assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals.
  • Negotiate with vendors to optimize available resources.
  • Contribute independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants.
  • Direct the activities of research support staff.
  • Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Research Associate I

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience
  • Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
  • Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.

 

Research Associate II

  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 0 years with a related Master’s Degree.

Research Associate III

  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Master’s Degree

Research Associate IV

  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Master’s degree.

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