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Human Performance Research Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Our products power peak mental, physical, and emotional performance by transforming every night of ... What you need to succeed * 1+ years experience running human factors research, user testing or in ...

Showing results 21-40

Human Performance Research information

See Boston, MA salary details

$28.8K

$48.1K

$65.2K

How much do human performance research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for human performance research in Boston, MA is $48,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $52,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a human performance researcher, and why are they important?

To excel as a Human Performance Researcher, you need a strong background in physiology, psychology, data analysis, and research methodology, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or R), laboratory equipment, and research ethics certifications is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help researchers design effective studies and clearly share findings. These competencies are vital for producing reliable research that advances understanding and practical applications in optimizing human performance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in human performance research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Human Performance Research often encounter challenges such as ensuring accurate data collection in dynamic environments, integrating interdisciplinary knowledge, and maintaining ethical standards when working with human subjects. Addressing these challenges typically involves using robust research methodologies, collaborating closely with experts in biomechanics, physiology, and psychology, and adhering strictly to ethical protocols. Staying current with technological advancements and fostering clear communication within research teams also contribute to overcoming these hurdles and producing reliable results.

What is the difference between Human Performance Research vs Human Factors Specialist?

AspectHuman Performance ResearchHuman Factors Specialist
Required CredentialsDegree in psychology, ergonomics, or related field; research experienceDegree in human factors, ergonomics, or psychology; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, corporate R&DDesign firms, healthcare, aviation, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research institutions, industry R&DIndustry application, product design, safety analysis
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in human performanceApplying human factors principles in practical settings

Human Performance Research focuses on studying and analyzing how humans perform tasks, often within academic or research settings. Human Factors Specialists apply these insights to improve system design, safety, and usability in real-world environments. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and objectives differ, with research emphasizing understanding performance and human factors focusing on practical application.

What is human performance research?

Human performance research is the scientific study of how people perform tasks, both mentally and physically, in various environments. This field examines factors such as cognitive abilities, physical capabilities, ergonomics, motivation, and the impact of technology or environment on performance. The goal is often to optimize efficiency, safety, and well-being in workplaces, sports, military, or everyday activities. Researchers in this area use experimental methods, data analysis, and sometimes simulations to understand and improve how humans interact with systems and tasks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Human Performance Research jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Human Performance Research jobs in Boston, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Human Performance Research jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Human Performance Research jobs in Boston, MA are:
Infographic showing various Human Performance Research job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,068 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Internship - Human-Robot Interaction

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories

Cambridge, MA

Full-time, Internship

Medical

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified intern to conduct research on human-robot interaction. There are several research topics of interest, including foundation models, shared autonomy, object handovers, learning from feedback, and safety in close proximity. Applicants must be Ph.D. students with strong backgrounds in robot learning or computer vision. The selected intern will collaborate closely with MERL researchers to design and implement novel algorithms, conduct experiments, and disseminate research findings through a top-tier conference. The start date and duration are flexible, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply with an updated CV and a list of relevant publications.

Required Specific Experience

  • Demonstrated experience in human-robot interaction, robot learning, or vision-language models
  • Experience with ROS2, Python, and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch
  • Current enrollment in a Ph.D. program
  • A strong publication record or demonstrated research potential

The pay range for this internship position will be 6-8K per month.


Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc. "MERL" provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERL’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items, which might include without limitation, obtaining an export license or other documentation. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems, as MERL deems appropriate, to ensure practical compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.

In addition to base pay, interns receive a relocation stipend, covered travel to and from MERL, and a monthly Charlie Card for local commuting. Interns are invited to participate in weekly social gatherings and professional development opportunities, including research talks by both internal and external speakers. Interns who meet the 90-day waiting period are also eligible for health insurance coverage. MERL provides immigration support for qualified candidates as needed. Employment is considered “at-will,” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, departmental or Company performance, and market conditions.