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Medical Research Associate Jobs in Massachusetts

Stratevi

Research Associate

Boston, MA

$75K/yr

We are a boutique firm that partners with biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device ... Research Associates work across the HEOR and Market Access teams, supporting team members ...

Stratevi

Senior Research Associate

Boston, MA

$95K/yr

We are a boutique firm that partners with biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device ... This Senior Research Associate role may work across the HEOR team, supporting our RWE and/or Health ...

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Medical Research Associate information

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$41K

$58.2K

$63.9K

How much do medical research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical research associate in Massachusetts is $58,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $63,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical research associate?

Medical Research Associates are professionals who assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of clinical trials and medical research studies. They ensure that studies comply with regulatory guidelines and ethical standards, collect and analyze data, and help prepare reports for publication. Their work is essential in advancing medical knowledge and supporting the development of new treatments and therapies.

What are some common challenges faced by medical research associates when coordinating clinical trials?

Medical Research Associates often encounter challenges such as managing tight timelines, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory guidelines, and maintaining clear communication among diverse teams. Coordinating with investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Additionally, balancing multiple studies simultaneously can be demanding, making effective time management and attention to detail essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical research associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Research Associate, you need a strong background in life sciences, data analysis, and clinical research methods, often supported by a relevant degree such as biology or pharmacology. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, and statistical analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration in conducting and managing clinical studies.

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

AspectMedical Research AssociateClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field; certifications like CCRP are commonBachelor’s degree in health sciences, nursing, or related; often holds certifications like CCRP or CCRC
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutionsHospitals, clinics, research sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic research centersHospitals, clinical trial sites, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonMedical Research Associate vs Clinical Research Coordinator

Both roles involve coordinating and supporting clinical research, but Medical Research Associates typically focus on data collection, analysis, and supporting laboratory work, while Clinical Research Coordinators manage patient recruitment, scheduling, and regulatory compliance at research sites. The roles often overlap, but their primary responsibilities and work environments differ slightly.

Do I need a PhD to be a medical research associate?

A medical research associate typically does not need a PhD; a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences is usually sufficient. Relevant skills include attention to detail, data management, and familiarity with clinical trial protocols, and some positions may require certification or training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Research jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Medical Research jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Medical Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Medical Research Associate job openings:

Medical Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Research Associate job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,239 per year, or $28 per hour.

Research Associate - Open Rank

Worcester, MA • On-site

University of Massachusetts Medical School
Education • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Massachusetts Medical Schoolexternal

$40K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview
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 Keeler lab is in the department of genetic and cellular therapy and research focuses characterizing and modulating immune responses to gene therapy. Further we are developing potent CAR Treg based therapies for neurological and hepatic disorders and assessing immune response to gene editing based therapeutics delivered as AAV or LNPs.
The ideal candidate for this position would have a background in gene editing, immunology, virology, or biochemistry, an interest in a career in medical sciences, and experience working in a previous laboratory setting as well as animal handling experience or willingness to learn. Experimental day-to-day work will include working with animals and human samples, molecular cloning, and generation of LNPs and CAR Tregs.
This position is 100% grant funded position and employment will be subjected to funding availability.
Responsibilities
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.

Qualifications
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.

Additional Information
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