ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA

NorthEastern

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Boston, MA

$60K - $85K/yr

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will assist the supervisor in the interpretation and publication of results and grants. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will maintain the laboratory research ...

Bioethics.net

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Boston, MA · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (ELSI) Please submit your CV, cover letter, and 2 writing samples to ... Oversee study operations and assist with coordinating all study activities between the lab and ...

New

NorthEastern

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Major Responsibilities * Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research and experiments ... Seeking Postdoc to lead fMRI data analyses related to aging, LocusCoeruleus and cognition We seek ...

The website

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$60.31 - $85.19/hr

## Postdoctoral Research AssociateApplylocations: Boston, MA (Main Campus)time type: Full timeposted ... Manage research data and software.* Assist in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPostdoctoral Research JobsPostdoctoral Research Assistant JobsPostdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA

Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Boston, MA salary details

$46.2K

$93.4K

$126.6K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Boston, MA is $93,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral research assistant?

A Postdoctoral Research Assistant is a researcher who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD) and is engaged in further academic or scientific research. Their primary role is to conduct independent or collaborative research projects, often under the supervision of senior academics or principal investigators. Postdoctoral Research Assistants contribute to publications, grant writing, and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students. This position is typically temporary and is designed to provide additional training and experience before transitioning to more permanent academic or research roles.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, you need a PhD in a relevant field, strong analytical and experimental skills, and a solid record of academic research. Familiarity with domain-specific laboratory techniques, data analysis software like MATLAB or R, and experience with academic publishing are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively help you stand out. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, disseminating findings, and contributing effectively to scientific teams.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral research assistants when transitioning to independent research roles?

One common challenge for Postdoctoral Research Assistants is balancing the demands of supporting their supervisor's projects while developing their own independent research ideas. Navigating grant applications, building a publication record, and establishing professional networks can also be daunting. Additionally, adapting to new institutional cultures and expectations, especially when moving between universities or countries, requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating with colleagues can help ease this transition and set the stage for a successful independent research career.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Assistant vs Research Fellow?

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssistantResearch Fellow
Required credentialsPhD or equivalentPhD or equivalent, often with additional experience
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, academic settingsResearch projects, academic institutions, sometimes independent
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutesUniversities, research organizations, sometimes industry
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesAdvanced research roles, independent research

The main difference between a Postdoctoral Research Assistant and a Research Fellow lies in experience level and independence. Postdoctoral Research Assistants typically work under supervision on specific projects, while Research Fellows often have more independence and may lead their own research. Both roles require a PhD and are common in academic and research settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings:

Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,382 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Northeastern University

Boston, MA • On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity
JOB SUMMARY
The Blazek group performs research in cosmology, including both theoretical, observational, and numerical methods. We are involved in analysis of DES data and preparations for the Rubin Observatory and Roman Space Telescope.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will perform basic or applied research of a limited scope, primarily using existing theories and methods. Individuals should have the ability and desire to innovate when these are insufficient. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will assist the supervisor in the interpretation and publication of results and grants. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will maintain the laboratory research team and may exercise functional supervision over supporting research staff. Primary responsibility is ensuring that the research is complete.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ph.D. or equivalent required in Physics or Astronomy.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, attention to details, as well as training in research methodology and quantitative data analysis are essential to the successful candidate.
  • Experience in writing proposals and project management experience are pluses.
  • Ability to communicate and coordinate with multiple senior researchers from different fields.
  • Ability to undertake substantially full-time research or scholarship; work under the supervision of a senior scholar.

Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$60,315.00 - $85,192.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Apply