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Research Assistant Position Jobs in Worcester, MA

JOB TITLE Research Assistant LOCATION Worcester DEPARTMENT NAME Mechanical & Materials Engineering ... This position is supported through external funding. Project 1: Droplet Dynamics This project ...

... the Research Assistant is responsible for performing delegated tasks in support of research ... This position is eligible for remote work. ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE * Previous experience ...

New

... the Research Assistant is responsible for performing delegated tasks in support of research ... This position is eligible for remote work. ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE * Previous experience ...

New

To view all open staff positions, click here. OverviewUnder the supervision of the Principal Investigator or designee, the Research Assistant is responsible for performing delegated tasks in support ...

New

... position, Monday-Friday. Ability to travel within then US up to 20%, as needed. Positive candidate must possess the following: Experience as a study coordinator or research assistant for 1-2 years in ...

... position, Monday-Friday. Ability to travel within then US up to 20%, as needed. Positive candidate must possess the following: Experience as a study coordinator or research assistant for 1-2 years in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Assistant Position information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$8

$21

$31

How much do research assistant position jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant position in Worcester, MA is $21.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $25.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Assistant Position vs Research Associate?

AspectResearch Assistant PositionResearch Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; some roles may need a master'sMaster's or Ph.D. often preferred; more specialized experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, healthcare settingsResearch labs, universities, industry R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, non-profitsUniversities, private companies, biotech firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research rolesViewed as a more advanced research position

The Research Assistant Position typically involves supporting research activities under supervision, requiring a bachelor's degree. In contrast, a Research Associate usually has more experience or advanced degrees, taking on more independent responsibilities. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but the Research Associate position generally demands a higher level of expertise and specialization.

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Research Assistant Position jobs? Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Research Assistant Position job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Assistant Position job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,472 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

$21/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE

Research Assistant

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Mechanical & Materials Engineering - JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Multiple PhD Research Assistant positions are available in the Multiscale Thermal Fluids Laboratory (MTFL) within the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). These are immediate openings, and priority will be given to applicants who can begin the program right away.
Compensation: $21/hourly. This position is supported through external funding.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Project 1: Droplet Dynamics

This project involves the experimental study of sessile droplet behavior in shear gas flows, using high-speed imaging and image processing techniques.

Project 2: Energy Analysis of Commercial Buildings

This project focuses on the energy performance analysis of commercial buildings in the region, with the broader goal of promoting clean energy systems.

Both projects fall under the overarching theme of clean energy research.

The Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department at WPI enrolls approximately 1,000 undergraduate and 200 graduate students. WPI is located in Worcester, MA, a dynamic and growing city just one hour from Boston.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Project 1: Applicants must hold a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Chemical Engineering, with experience in experimental fluid dynamics and image processing.

  • Project 2: Applicants must hold a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Architectural Engineering.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should include the following documents: Contact Dr. Mehdi Mortazavi (mmortazavi@wpi.edu) for any inquires:

  • Complete resume (PDF format)

  • BS and MS transcripts

  • GRE and TOEFL scores (for international applicants)

  • Names and email addresses of three references

Additional Information:

Details about Dr. Mortazavi's research can be found at:https://wp.wpi.edu/mtfl/

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status,or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.