1

Research Associate Project Manager Jobs in Sturbridge, MA

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Associate Project Manager information

See Sturbridge, MA salary details

$17

$40

$61

How much do research associate project manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate project manager in Sturbridge, MA is $40.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.87 and $46.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Associate Project Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Associate Project ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field, PMP or project management certifications often preferredMaster's or PhD in a scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentProject teams, labs, research facilities, collaborative settingsLaboratories, research institutions, academic or industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch organizations, biotech, pharma, academiaUniversities, research institutes, R&D departments
Primary FocusManaging research projects, coordinating teams, ensuring project milestonesConducting scientific research, experiments, data analysis

The Research Associate Project Manager primarily focuses on managing research projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring project milestones are met. In contrast, a Research Scientist concentrates on conducting scientific experiments and analyzing data. While both roles require a strong scientific background, the project manager role emphasizes leadership and organization within research settings.

What is a research associate project manager?

Research Associate Project Managers are professionals who oversee and coordinate research projects within organizations such as universities, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutes. They are responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring the progress of research studies, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specified protocols. Their duties often include managing project timelines, coordinating team members, communicating with stakeholders, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. They play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research objectives and operational execution, ensuring successful project outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Research Associate Project Manager, you need a solid background in research methodologies, project management principles, and often an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Asana), statistical analysis tools, and experience with regulatory compliance are typically required. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills help manage timelines, coordinate teams, and ensure stakeholder alignment. These skills are essential for successfully delivering complex research projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

How does a research associate project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a research project?

A Research Associate Project Manager plays a central role in coordinating cross-functional teams, such as scientists, data analysts, regulatory specialists, and external vendors. They facilitate regular meetings, manage timelines, and ensure all stakeholders are aligned with project goals and deliverables. Communication and organization are key, as the role requires translating technical requirements between departments and resolving issues as they arise. By fostering collaboration and maintaining clear documentation, the Research Associate Project Manager helps keep complex projects on track and within scope.

What cities near Sturbridge, MA are hiring for Research Associate Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Sturbridge, MA with the most Research Associate Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Associate Project Manager job openings in Sturbridge, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,400 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Research Associate - Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Worcester, MA โ€ข On-site

$40K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 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

  • Bachelorโ€™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 Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 0 years with a related Masterโ€™s Degree.

Research Associate III

  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Masterโ€™s Degree

Research Associate IV

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