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Research Associate Jobs in Natick, MA (NOW HIRING)

Harvard University

OpenDP Research Associate

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$68K - $95K/yr

Position Details Title OpenDP Research Associate School Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Department/Area OpenDP Position Description The OpenDP Project at Harvard ...

QUANTERIX CORP

Research Associate

Billerica, MA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Research Associate, IVD development Billerica, MA Quanterix is revolutionizing biomarker analysis to advance precision health, leveraging Simoa technology for ultra-sensitive protein detection. This ...

Quanterix

Research Associate

Billerica, MA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Research Associate, IVD development Billerica, MA Quanterix is revolutionizing biomarker analysis to advance precision health, leveraging Simoa technology for ultra-sensitive protein detection. This ...

NorthEastern

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Boston, MA

$59K - $83K/yr

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work on projects that informs the design and evaluation of culturally responsive communication interventions to advance the health and well-being of health ...

Stratevi

Senior Research Associate

Boston, MA

$95K/yr

Stratevi Job Opening Senior Research Associate Who We Are As the name 'Stratevi' suggests, we seamlessly combine Strategy and Evidence. We are a boutique firm that partners with biotechnology ...

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How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Natick, MA is $33.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research associate?

Research Associates are professionals who support research projects in academic, scientific, or business settings. They assist with designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators or senior researchers, contributing their expertise to advance the goals of the project. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the field, but typically involve both administrative and hands-on research tasks.

What does a research associate do?

As a research associate, you conduct research and analysis as directed by a senior researcher or project manager. Researchers work in a number of fields, including medical science, the social sciences, natural sciences, finance, management, and academia. Your specific duties and responsibilities differ depending on the field in which you work, but some features of your work are similar across industries. You typically do primary and secondary source research, organize and process data, analyze said data, and report on your findings to lead researchers or clinicians.

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

To thrive as a Research Associate, you need a strong background in research methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and research databases is often essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication skills set outstanding Research Associates apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and the production of reliable, impactful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a research associate might face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

As a Research Associate, juggling multiple projects often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. You might encounter challenges such as balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and adapting to shifting project goals or data requirements. Effective communication and proactive time management are essential to ensure each project progresses smoothly and meets its milestones. Many teams use project management tools and regular check-ins to help mitigate these challenges and support collaboration.

What is the difference between Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, research institutions, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, non-profitAcademic, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their educational requirements and level of experience. Research Associates typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and assist in research projects, while Research Scientists usually have a PhD and lead research efforts. Both roles work in similar environments like labs and research institutions, but Research Scientists often have more independence and responsibility.

What qualifications do you need to be a research associate?

Research associates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools, and experience in data collection and analysis.
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Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Natick, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,877 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

OpenDP Research Associate

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$68K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position
Details
Title
OpenDP Research Associate
School
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Department/Area
OpenDP
Position Description
The OpenDP Project at Harvard University seeks to hire a Research Associate to work with faculty directors Gary King and Salil Vadhan and the OpenDP Community to formulate and advance the scientific goals of OpenDP and solve research problems that are needed for its success. OpenDP is a community effort to build trustworthy, open-source software tools for statistical analysis of sensitive private data, offering the rigorous protections of differential privacy for individuals who may be represented in confidential data and statistically valid methods of analysis for researchers who study the data.
Key responsibilities include working with the OpenDP team, our collaborators and community members on applying differential privacy in building software tools for data science problems, writing grant applications for fundraising and outreach, and serving as the scientific point of contact and fulcrum with use case partners and DP subject matter experts.
It is expected that the Research Associate will regularly write and publish research papers related to their work with OpenDP. Up to 20% of their time can be spent on their own independent research projects, a percentage that can be increased if funding is raised to support such work.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates are required to have a PhD and at least three years of postdoctoral experience.
Additional Qualifications
Candidates should have familiarity with differential privacy and one or both of the following:
  • Experience with implementing software for data science, privacy, and/or security, and an interest in contributing to the development of the OpenDP codebase.
  • Experience with applied statistics, and an interest in working with domain scientists to apply OpenDP software to data-sharing problems in their field.

Special Instructions
Required application materials include a cover letter; an updated curriculum vitae; a two-to-four page statement on research and applications discussing both past accomplishments and current and future areas of interest; links to at most three research papers or software products. Please submit the names and contact information for three references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting January 15, 2026, until the position is filled, so candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Contact Information
Salil Vadhan
Office 3.327
Harvard Science and Engineering Complex
150 Western Ave
Boston, MA 02134
Contact Email
info@opendp.org
Salary Range
$68,821 - $95,000
Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as rank, years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field. There is an expectation that the selected candidate will work with the OpenDP team to raise funding for future support.
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
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