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Research & Development Scientist Jobs in Boston, MA

Predicta Biosciences

R&D Scientist

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building best practices within the R&D organization * Support technology transfer from R&D into product development and clinical operations as needed ...

Predicta Biosciences

R&D Scientist

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building best practices within the R&D organization * Support technology transfer from R&D into product development and clinical operations as needed ...

King & Prince Seafood

Senior R&D Scientist

Gloucester, MA · On-site

$90K - $112K/yr

The Senior R&D Scientist independently leads projects, drives innovation initiatives, contributes to the development of organizational capabilities and ways of working, and mentors junior team ...

Qnity

R&D Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Position Summary Qnity is seeking an R&D Scientist to join our Advanced Circuits & Packaging (ACP) team in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The ACP organization develops innovative materials and ...

Qnity Electronics, Inc.

R&D Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Position Summary Qnity is seeking an R&D Scientist to join our Advanced Circuits & Packaging (ACP) team in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The ACP organization develops innovative materials and ...

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All JobsResearch & Development Scientist JobsResearch & Development Scientist Jobs in Boston, MA

Research Development Scientist information

See Boston, MA salary details

$54.9K

$141.4K

$189K

How much do research & development scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for research & development scientist in Boston, MA is $141,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,800.00 and $187,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Research & Development Scientist do?

A Research & Development (R&D) Scientist is responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments to develop new products or improve existing ones. They work in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, technology, food, and chemicals, to innovate and solve complex problems. Their role involves staying updated on scientific advancements, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring that new developments meet industry standards and regulations. R&D Scientists play a crucial part in driving technological progress and maintaining a company's competitive edge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research & Development Scientist?

To thrive as a Research & Development Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific research, data analysis, and experimental design, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software, and compliance with regulatory standards (such as GLP or GMP) is often required. Critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for generating innovative solutions and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving scientific advancements and successfully bringing new products or processes to market.

What are some common challenges faced by Research & Development Scientists during the product development process?

Research & Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative ideas with practical constraints like budget, time, and regulatory requirements. They may need to troubleshoot unexpected technical issues or adapt to changing project goals. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as engineering, marketing, and quality assurance, is crucial to ensure the feasibility and market readiness of new products. Effective communication and adaptability are key to navigating these challenges and achieving successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Research & Development Scientist vs Quality Control Analyst?

AspectResearch & Development ScientistQuality Control Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Science or EngineeringBachelor's in Science or related field, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, product development teamsLaboratories, quality assurance labs, manufacturing facilities
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical, biotech, consumer goods, tech companiesManufacturing, pharmaceutical, food & beverage industries
Primary FocusDeveloping new products, improving formulations, innovationEnsuring product quality, testing, compliance, and standards

Research & Development Scientists focus on creating and improving products through experimentation and innovation, while Quality Control Analysts ensure products meet quality standards through testing and inspection. Both roles are essential in product development and manufacturing industries, often working closely but with distinct responsibilities.

Are research & development scientists paid well?

Research & development scientists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, industry, and location. They often receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and salaries tend to increase with specialized skills and advanced degrees like a master's or Ph.D.

What degree do you need for research and development scientist?

A research and development scientist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as chemistry, biology, engineering, or a related science. Many roles prefer or require a master's or doctoral degree for advanced research positions. Strong analytical skills and experience with laboratory tools are also important.

What are popular job titles related to Research & Development Scientist jobs in Boston, MA?

For Research & Development Scientist jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research & Development Scientist jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research & Development Scientist jobs in Boston, MA are:

Research Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research & Development Scientist job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,359 per year, or $68 per hour.

R&D Scientist

Predicta Biosciences

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Predicta is building a molecular insights platform for blood cancer care. From a single blood sample, we generate longitudinal genomic and immune insights that help clinicians and researchers better understand disease biology, guide treatment decisions, and monitor disease evolution over time.
We are seeking a highly motivated R&D Scientist who will lead assay development efforts spanning flow cytometry and NGS technologies, including whole genome sequencing and single-cell RNA-seq. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background in immunology, cell biology, and genomics, with experience developing highly robust and reproducible assays deployed in clinical or research settings. This individual will play a key role in developing assays for the characterization of tumor and immune cells, from multi-color flow cytometry immunophenotyping and FACS-based sorting through to downstream NGS library preparation and sequencing, translating early research concepts into clinical assays.
This laboratory-based scientist should be passionate about developing cutting-edge cytometry and genomic assays and will work closely with an inter-disciplinary and cross-functional team of other laboratory-based scientists and computational biologists, focused on improving blood-based cancer diagnostic capabilities in areas including cancer detection, measurable residual disease, and other related applications.
Key responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and optimize molecular assays spanning flow cytometry and NGS for tumor cell and immune characterization
  • Lead multi-color and spectral flow cytometry panel design (10-30+ colors), fluorophore selection, antibody titration, and FACS-based cell sorting
  • Contribute to development and optimization of NGS workflows, including library preparation, sample processing, and quality control
  • Develop and optimize sample processing workflows (whole blood, bone marrow, PBMC isolation) that feed both flow cytometry and NGS/single-cell pipelines
  • Use FACS to identify rare cell populations for downstream single-cell RNA-seq and other NGS applications
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies, reagents, and platforms spanning cytometry (e.g., spectral flow) and sequencing to improve assay performance, robustness, and scalability
  • Establish and maintain QC metrics, instrument standardization, and assay validation practices across both cytometry and sequencing workflows
  • Plan and execute experiments independently, analyze data (FlowJo for flow; and standard NGS QC pipelines), and clearly communicate results to internal stakeholders
  • Collaborate closely with the R&D and computational biology teams to ensure seamless integration of wet-lab and analytical workflows across modalities
  • Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and technical reports suitable for regulated environments
  • Maintain meticulous, reproducible records and contribute to shared protocols
  • Follow, document, and adapt experimental protocols with care and precision
  • Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building best practices within the R&D organization
  • Support technology transfer from R&D into product development and clinical operations as needed

Requirements
  • PhD (or BS/MSc with significant industry experience) in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, bioengineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience spanning flow cytometry/immunophenotyping and molecular biology assay development, preferably in a cutting-edge research/R&D environment
  • Deep expertise in multi-parameter and spectral flow cytometry, including panel design, instrument operation and FACS-based cell sorting
  • Deep expertise in NGS technologies, including library prep, sequencing platforms, and workflow optimization; experience with single-cell RNA-seq or related single-cell technologies (scWGS, scATAC-seq, scMultiomics) is a strong plus
  • Strong understanding of immune cell subsets and immunophenotyping, particularly in the context of hematologic malignancies
  • Hands-on experience with compensation, fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls, and gating strategy development
  • Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation skills
  • Demonstrated success working in cross-functional, fast-moving research or startup environments and collaborating with computational scientists
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to handle several fast-paced projects concurrently
  • Demonstrated curiosity and scientific rigor with excellent problem-solving skills
  • Ability to engage in crucial conversations - providing and receiving feedback

Preferred qualifications
  • Hands-on experience linking flow cytometry-sorted populations directly into NGS or single-cell library preparation workflows
  • Experience developing assays intended for clinical or regulated use (e.g., CLIA, CAP, or FDA-regulated environments)
  • Familiarity with computational methods and software for analysis of flow cytometry and/or NGS data, especially for quality control
  • Prior experience bringing assays from early research through to product development
  • Experience with automation of cell and molecular biology assays, especially sample extraction, cell staining/sorting, and NGS library preparation
  • Background in immunology, immuno-oncology, or immune-mediated diseases

Work Location
  • This role is based in Cambridge, MA and is a full time in-office role. Travel may be required in the future.

Why Join Predicta Biosciences?
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team advancing precision diagnostics for hematologic cancers. You'll play a key role in shaping the quality and performance of our clinical testing efforts and contribute directly to patient-impactful innovations.
The annual salary range for this position is $120,000 - $180,000 plus a 10% bonus opportunity. Predicta considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, skills, education, qualifications, and geographic location. Actual compensation will vary, and it is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role. Additional rewards include equity, flexible time off, 401k Plan, medical, dental and vision plans that are 90% paid by Predicta and a partially company-funded HSA.

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