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Research Trainee Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant I

Boston, MA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Trainees and staff in the department benefit from a vibrant scientific environment that includes ... The Research Assistant will maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records, contribute to the ...

Trainees and staff in the department benefit from a vibrant scientific environment that includes ... The Research Assistant will maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records, contribute to the ...

Coordination and collaboration within interdisciplinary research teams - teams that combine ... trainees. Additional Information * Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire ...

Research Assistant II

Boston, MA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Coordination and collaboration within interdisciplinary research teams - teams that combine ... trainees. Additional Information * Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire ...

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Research Trainee information

See Boston, MA salary details

$10

$23

$55

How much do research trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for research trainee in Boston, MA is $23.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.61 and $26.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research trainee?

Research trainees are individuals, often students or early-career professionals, who work under the guidance of experienced researchers to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in conducting scientific or academic research. They assist with various aspects of research projects, such as data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and laboratory work. The goal is to provide practical training that prepares them for future independent research roles or advanced studies. Research traineeships are common in universities, research institutions, and some industries.

What are some common challenges research trainees face when transitioning from academic coursework to hands-on research projects?

Research Trainees often find the shift from structured academic learning to independent, hands-on research challenging. They may need to quickly learn new laboratory techniques, adapt to working with complex equipment, and manage their time between experiments, data analysis, and reporting results. Additionally, collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team and handling constructive feedback from supervisors can be demanding but are valuable for professional growth. Support from mentors and clear communication with team members can help trainees navigate these challenges successfully.

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

To thrive as a Research Trainee, you need a solid foundation in research methods, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, often supported by a relevant degree or ongoing enrollment in an academic program. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and literature databases is typically required. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative and independent research settings. These competencies ensure that research is conducted accurately and efficiently, contributing to credible and impactful results.

What is the difference between Research Trainee vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch TraineeResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of a relevant degree programUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, research centers, academic institutionsLaboratories, universities, research projects
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, healthcare organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles, training positionsClarifying responsibilities of research support roles

Research Trainee positions are often entry-level roles for students or recent graduates gaining research experience, while Research Assistants typically hold a degree and support ongoing research projects. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but the Research Trainee is more focused on training and learning, whereas the Research Assistant has more defined responsibilities.

What jobs can I do if I like research?

If you like research, you can pursue roles such as research assistant, research analyst, data analyst, or laboratory technician. These jobs typically require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with research methods and tools like statistical software or laboratory equipment.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Research Trainee job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,887 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Research Technician - Cellular Immunotherapy

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, MA

$47K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Contribute to progressing research projects using molecular, cell biology, and biochemical methods.

  • Design, perform, and analyze experiments, document results, and present findings.

  • Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and work areas, and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures.


Dana-Farber Cancer Institute rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Opportunity to join a lab team developing the next generation of cellular immunotherapies. We are looking for an exceptionally motivated individual with past mammalian cell culture lab experience to join our team in the lab of Dr. Eric Smith, Director of Translational Research, Immune Effector Cell Therapies at Dana Farber.
The group is focused on CAR T cell immunotherapy for cancer, taking projects from conception, transgene design, genetic engineering, through reduction to
practice, in vitro and in vivo studies, and ultimately translation to the clinic. You will have opportunity to learn and execute molecular, cell biology and in vivo methods.
Dr. Smith is deeply committed to the success of each trainee that joins the lab. He believes that mentorship should be intentional, thought out, and personalized for each member of the group. He dedicates time to meet trainees' individual needs for scientific growth and pursuit of their career goals.
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world-renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allied in the common mission of conquering cancer.
Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to all patients; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow’s physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
 

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, candidate with a tremendous work ethic. The position requires great planning and organizational skills, the ability to work well with others as part of a cohesive team. Initiative and creativity in problem solving are a must.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree OR Master’s Degree.
  • Wet lab research in a full-time academic research lab or biotech/pharma experience required.
  • Highly organized.
  • Learns and uses technical principles, processes, and concepts.
  • Follows standard practices and procedures
  • Builds stable working relationships, able to work with a wide range of faculty and staff.
  • Exceptionally self-motivated and reliable.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Outstanding planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
  • Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.

This full-time bench science position will include project-specific and general lab duties as outlined below.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute substantially toward progressing research projects using molecular, cell biology and biochemical methods.
  • Design and perform experiments both individually and collaboratively.
  • Maintains detailed electronic notebook, carefully documents samples, methods and observations.
  • Analyze experimental data and interpret results. Write reports and summaries of findings. Participate in formal and informal presentations of results.
  • Development, improvement and adherence to standard operating procedures.
  • Proactive and reliable stewardship of the laboratory.
  • Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
  • Maintain, clean and prepare supplies and work areas.
  • Examination of mice and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other health concern.
  • Participate in grant applications and manuscript preparation as required.
  • Intellectual commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and actively participate in lab meetings, journal club and research seminars.
  • Intellectual input and co-authorship are encouraged.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

EEO Poster.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$47,500.00 - $51,300.00

What Dana-Farber Cancer Institute employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Dana-Farber Cancer Institute logo

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1947