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Trainee Research Associate Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Trainee Research Associate information

See Boston, MA salary details

$27.2K

$56.9K

$98.3K

How much do trainee research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee research associate in Boston, MA is $56,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $64,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Research Associate, you generally need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant scientific or technical field and a solid understanding of research methodologies. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and compliance with research protocols is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills distinguish top candidates. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate data collection, effective teamwork, and meaningful contributions to research projects.

What are some typical challenges trainee research associates face when transitioning from academic study to professional research environments?

Trainee Research Associates often find the transition from academic study to professional research challenging due to the faster pace, higher expectations for collaboration, and the need to quickly adapt to new methodologies and technologies. Unlike academic projects, professional research frequently involves working in multidisciplinary teams, meeting strict deadlines, and aligning research objectives with organizational goals. Developing effective communication skills and learning to manage multiple projects simultaneously are crucial for success. Support from mentors and team members is common, but proactive learning and adaptability are key to thriving in the role.

What is the difference between Trainee Research Associate vs Research Associate?

AspectTrainee Research AssociateResearch Associate
QualificationsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; some roles may prefer a master'sUsually requires a master's or PhD in a relevant field
Work ExperienceEntry-level, often a training positionMore experienced, with some independent project responsibilities
Work EnvironmentTraining labs, supervised tasksIndependent research, collaborative teams
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with experiments, learning protocolsDesigning experiments, analyzing data, publishing results

The main difference between a Trainee Research Associate and a Research Associate lies in experience and responsibilities. Trainee Research Associates are typically entry-level, focusing on learning and assisting under supervision, while Research Associates are more experienced, handling independent projects and complex tasks.

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

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

Infographic showing various Trainee Research Associate job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,884 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Peripheral Neuroimmunology, Acute Pain Boston University Medical C

Boston, MA • On-site

$67K - $76K/yr

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Posted 10 days ago


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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Peripheral Neuroimmunology, Acute Pain

Job Description (Title): Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Summary (Search Preview): Postdoctoral position in peripheral neuroimmunology, acute pain

Salary description: $67,500-$76,000

Location: Boston University Medical Campus, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA

Job type: Full-time

Employment Hours: Full-time

Duration: Fixed term (2-4 years, contingent on performance and funding)

Qualification: PhD (or DDS/PhD, DMD/PhD, or equivalent)

Sector: Academic / Research

Erdogan Lab at Boston University Medical Campus is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join an NIH-funded interdisciplinary research program investigating how neuro-immune responses and interactions shape pain, infection, and tissue repair in barrier tissues in the oral cavity.

Erdogan Lab, in the Department of Translational Dental Medicine at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, operates at the interface of neurobiology, immunology, and microbiology, combining in vivo disease models, genetic and chemogenetic manipulations, systems-level profiling, advanced imaging, and translational approaches.

Our overarching goal is to define how sensory neurons respond to and interact with immune and microbial signals in dental and oral tissues and to translate these insights into pain management strategies and minimally invasive therapies. Erdogan Lab is highly collaborative, with active partnerships across Boston's leading academic and research institutions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, execute, and lead independent and collaborative, hypothesis-driven research at the intersection of neuroimmunology and oral biology
  • Utilize in vivo models of dental injury, infection, and chemogentic approaches
  • Integrate molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches (e.g., flow cytometry, imaging, transcriptomics)
  • Analyze complex datasets, including transcriptomic and microbiome data
  • Lead projects from experimental design through publication
  • Mentor trainees and contribute to a dynamic, team-oriented lab environment
Required Qualifications
  • PhD, MD/DDS/PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, neuroscience, microbiology, oral biology, or a related discipline
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
  • A creative and rigorous scientist with a strong track record of research productivity
  • Excited to tackle mechanistic, translational, cross-disciplinary questions
  • Comfortable with (or eager to learn) in vivo biology and complex experimental systems
  • Preferred: Experience in neuroimmunology, pain biology, host-microbe interactions, imaging, or transcriptomics

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community.

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