Research Associate
Spear Bio
Woburn, MA · $80k–$90k a year · Posted July 7, 2026
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Where Woburn, MA ranks
Where Woburn, MA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #5Best cities for junior jobs in Massachusetts27% · of 20
- #7Best all-round cities for new graduates in New England48 / 100 · of 11
- #9Best cities for junior jobs in New England27% · of 28
- #9Best cities for pay after cost of living in Massachusetts$121k · of 9
- #10Best cities for software and engineering jobs in New England73 openings · of 24
- #11Cities with the most hybrid jobs in New England12% · of 27
Pay compared with the market
This listing pays about $85,000 a year. Across 82 open research associate listings that state pay, the middle half runs $59,500 to $84,500 and the median is $67,500. That is 26% above the median, above the middle half of those listings.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among life, physical, and social science technicians, all other is little observed so far. Measured exposure for life, physical, and social science technicians, all other: 10% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
Spear Bio, founded in 2021, is a well-funded and rapidly growing biotech start-up headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. Our proprietary technology, Successive Proximity Extension Amplification Reaction (SPEAR), is a novel wash-free immunoassay platform, offering unprecedented sensitivity. We are dedicated to revolutionizing early disease diagnosis and monitoring by providing scalable, ultrasensitive solutions that deliver unparalleled accuracy in measuring low-abundant biomarkers, enabling clinicians and researchers to improve patient outcomes and advance global health.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE:
We are seeking an experienced and talented Research Associate to join our Assay Development team, with a strong scientific background and the desire to be at the forefront of innovative research.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Execute immunoassay workflows with a focus on high-throughput, semi-automated platforms
- Assist in optimizing methods for processing different types of clinical samples for assay development
- Set up, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment, based on the specification of various projects
- Assist in laboratory analysis and data management
- Acquire necessary equipment and supplies for various projects
- Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations
QUALIFICATIONS:
- BS in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline plus minimum 2-3+ years in an academic or industry lab, or MS degree with 1-2+ years of related experience.
- Direct experience running immunoassays and qPCR experimentation is required
- Experience characterizing and troubleshooting immunoassays
- Strong proficiency in molecular biology lab techniques
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Self-motivated and ability to perform complex tasks in an effective manner
- Ability to follow instructions, learn, and grow in a mentorship setting
- Excellent organizational and documentation skills
- Desire to learn about and implement new technologies
- Strong presentation and interpersonal skills with the capability to establish collaborative working relationships and become a key contributor within the assay development, platform and product teams.
- Work 5 days/week on site in Woburn, MA. LOCAL CANDIDATES will be given priority consideration for this position.
We offer competitive compensation, meaningful stock ownership, comprehensive benefits, and a great work environment. This is an opportunity to enter an innovative, high-growth startup at an early stage and play an integral role in the company's growth and success. We are focused on identifying candidates who have demonstrated leadership and excellence throughout their careers and are excited by the prospect of building an industry-leading company.
Spear Bio Inc. provides equal opportunity in employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical/mental disability.
Spear Bio does not accept resume submissions from external recruiting agencies. Any unsolicited resumes or candidate information submitted without prior written agreement will be deemed the property of Spear Bio, and no placement fees will be paid.