Museum of Science, Boston
Innovation and creativity come from the unique perspectives of a diverse staff. We value your perspective.
As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change. Among the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year – at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.
The Museum’s singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world’s most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all. Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.
The Research Associate supports the Advancement team by conducting prospect research and providing insights that inform donor engagement and fundraising strategy.
This role plays an important part in identifying and qualifying prospective donors, maintaining accurate and useful data, and ensuring that fundraisers have the information they need to effectively engage supporters. Through strong research practices and attention to detail, this role contributes to building and sustaining a robust donor pipeline.
Prospect Research & Analysis
Data Management & CRM Support
Fundraiser Support & Collaboration
Process Support & Continuous Improvement
The Research Associate brings strong curiosity and analytical thinking, with the ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize information from multiple sources. This individual is detail-oriented and takes care to ensure accuracy and consistency in all research and data management activities.They are organized and reliable, able to manage multiple tasks and requests while maintaining a high level of quality and follow-through. The role requires the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with colleagues, providing information in a way that is useful and actionable for fundraising efforts.
This individual is comfortable working with data and systems and demonstrates a willingness to learn new tools and processes. They are proactive in seeking out information, asking questions, and improving their work over time. A strong sense of accountability, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to supporting the Museum’s mission are essential, along with an interest in contributing to successful fundraising through thoughtful and well-executed research.
Mission-Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone.
Audience-Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.
Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.
Generous: We offer time and energy towards common goals.
Salary Range
$60,000—$65,000 USD
The Museum of Science is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

One of the world's largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, the Museum of Science, Boston introduces 1.5 million visitors a year to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) via dynamic programs and hundreds of interactive exhibits. The Museum of Science carries out its mission as a leader in transforming the nation’s relationship with science and technology through world-class exhibits, industry-leading curriculum, and innovative programming. As science and technology shapes our lives, it means we:
• Promote active citizenship
• Inspire lifelong appreciation of the importance of science
• Make STEM accessible to young people of all backgrounds and abilities
These principles manifest every day in all we do within the Museum walls as well as around the world, as a steward of our community, as informal and formal educators, and as advocates for scientific advancement.
Since its founding in 1830, the Museum of Science has been at the cutting edge of scientific study and education. Today it has become an iconic symbol of the city’s long cultural and technological history – and future. Within its ¾ mile long building, the Museum of Science includes:
• 10,000 square foot Hall of Human Life, allowing visitors to explore how they engage with their own bodies
• Thomson Theater of Electricity, home to the world’s largest Van de Graaf generator which makes indoor lightning
• Charles Hayden Planetarium, the most technologically advanced theater in New England
• Mugar Omni Theater, New England’s only dome IMAX screen
• Award-winning pre-K – 8 engineering curriculum, EiE, reaching 1.3 million students each year
As a leader in the world’s museum community, we use our role as educator and communicator to bring diverse communities together to learn, share, and consider our collective role in the future of our planet.