Bioinformatics Jobs in Boston
The Bioinformatics Capital - Kendall Square to Cambridge
Why Work in Boston?
Boston stands as the undisputed leader in bioinformatics and computational biology, anchored by the dense concentration of biotech companies, research institutions, and hospitals in the Kendall Square/Cambridge corridor. Home to the Broad Institute, MIT, Harvard Medical School, and over 100 biotech companies, Boston offers unparalleled opportunities for bioinformatics professionals. The city's ecosystem uniquely combines academic excellence with commercial innovation, making it ideal for those seeking cutting-edge research or industry positions.
Market Overview
- • Highest concentration of bioinformatics jobs in the United States
- • Home to Broad Institute, the world's leading genomics research center
- • 100+ biotech companies within 5 miles of Kendall Square
- • Strong presence of major players: Moderna, Takeda, Biogen, Vertex
- • Excellent networking through Boston Bioinformatics Meetup and Harvard/MIT seminars
- • Top-tier academic institutions: MIT, Harvard, Tufts, BU, Northeastern
- • Vibrant startup scene with frequent funding and IPO activity
Top Biotech Companies in Boston
The Boston biotech ecosystem includes major companies like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Quest Diagnostics, Merck (MSD), Iambic Therapeutics, PathAI, and many emerging startups. Browse all companies →
Cost of Living
Boston ranks among the highest cost-of-living cities in the U.S., with median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment at $2,800-3,500/month in Cambridge/Kendall Square, and $2,200-2,800 in surrounding areas like Somerville or Brookline. However, bioinformatics salaries are correspondingly high, and the career growth opportunities often justify the cost. Public transportation (MBTA) is extensive, making car ownership optional.
Salary Ranges
Median posted minimum to median posted maximum for Boston postings that disclose annual pay in USD, by seniority. Levels with fewer than 6 such postings are not shown. See our Bioinformatics Salary Guide for national figures.
Entry level
$60K-$76K
41 postings · national $71K-$97K
Mid level
$107K-$156K
49 postings · national $116K-$179K
Senior
$137K-$198K
27 postings · national $131K-$190K
Principal
$169K-$234K
22 postings · national $151K-$225K
Director
$189K-$278K
55 postings · national $179K-$269K
100 Bioinformatics Jobs in Boston
Machine Learning Scientist — Large Multimodal Models (Post-Training)
Machine Learning Scientist – Clinical Prediction
Machine Learning Engineer III (Applied Research & Model Development)
Machine Learning and Experimental Scientist I/II – Antibody Discovery LAUNCHPAD
Director, Data Science Operations – Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Computational Biologist - Gillani Lab
Senior Director, Data Management & Analytical Data Science Solutions
Research Scientist, Analytical Development – Functional Genomics & Multi-omics
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Medical Artificial Intelligence
Postdoc Research Fellow - Proton Radiation
Associate Director, Data Science, Computational Oncology
Director / Sr. Director of Computational Chemistry for Molecule Discovery – ExploR&D
Ultrasound Post-Doctoral Scholar / Research Scientist
Sr. Scientist/Principal Scientist, Translational Research and Clinical Biomarkers (Immunology)
Postdoctoral Fellow in AI/ML for Maternal and Perioperative Care
Spring Co-Op 2027, Process Engineering Data Analytics
Senior Data Scientist I, Real World Evidence (RWE), Life Sciences R&D
Data Scientist II, Real World Evidence, Life Sciences R&D
Senior Scientist I, Applied Machine Learning and Generative AI, Pharma R&D
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow - Gene Editing Therapy
Director / Senior Director – Cheminformatics and Applied AI
Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Analytical Development, Statistics
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Computational Biology - Ghobrial Lab
Advanced Analytics Associate Director - Kidney
Postdoctoral Research Fellow- Biostatistics/Machine Learning - Hovestadt Lab
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Computational Genomics, Hovestadt Lab
Sr. ScientistII/Principal Scientist, Chemical Biology
Research Data Specialist - Breast Oncology Translational Research
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Fischer Lab
Associate Director, Data Engineering (Real World Data)
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Van Allen Lab
Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Center for Genomic Medicine
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston the best city for bioinformatics careers?
Boston consistently ranks #1 for bioinformatics opportunities due to its unique combination of top research institutions (Broad Institute, MIT, Harvard), major biotech companies (Moderna, Vertex, Takeda), and a thriving startup ecosystem. The density of opportunities, networking events, and career growth potential is unmatched.
What are the top bioinformatics companies in Boston?
Boston's top bioinformatics employers include Broad Institute, Moderna, Takeda, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Biogen, Ginkgo Bioworks, Sanofi, Alnylam, Blueprint Medicines, and dozens of growing startups in Kendall Square and Cambridge.
How does Boston's bioinformatics salary compare to other cities?
Comparing like with like, Boston postings on CompBioJobs list: entry roles $60K-$76K here vs $71K-$97K nationally; mid roles $107K-$156K here vs $116K-$179K nationally; senior roles $137K-$198K here vs $131K-$190K nationally; principal roles $169K-$234K here vs $151K-$225K nationally; director roles $189K-$278K here vs $179K-$269K nationally (median posted minimum to maximum, US postings that disclose annual pay). While cost of living is high, the density of employers and career acceleration make it financially competitive.
Do I need a PhD to work in bioinformatics in Boston?
Not necessarily. While many senior research roles prefer PhDs, there are abundant opportunities for Master's and Bachelor's degree holders, especially in bioinformatics engineering, data analysis, and pipeline development. Startups and smaller companies often value practical skills over credentials.
What's the bioinformatics startup scene like in Boston?
Boston has the most active bioinformatics startup ecosystem in the world, with hundreds of early-stage companies in precision medicine, drug discovery, diagnostics, and computational pathology. Funding is abundant, with frequent Series A-C rounds and IPO activity. Kendall Square alone hosts 50+ biotech startups.