Surf Search specializes in life science recruiting in the Cambridge area. As recruiters focused on this niche for many years, we have deep knowledge of life science industries, strong relationships with our partner companies, and an enormous candidate talent pool. We are recognized in the life sciences recruiting industry as recruiters who source and place highly desirable life science candidates across the country.

Cambridge will always be most known to house some of the best students in the United States because MIT and Harvard University are found here. Even in the mid-1800s, Cambridge was an innovation powerhouse. From the first railroad passenger cars with center aisles to the Stillson wrench to a telegraph connection that eventually led to Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone, Cambridge was at the center of it all. Needless to say, the top life sciences research facility is found in Cambridge. There are currently 15 Nobel Prize winners who are part of the staff, faculty, and alumni of Harvard University. Thanks to their close proximity to each other, the two top universities collaborated to establish the best biomedical and genomic research center, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

Your Cambridge life sciences recruitment team

Trust Surf Search. We have an understanding of the life sciences job market in Cambridge, both from the candidate’s and hiring manager’s perspective. We know how important it is to identify top biotech, healthcare, medical device and pharma talent. Our extensive regional network means top candidates AND top companies. Our detailed screening and interviewing process identifies uniquely qualified candidates who not only excel technically but are also a cultural fit for your company.

2026 salary guide

Budget for your next Cambridge hire

Compare the guide’s low, median and high salary figures before setting your hiring budget.

Biotech
Cambridge · Biotech · 2026
RoleLowMedianHigh
Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)$185,000$358,000$605,000
Clinical Specialist, Biotechnology$100,000$149,000$242,000
Epidemiologist$89,000$130,000$187,000
Genetic Counselor$100,000$131,000$164,000
Microbiologist$68,000$88,000$121,000
Quality Control Analyst, Biotechnology$71,000$95,000$128,000
Research Scientist, Biotechnology$86,000$149,000$228,000
Toxicologist$86,000$151,000$237,000
Healthcare
Cambridge · Healthcare · 2026
RoleLowMedianHigh
Clinical Operations Manager$86,000$149,000$223,000
Family Physician / Doctor$154,000$327,000$480,000
Hospital Administrator$97,000$161,000$264,000
Medical Director, Medicine$280,000$499,000$726,000
Medical Director, Utilization Review (UR)$280,000$499,000$726,000
Nurse Case Manager$109,000$133,000$159,000
Nurse Practitioner (NP)$147,000$187,000$242,000
Physician / Doctor, General Practice$154,000$327,000$480,000
Physician / Doctor, Internal Medicine$190,000$371,000$532,000
Physician Assistant (PA)$133,000$178,000$240,000
Product Manager, Healthcare$112,000$177,000$232,000
Quality Management (QM) Director$136,000$237,000$356,000
Registered Nurse (RN)$89,000$112,000$136,000
Research Analyst, Healthcare$59,000$112,000$152,000
Medical devices
Cambridge · Medical devices · 2026
RoleLowMedianHigh
Clinical Engineer, Medical Devices$97,000$151,000$209,000
Clinical Specialist, Medical Devices$94,000$146,000$204,000
Manufacturing Engineer, Medical Devices$92,000$128,000$172,000
Medical Device Sales Representative$76,000$131,000$204,000
Product Manager, Medical Devices$140,000$167,000$209,000
Quality Engineer, Medical Devices$102,000$138,000$175,000
Pharmaceutical
Cambridge · Pharmaceutical · 2026
RoleLowMedianHigh
Clinical Coordinator$71,000$109,000$166,000
Clinical Manager$107,000$154,000$212,000
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)$78,000$102,000$131,000
Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals$159,000$249,000$366,000
Medical Director, Medicine$280,000$499,000$726,000
Medical Science Liaison$161,000$271,000$345,000
Project Manager, Pharmaceuticals$109,000$161,000$232,000
Research Scientist$94,000$141,000$207,000
Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals$94,000$156,000$202,000
What salary figures can we use to budget for a Cambridge hire?

Surf Search’s 2026 guide publishes these median annual salary figures for Cambridge: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO): $358,000; Quality Management (QM) Director: $237,000; Medical Device Sales Representative: $131,000; Quality Engineer, Medical Devices: $138,000; Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals: $249,000; Medical Science Liaison: $271,000; Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals: $156,000. Compare the low and high figures in the tables above as well. The roles represent different responsibilities and levels, so use the matching role as a starting point and discuss your particular assignment with our team.

Source: Surf Search Life Sciences 2026 Salary Guide. Published annual salary figures; individual offers depend on the role, experience and compensation package.

Download the full 2026 guide

Talk to a recruiter about your hiring plans

We recruit for life sciences clients and candidates across the Cambridge region

  • Arlington
  • Belmont
  • Brookline
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Lexington
  • Medford
  • Melrose
  • Somerville
  • Newton
  • Saugus
  • Waltham
  • Watertown
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