1

Academic Research Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Academic Research Associate information

What is an academic research associate?

Academic Research Associates are professionals who support research projects within universities or other educational institutions. Their responsibilities typically include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with the preparation of papers, presentations, and grant applications. They often work under the supervision of principal investigators or faculty members. This role is critical in advancing knowledge within a specific field and often serves as a stepping stone for those pursuing academic or research-focused careers.

What is the difference between Academic Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectAcademic Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in related discipline
Work EnvironmentUniversities, academic labs, research institutionsResearch labs, industry R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and educational institutionsIndustry, government agencies, private sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Academic Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their work environment and typical employer. Academic Research Associates usually work within universities or academic institutions focusing on educational research, while Research Scientists are often employed in industry or government labs working on applied research and product development. Both roles require strong research skills and relevant degrees, but their career paths and daily tasks differ based on their organizational setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic research associate?

To thrive as an Academic Research Associate, you need strong analytical skills, research methodology expertise, and a relevant degree (often a master's or PhD in a related field). Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R), academic databases, and citation management tools is typically required. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top candidates. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality research, interpreting data accurately, and contributing effectively to academic projects.

What are some common challenges academic research associates face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Academic Research Associates often juggle several research projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing data collection, literature reviews, and collaboration with faculty or external partners requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. It’s common to encounter competing deadlines, so effective communication with supervisors and team members is key to ensuring projects stay on track. Utilizing project management tools and regular check-ins can help manage workload and maintain high-quality research outcomes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Research jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Academic Research jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Academic Research Associate jobs in Virginia?

For Academic Research Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Academic Research Associate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Academic Research Associate jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Academic Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Academic Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Academic Research Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Research Associate, Department of Biomedical Engineering

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will work in the lab of Craig H. Meyer, PhD, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and will collaborate with John P. Mugler III, PhD, Professor of Radiology and Medical Imaging, and with Adrienne Campbell-Washburn, PhD, Senior Investigator in the Laboratory of Imaging Technology at National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, within a day's travel by car or train.
The Research Associate will focus on developing pulmonary MRI methods on a low-field (0.55T) scanner using both conventional (proton) and hyperpolarized-xenon magnetic resonance imaging. The research will include the following:
  • Development of new MRI methods, including pulse sequences, and image reconstruction techniques
  • Development of strategies to improve the spatial resolution and image contrast of structural lung proton MRI using efficient spiral sampling and neural networks for denoising, motion compensation, and data analysis
  • Development of strategies to improve the spatial resolution and image contrast of structural lung proton MRI using spin-echo-train pulse sequences, possibly including efficient spiral sampling
  • Development of methodology for hyperpolarized xenon imaging, for the first time at this MRI field strength, including the characterization of physical properties
  • Optimization of methodology for hyperpolarized xenon imaging of xenon dissolved in the membrane and red blood cell compartments of the lung
  • Preparation of research results for presentation at major conferences, publication in peer-reviewed journals and inclusion in grant reports

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Doctoral degree
Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The anticipated hiring range is $62,000-$68,000, commensurate with education and experience.
This is an exempt-level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Application review will begin after December 14, 2025.
Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How to Apply
Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0078527. Complete an application with the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Craig Meyer, chm5q@virginia.edu .
For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.
Job Profile
J0267 - Research Associate - 12 Month
Career Stream and Level
No Career Stream-No Level
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

What University Of Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Virginia logo

About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819