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Action Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Research Staff 12-month Job Category: Research Staff Job Type: Full-Time Work Schedule: Full-time ... Equity Statement George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer ...

... and action. Our customers rely on our tools to make high-stakes decisions in domains where ... We are seeking a Director of User Research to establish and lead a research function across ...

A Front Office Action Officer will provide onsite operational and project management support for our Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) client. They will work in a fast-paced and ...

A Front Office Action Officer will provideonsite operational and project management support for ourDefense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) client. They will work in afast-pacedand highly ...

Accounting for almost half of VCU's sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally ... Manage sub awards: initiate sub award administrative actions, receive invoices, monitor finances ...

Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Windows Vulnerability Research (VR) Engineer to support ... Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will ...

Showing results 41-60

Action Research information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$34

$73

How much do action research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for action research in Virginia is $34.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.04 and $44.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is action research?

Action research is a participatory and collaborative process where individuals or groups systematically investigate issues or challenges in their own work environment to improve practices, solve problems, and generate new knowledge. It is commonly used in education, healthcare, and organizational settings, involving cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. Action research empowers practitioners to become researchers in their own fields, allowing them to implement changes, assess outcomes, and make evidence-based decisions. This approach emphasizes continuous improvement and often involves stakeholders throughout the process.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals conducting action research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals conducting action research often encounter challenges such as balancing research with daily responsibilities, ensuring genuine collaboration with stakeholders, and maintaining objectivity while being directly involved in the process. To address these issues, clear communication and setting realistic timelines are essential, as is fostering a culture of trust and openness among participants. Regular reflection and feedback sessions can also help researchers adapt their approach and ensure the project remains relevant to real-world needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an action researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Action Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, research design expertise, and experience with data collection and analysis, usually backed by a degree in education, social sciences, or a related field. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research tools, statistical software (such as SPSS or NVivo), and ethical research protocols is essential. Collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for engaging stakeholders and facilitating change. These competencies enable Action Researchers to design impactful studies, drive evidence-based improvements, and foster sustainable development in organizational or educational settings.

What is the difference between Action Research vs Data Analyst?

AspectAction Research
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree or higher in education, social sciences, or related fields
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, community organizations, or research settings
Industry UsageUsed in education, social sciences, and community development projects
Primary FocusImplementing and evaluating change through iterative cycles of planning, action, and reflection

Data Analysts primarily focus on collecting, processing, and interpreting data to inform decision-making, often working with large datasets in corporate or tech environments. Action Researchers, on the other hand, engage in participatory research to solve practical problems within communities or organizations, emphasizing iterative cycles of action and reflection. While both roles involve analysis, their goals, environments, and methodologies differ significantly.

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

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

Infographic showing various Action Research job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,037 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


George Mason University rating

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Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

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Job description

Department: College of Science
Classification: Research Staff 12-month
Job Category: Research Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Center for Satellite and Earth Science Research (CSER) advances Earth system science through cutting-edge satellite technology, data-driven research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We deliver policy-relevant insights that enhance environmental resilience, support sustainable development, and empower the next generation of scientific leaders through meaningful research and mentorship. As a national leader in remote sensing, we provide reliable early warning systems that inform the public, save lives, and strengthen global resilience.
Statement on Building an Inclusive Culture
George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing all-inclusive excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing cultural responsiveness in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.
About the Position:
The primary purpose of this Research Scientist position is to take a role of code manager for NOAA/OAR/ARL's model and tool repository. The Research Scientist will also conduct the developmental and testing work for the atmospheric composition models.
Responsibilities:
Leads Research in Air Quality Forecasting and Modeling
  • Designs, implements, and manages research projects focused on regional and urban-scale air quality forecasting; and
  • Collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate modeling outputs into operational decision-making systems.

Develop Advanced ML/AI Models for Air Quality Applications
  • Applies machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to enhance traditional chemical transport modeling systems;
  • Improves prediction accuracy and computational efficiency through fine-resolution data fusion, bias correction, and model surrogate development; and
  • Conducts experiments comparing AI-enhanced models with conventional methods and validate performance under various atmospheric scenarios.

Disseminate Research through Publications and Scientific Engagement
  • Prepares manuscripts for submission to high-impact, peer-reviewed journals in atmospheric science, environmental engineering, or AI applications;
  • Presents research findings at national and international scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings; and
  • Contributes to proposal development for external research funding, including NSF, NOAA, NASA, and EPA.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field;
  • Considerable experience (generally 5 years or longer) in atmospheric sciences; and
  • Knowledge of Fortran, Python, R, Database (Postgres, MySQL, SQLite), Shell program language skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of Community Multiscale Air Quality program (CMAQ), Sparse Matrix Operator Kerner Emissions program (SMOKE), Data Assimilation, Surrogate Tools, and other modeling skillsets.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Research Scientist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.
Posting Open Date: February 16, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 2, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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