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Associate Director Of Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Director of Research Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536351 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: Vice President for Research Department: Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Location:

Under the Direction of the Senior Associate Director and Director of CARE and Support, the Associate Director of Recovery (AD) is responsible for advancing student wellbeing through the strategic ...

Associate Director of SalesDepartments: Sales and MarketingSupervision Exercised: Sales and Marketing DepartmentSupervision Received: Director of Sales and Marketing or Director of SalesJOB ...

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Associate Director Of Research information

What does an associate director of research do?

An Associate Director of Research leads and oversees research projects within an organization, working closely with research teams to set goals, manage budgets, and ensure the quality of research outputs. They often help develop research strategies, secure funding, and facilitate collaboration between departments or external partners. Additionally, they are responsible for mentoring junior researchers, ensuring compliance with regulations, and reporting research findings to stakeholders. Their role is crucial in advancing the organization's research objectives and maintaining high standards for scientific inquiry.

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

To thrive as an Associate Director of Research, you typically need advanced research expertise, strong project management abilities, and a relevant postgraduate degree such as a Ph.D. or Master's. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R), research databases, and compliance with regulatory standards is often required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the successful execution of research initiatives, high-quality outputs, and alignment with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate director of research, and how can they be addressed?

Associate Directors of Research often navigate challenges such as balancing administrative duties with active research, managing diverse project teams, and aligning research goals with organizational objectives. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to oversee multiple projects while fostering a collaborative environment. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and mentoring junior researchers can also help address these challenges and contribute to the team's success.

What is the difference between Associate Director Of Research vs Research Scientist?

AspectAssociate Director Of ResearchResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree; often a PhD; leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's degree; PhD preferred in some cases
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in research teams; strategic planningHands-on research; experimental work
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, corporations, biotech, pharmaUniversities, research labs, industry R&D

The Associate Director Of Research typically oversees research projects, manages teams, and sets strategic goals, requiring leadership experience. In contrast, a Research Scientist focuses on conducting experiments and data analysis. Both roles require advanced degrees, but the Associate Director has more managerial responsibilities, making it a higher-level position within research organizations.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Director Of Research jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Director Of Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Director Of Research job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution.

Director of Research

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


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Job description

Director of Research

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536351
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Commonwealth Cyber Initiative
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Categories: Executive / Director / Management, Information Systems / Technology, Research / Scientific

Job Description

About CCI:
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is Virginia's central hub for cybersecurity research, innovation, and workforce development where cutting-edge ideas take shape, talent pipelines are built, and cross-sector collaboration drives real-world impact. CCI brings together researchers, students, industry leaders, and public partners to advance cybersecurity at the intersection of autonomous systems and intelligence.
With a vision to position Virginia as a global center of excellence in cybersecurity, CCI leverages the Commonwealth's exceptional research institutions, diverse higher education system, vibrant startup ecosystem, and deep concentration of cyber talent to fuel innovation and economic growth.
About the position:
CCI is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Research to provide strategic leadership for the research portfolio of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), an academic organization dedicated to advancing cybersecurity research, innovation, and workforce development. The Director of Research is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive research strategy that aligns with CCI's mission and advances its national and international impact.
The Director will be expect to:
- Lead efforts to administer internal research programs and expand externally funded research, cultivate relationships with government agencies and industry partners, and strengthen interdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration.
- Mentor and supervise research faculty while ensuring the successful development, execution, and management of research programs.
- Oversee integrity and compliance of research administration activities, ensuring that all pre-award and post-award grant management processes align with applicable laws, regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
- Serve in a critical role in advancing CCI's research mission by shaping its strategic direction, expanding its funded research portfolio, and supporting the success of its faculty and research programs.
- Identify and secure research funding to support own research initiatives.
- Ensure the organization remains at the forefront of cybersecurity research in Virginia and beyond through strong leadership and external engagement.

Required Qualifications

Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, engineering, public policy, or a related field.
Demonstrated progressively advanced experience in academic or applied research leadership.
Demonstrated success in securing and managing externally funded research projects.
Established track record of impactful academic publication and/or intellectual property creation.
Knowledge of cybersecurity policy, emerging technologies, and national security challenges.
Experience supervising or mentoring research faculty and interdisciplinary teams.
Strong knowledge of research administration, including pre-award and post-award processes.
Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing federally funded research programs (e.g., NSF, DoD, DHS, DOE, or similar agencies).
Experience leading large collaborative or multi-institutional research initiatives.
Experience working within academic research centers or institutes.

 

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $200,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40 hrs per week

Review Date

May 29, 2026

Additional Information

This position is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, VA. A hybrid work arrangement may be offered that would include designated weekly office hours, and such a schedule will be confirmed following onboarding/training and aligned with business needs.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Alex Tuuri at alext3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: May 8, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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