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Background Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ICF

Transportation Researcher

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

The Transportation Researcher should have a general background or interest in urban planning and sustainable transportation, excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong inter-personal ...

Cmu

Network Security Researcher

Arlington, VA

As a network security researcher on the Network Situational Awareness team, you will research ... background check and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.

Nightwing

Technology Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and ... Background in cybersecurity tool integration and automation - Experience managing integrations in ...

Nwis

Technology Researcher

Arlington, VA

$99K - $206K/yr

The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and ... Background in cybersecurity tool integration and automation - Experience managing integrations in ...

Hyphen Connect Limited

Background in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field. * Proven expertise in various research methods, including user interviews, surveys, and usability testing. * Strong ...

Morgan Stanley

Machine Learning Researcher

Broadway, VA

$154K - $213K/yr

Morgan Stanley's Machine Learning Research Department is responsible for working across the Firms ... background but uniform in reflecting our standards of integrity and excellence. Consequently, our ...

NewGen

Cyber Technology Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and ... Background in cybersecurity tool integration and automation * Experience managing integrations in ...

BCMC

Cyber Technology Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and ... Background in cybersecurity tool integration and automation - Experience managing integrations in ...

BCMC

Cyber Technology Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and ... Background in cybersecurity tool integration and automation - Experience managing integrations in ...

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All JobsBackground Researcher JobsBackground Researcher Jobs in Virginia

Background Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$112.1K

$163.1K

How much do background researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for background researcher in Virginia is $112,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $152,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Background Researcher do?

A Background Researcher is responsible for gathering, verifying, and analyzing information about individuals, organizations, or topics to support decision-making, due diligence, or investigative processes. Their work often involves checking public records, media reports, social media, and other databases to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. Background Researchers are commonly employed in industries such as journalism, law, corporate hiring, and security services, where accurate background information is crucial. They must possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical research practices.

What is the difference between Background Researcher vs Data Analyst?

AspectBackground ResearcherData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social sciences, research methods, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in statistics, mathematics, or data science
Work EnvironmentResearch firms, government agencies, academic institutionsCorporate, finance, healthcare, or tech industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for gathering background info, verifying facts, and supporting investigationsUsed for interpreting data, creating reports, and informing business decisions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, job requirements, and career pathsComparing data analysis skills, tools, and job functions

While both roles involve working with information, a Background Researcher focuses on collecting and verifying background information for investigations or research projects. In contrast, a Data Analyst interprets data sets to generate insights and support decision-making. Both roles require analytical skills and research abilities but serve different purposes within organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Background Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in research or investigative fields, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with online databases, public records systems, and research management tools is typically required. Excellent written communication, discretion, and persistence help you stand out in gathering and reporting sensitive information. These skills ensure thorough, accurate, and ethical background checks, which are crucial for informed decision-making in hiring, security, or due diligence processes.

How does a Background Researcher typically collaborate with other departments during the research process?

Background Researchers frequently work closely with departments such as editorial, legal, and production. They gather, verify, and organize information based on requests from these teams to ensure accuracy and compliance in content or reporting. Regular communication and clear documentation are crucial, as researchers must provide timely updates and adapt to shifting project priorities. This collaborative dynamic helps maintain high standards of credibility and efficiency in the final output.
What are popular job titles related to Background Researcher jobs in Virginia? For Background Researcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Background Researcher jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Background Researcher jobs in Virginia are:
Background Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Researcher job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,132 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Transportation Researcher

ICF

Arlington, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Transportation Researcher

Location: Arlington, Virginia ICF Office (Hybrid)

Application Instructions: If not currently local to DMV, please include relocation date in cover letter and/or resume.

About ICF - Transportation Practice

ICF's Transportation Practice specializes in addressing complex planning, policy, and program issues at the nexus of transportation and the environment, energy, and communities. ICF's work focuses on integrated approaches that support sustainable transportation decisions, addressing mobility, safety, environmental, social, and economic effects of transportation. Our work includes strategic planning, research, policy analysis, outreach, training, and program evaluation for federal, state, and local governments, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Transportation Research Board, state transportation and environmental agencies, and metropolitan planning organizations. We specialize in evaluating the impacts of infrastructure projects, programs, and government policies; developing guidebooks; and documenting best practices related to integrated planning, transportation operations, and the environment.
We are seeking a Transportation Researcher for ICF's Transportation Practice. Transportation Researchers support project managers with analysis of critical issues to support implementation of sustainable transportation, transportation planning, asset and land use management, transportation operations, travel demand management, environmental policies, trainings, and technology planning, development, and deployment. Projects will be conducted for clients at the U.S. Department of Transportation as well as state, regional, and local transportation agencies. Transportation Researchers work on multiple projects concurrently and assume an active role on project teams.

The Transportation Researcher should have a general background or interest in urban planning and sustainable transportation, excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong inter-personal skills. Quantitative analysis skills are also needed. The Transportation Researcher will be expected to work as part of teams to execute tasks that support the delivery of accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services. This position offers significant potential for professional growth and advancement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research a variety of transportation-related topics to inform literature reviews and informational reports. This includes locating, comprehending, summarizing and synthesizing scholarly and technical materials from academic journals, scholarly books, and government reports.

  • Develop preliminary drafts of project materials with the support of senior staff team based on research of transportation-related topics.

  • Ensure high quality final presentation of project materials such as reports, white papers, presentations, and briefs for Federal, State, and local clients. This includes managing comments and executing suggested edits from project stakeholders.

  • Support planning and implementation of webinars across a wide range of topics.

  • Provide meeting support, including preparing materials, on-site attendance, taking notes, and assembling post-meeting summary documents.

  • Assist with planning the logistics for workshops and peer exchanges, including contacting and coordinating with potential participants, identifying and booking host venues, processing travel reimbursements, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public policy, transportation engineering, or related subjects.

  • Proficiency with word processing, presentation, and web applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Experience

  • Demonstrated interest and background in a variety of transportation-related topic areas, including emerging technologies such as automated, connected, electric, and shared transportation, especially federal, state, and regional policies and programs

  • Work, internship, or coursework experience in emerging transportation technologies

Required Professional Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Effective research skills

  • Exceptional analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks or projects and ability to carry out multiple tasks under tight or sometimes conflicting deadlines.

  • Ability to capture meeting discussions in writing and synthesize those discussions into trackable actions.

  • High level of attention to detail and work quality

  • Ability to work well both in teams and independently

  • Initiative and understanding to anticipate and respond to client and project needs

  • Ability to work on multiple projects under strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment

ICF offers a competitive benefits package and talent development programs, and fosters a highly skilled, energized, and empowered workforce.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$55,424.00 - $94,221.00Arlington, VA (VA31)

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