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Behavior Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Research Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Research Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537481 Work type: Research Faculty ... Develop and optimize behavioral and physiological paradigms targeting brain networks. Data ...

NATO

Staff Officer (Audience Research)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

University Degree in sociology, behavioural science, psychology, political science or a related discipline, with demonstrated coursework in research methods and 2 years function related experience ...

NATO

Staff Officer (Audience Research)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

University Degree in sociology, behavioural science, psychology, political science or a related discipline, with demonstrated coursework in research methods and 2 years function related experience ...

Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Technician

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Pay Rate: $17.00-22.00 DOE Behavior Frontiers is a leader in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis ... Provide 1:1 ABA therapy using research-based methods in homes, schools, centers, or communities.

Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Technician

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Behavior Frontiers is a leader in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) treatment for autism and other ... Provide 1:1 ABA therapy using research-based methods in homes, schools, centers, or communities.

Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Technician

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Pay Rate: $22.00-$28.00 DOE Behavior Frontiers is a leader in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis ... Provide 1:1 ABA therapy using research-based methods in homes, schools, centers, or communities.

Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Technician

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Pay Rate: $17.00-22.00 DOE Behavior Frontiers is a leader in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis ... Provide 1:1 ABA therapy using research-based methods in homes, schools, centers, or communities.

Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Technician

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Behavior Frontiers is a leader in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) treatment for autism and other ... Provide 1:1 ABA therapy using research-based methods in homes, schools, centers, or communities

Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Technician

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Pay Rate: $22.00-$28.00 DOE Behavior Frontiers is a leader in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis ... Provide 1:1 ABA therapy using research-based methods in homes, schools, centers, or communities.

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

This position provides subject matter expertise, scientific leadership, and programmatic support for social, behavioral, and economic sciences (SBES) research that advances NOAA's ability to ...

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Behavior Research information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$29

$64

How much do behavior research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior research in Virginia is $29.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.23 and $36.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is behavior research?

Behavior research is the scientific study of observable actions, reactions, and interactions of humans or animals in various environments. Researchers in this field seek to understand why individuals or groups behave the way they do by conducting experiments, observations, and surveys. The findings from behavior research are often used to inform interventions, policy-making, and to improve educational, clinical, or organizational practices. This field is interdisciplinary, drawing from psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and other related disciplines.

What types of projects does a behavior researcher typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other professionals?

Behavior researchers often engage in projects that involve designing and conducting experiments, analyzing behavioral data, and developing interventions to understand or influence human or animal behavior. They regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, data analysts, educators, and healthcare professionals, to ensure comprehensive study design and interpretation of results. This collaborative environment not only enriches the research process but also provides behavior researchers with opportunities to expand their expertise and contribute to impactful, real-world solutions.

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

To thrive as a Behavior Researcher, you need a strong background in psychology, behavioral science, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree (e.g., MA, PhD). Proficiency with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), experimental design, and data collection tools is commonly required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help researchers design robust studies and convey findings clearly. These skills are crucial for producing reliable insights that inform interventions, policies, and further scientific understanding.

What is the difference between Behavior Research vs Behavior Analyst?

AspectBehavior ResearchBehavior Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically a master's or doctoral degree in psychology or related fieldCertification such as BCBA, often requires a master's degree and supervised experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or corporate settingsClinical settings, schools, or community programs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research organizations, government agenciesHealthcare providers, schools, private practices

Behavior Research focuses on studying and understanding behavior through experiments and data analysis, often in academic or research settings. Behavior Analysts apply these principles in practical settings to modify behavior, especially in clinical or educational environments. While both roles require a background in behavior principles, Behavior Research emphasizes investigation, whereas Behavior Analysts focus on intervention and treatment.

What does a behavior research do?

A behavior researcher studies human or animal behaviors to understand patterns, causes, and effects. They often design experiments, analyze data using statistical tools, and apply findings to improve practices in fields like psychology, marketing, or healthcare.
Behavior Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavior Research job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,749 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Laboratory Research Operations Assistant

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

University of Virginia
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Virginiaexternal

$19 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Maintain and manage a small animal breeding colony, including daily husbandry

  • Assist with tissue collection, processing, and biobanking, and generate molecular data

  • Support experimental workflows by collecting imaging data and assisting with behavioral observations

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Connelly Laboratory at the University of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Laboratory Research Operations Assistant to join our interdisciplinary research team. This position is ideal for candidates interested in gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of molecular biology, neuroscience, and animal behavior.
The Connelly Lab conducts cutting-edge research in translational neuroepigenetics, with a focus on how DNA methylation and gene regulation shape brain development, behavior, and health across the lifespan. Our work integrates molecular biology, genomics, imaging and animal models to understand how early-life experiences-particularly birth interventions-impact the oxytocin system in mothers and offspring.
We are a well-funded, collaborative, and highly productive lab, offering opportunities for meaningful scientific contribution and professional development. Learn more at www.connellylab.com .
Position Overview
The Laboratory Research Operations Assistant will work closely with Professor Jessica Connelly and lab members to support both research execution and laboratory operations. This role combines molecular biology, imaging, and animal behavior research, and lab management, making it ideal for candidates seeking a broad and immersive research experience.
The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining an active animal colony, generating molecular data, collecting imaging data and supporting experimental workflows, while also contributing to the overall functioning of a dynamic research environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain and manage a small animal breeding colony, including daily husbandry
  • Conduct and record behavioral observations and analyses
  • Assist with small animal surgical procedures
  • Perform tissue collection, processing, and biobanking
  • Isolate and analyze DNA and RNA from tissues and cells
  • Assist with cell culture and molecular biology workflows
  • Assist with confocal and other imaging modalities, including neuroimaging
  • Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records and ensure data quality
  • Manage laboratory inventory, reagents, and supplies
  • Ensure compliance with institutional animal care and safety protocols
  • Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants
  • Support general laboratory operations, including organization, maintenance, and workflow optimization
  • Contribute to manuscripts, grant preparation, and scientific presentations
  • Other duties as assigned

What We Offer
  • Direct mentorship from the PI and senior scientists
  • Opportunities for authorship on scientific publications
  • Experience contributing to grant writing and experimental design
  • Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
  • A collaborative, intellectually engaging lab environment

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 1 year of laboratory experience (including undergraduate research); Bachelor's degree may substitute for experience

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline
  • Experience with rodent models and animal handling
  • Background in animal behavior analysis
  • Experience with dissection and/or small animal surgery
  • Familiarity with DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, or molecular biology techniques
  • Experience with cell culture
  • Experience with neuroimaging pipeline design and analysis

Salary range: $19.00-$21.50/hour (commensurate with experience)
Physical Demands: This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other benchwork and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.
This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.
This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is a full-time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.
Application Process:
Please apply online , and search for R0082682. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application online with the following documents:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration. This position is open until filled.
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.
For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.
Job Profile
J1882 - Laboratory Research Operations and Service 1
Career Stream and Level
Operations and Service-O1
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 .

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About University of Virginia

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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

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