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Biotech Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... and biotechnology research projects. The position will contribute to the design, execution ... analysis, and documentation of research studies while also assisting with laboratory operations ...

CRA 1, IQVIA Biotech

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$71K - $145K/yr

IQVIA Biotech is now hiring for CRA 1 with a minimum of 6 months of on-site monitoring. Must have ... Job Overview The Clinical Research Associate I (CRA I) plays a key role in supporting the ...

S.-aligned standards in biotechnology sectors. Open-Source Research: Ability to draft/produce, compile, and summarize open-source research reports for incorporation into project planning or project ...

S.-aligned standards in biotechnology sectors. * Open-Source Research: Ability to draft/produce, compile, and summarize open-source research reports for incorporation into project planning or project ...

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Biotech Research information

See Virginia salary details

$27.7K

$75.1K

$134.7K

How much do biotech research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for biotech research in Virginia is $75,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,112.00 and $97,253.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Biotech Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Biotech Research, you need a strong background in biological sciences, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by a degree in biotechnology, biology, or a related field. Proficiency with molecular biology tools, bioinformatics software, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is highly valued. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that enable success in research environments. These competencies ensure accurate experimentation, innovative problem-solving, and effective collaboration, which are crucial for advancing scientific discoveries and applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in biotech research, and how can they be addressed?

Biotech research professionals often encounter challenges such as managing complex experiments, meeting strict regulatory requirements, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams can also present communication hurdles, especially when coordinating between scientists, engineers, and regulatory experts. To address these challenges, it's important to develop strong project management skills, stay updated on industry regulations, and foster open communication within the team. Many organizations also provide ongoing training and mentorship to help researchers continually build their technical expertise and collaborative abilities.

What is biotech research?

Biotech research involves the use of biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop new products or processes for a variety of fields, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental management. Researchers in biotechnology explore genetic engineering, drug development, and diagnostic technologies to solve complex biological problems. This work often requires interdisciplinary knowledge in biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science. The outcomes of biotech research can lead to innovations such as new medical therapies, sustainable crops, and cleaner industrial processes.

What is the difference between Biotech Research vs Biotech Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiotech ResearchBiotech Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biology, Biotechnology, or related fields; often requires research experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biology, or related fields; technical training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, biotech companies; focus on experimental design and data analysisLaboratories within biotech or pharmaceutical companies; focus on sample preparation, testing, and data recording
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research and development, academia, biotech firmsCommon in manufacturing, quality control, and clinical testing within biotech and pharma industries

Biotech Research involves designing and conducting experiments to develop new products or understand biological processes, requiring advanced degrees and research skills. In contrast, Biotech Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and sample analysis, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in the biotech industry but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biotech Research jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Biotech Research jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Biotech Research jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Biotech Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Biotech Research job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,054 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Specialist
Job no: 536976
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science
Job Description
The Research Assistant will support research activities within the Wright Laboratory, with primary responsibilities focused on molecular biology, synthetic biology, and biotechnology research projects. The position will contribute to the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of research studies while also assisting with laboratory operations, undergraduate training, and project coordination. Initial responsibilities will include continued development and characterization of engineered yeast strains and genetic libraries, with opportunities to contribute to a broad range of ongoing research initiatives in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, plant biotechnology, and related fields.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Biological Systems Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a closely related field; or equivalent years of training and experience.
• Experience with molecular biology, microbiology, and/or synthetic biology techniques.
• Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in Biological Systems Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a closely related field
• Experience with yeast genetics, microbial strain engineering, or synthetic biology.
• Experience training or mentoring undergraduate researchers.
• Experience with laboratory management, inventory control, or research project coordination.
• Experience with data analysis, automation platforms, or bioinformatics tools.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
45,000 - 55,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
07/30/2026
Additional Information
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 Dr. Clay Wright at wrightrc@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: July 22, 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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