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Clinical Research Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Our client in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Research Scientist who possesses a strong background in chemistry, biology, or biochemistry. The successful candidate will conduct information acquisition ...

... and Clinical Psychology (MPS), through theConsortium for Defense Psychology (CDP) in Bethesda ... scientific investigator and supports the academic, research, and service missions of the Medical ...

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Bachelor's degree in nursing, health sciences, public health, clinical research, or related field * Minimum of ONE (1) year of experience supporting clinical trials from startup through closeout.

Bachelor's degree in nursing, health sciences, public health, clinical research, or related field * Minimum of ONE (1) year of experience supporting clinical trials from startup through closeout.

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Clinical Research Scientist information

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$29

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$86

How much do clinical research scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research scientist in Reston, VA is $58.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.77 and $70.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical research scientist?

Clinical research scientists are professionals who design, conduct, and analyze clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, medical devices, or treatment protocols. They work closely with healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, and research organizations to ensure that studies comply with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. Their work is crucial in bringing new medical advancements to market and improving patient care.

What does a clinical research scientist do?

A clinical research scientist conducts research, usually in the medical or health care field. As a clinical research scientist, your job duties may include analyzing samples or researching a disease, often through clinical trials. You then summarize your findings in a report. You may work in a lab, hospital, or a research university. If you work in a university, your job duties include applying for research grants, but you may have an administrative assistant to which you can delegate this work. Especially in academia, your end goal is to publish this work for the scientific community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical research scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Research Scientist, you need a strong background in life sciences, clinical trial design, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD or PharmD. Familiarity with regulatory guidelines (e.g., GCP, FDA), statistical software (like SAS or R), and electronic data capture systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are important for managing complex studies and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities ensure accurate research outcomes, regulatory compliance, and successful advancement of clinical projects.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical research scientists during clinical trials?

Clinical Research Scientists often encounter challenges such as ensuring participant recruitment meets study timelines, maintaining strict adherence to regulatory and ethical guidelines, and effectively managing large volumes of data. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including physicians, regulatory affairs, and data management—is essential for resolving issues and ensuring trial integrity. Staying adaptable and communicative helps overcome obstacles and ensures the trial progresses smoothly.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Scientist vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectClinical Research ScientistClinical Research Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in life sciences, often with advanced degrees; certifications like CCR or RAC beneficialBachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; certifications like CCRA or RAC often preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, or academic institutions; involved in designing and analyzing studiesMonitoring sites, ensuring protocol compliance, and managing trial logistics
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, and academic research organizationsClinical trial sites, CROs, pharmaceutical companies

While both roles are essential in clinical research, Clinical Research Scientists focus on study design, data analysis, and scientific development, whereas Clinical Research Associates primarily oversee trial conduct at sites, ensuring compliance and data integrity.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Clinical Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Clinical Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Clinical Research Scientist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Clinical Research Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Research Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,879 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

$125 - $150/hr

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Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

Our client in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Research Scientist who possesses a strong background in chemistry, biology, or biochemistry. The successful candidate will conduct information acquisition activities and apply the principles, theories, and concepts of chemistry and/or biology to address technical questions in Chemical Warfare (CW)/Biological Warfare (BW) defense and counter-proliferation for U.S. Government clients.

Tasks will include reading and analyzing scientific literature and writing reports on various technical topics related to CW/BW defense, counter-proliferation, dual-use technologies, and medical countermeasures to CW/BW agents. The successful candidate must be familiar with open- and gray-sourced search, discovery, acquisition, exploitation, and analysis, and be comfortable utilizing various search engines and scientific databases.

This is not a laboratory position. This position is located in the Chantilly, VA area in a professional office environment.

Key Qualifications:
  • MS with 5+ years of experience or PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field
  • Proficient with scientific databases (e.g. SciFinder, PubMed, ScienceDirect)
  • Ability to research and analyze scientific, medical, and patent literature
  • Willingness to work in small groups or independently as necessary
  • Demonstrated technical writing skills, shown by articles published in technical journals, reports, theses, etc.
  • Experience in national security, defense, and/or intelligence communities.
  • Must be a US Citizen with an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
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