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Contract Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Contract Specialist III

Mclean, VA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Position is full-time at a Department of Defense research agency. Min. years of specialized ... ECS is seeking a Contracts Specialist III to work in our Arlington, VA office. Responsibilities ...

Contract Specialist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Prepare and manage terms and conditions for Department of Defense Research & Development (FAR Part 35) contracts and Other Transactions. * Assist in the negotiation and finalization of contracts ...

The selected individual will support cradle-to-grave procurement actions, contract administration, solicitation review, market research, and acquisition support functions in accordance with Federal ...

Contract Specialist II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Responsibilities will include preparing and administering terms and conditions of Department of Defense Research & Development (FAR Part 35) contracts; Assisting in the negotiation of contracts;

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Contract Research information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$43

$110

How much do contract research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract research in Virginia is $43.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.21 and $47.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract research?

Contract research refers to research services provided by an external organization, known as a Contract Research Organization (CRO), to other businesses, academic institutions, or government agencies. These services often include conducting clinical trials, laboratory testing, data analysis, or product development on a contractual basis. Contract research allows companies to access specialized expertise, reduce costs, and focus on their core activities while outsourcing complex or resource-intensive research tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract research associate?

To thrive as a Contract Research Associate, you need a background in life sciences or a related field, strong research methodology knowledge, and often a relevant degree (such as a BSc or MSc). Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, and data analysis tools like SPSS or SAS are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating studies and managing stakeholders. These abilities ensure high-quality, compliant research execution and reliable study outcomes within regulatory frameworks.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract research roles and how can they be managed?

Professionals in contract research often navigate tight deadlines, shifting client requirements, and the need to maintain strict regulatory compliance. Balancing multiple projects simultaneously and communicating effectively with both internal teams and external sponsors can be demanding. Proactively managing workload, staying organized, and maintaining clear, consistent communication with stakeholders are key strategies to overcome these challenges. Additionally, staying updated on industry regulations and leveraging project management tools can help ensure successful outcomes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Research jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Research jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Research job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,783 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Contract Specialist - HYBRID with Security Clearance

Arlington, VA • On-site

Zachary Piper Solutions, LLC
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees

$120K - $175K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is looking for a Contract Specialist in the Arlington, VA area . This opportunity is hybrid and requires 1 day on-site per week. The Contract Specialist will join a highly respected Department of Defense Research organization supporting initiatives that impact national security and technological advancement. Responsibilities for the Contract Specialist: · Prepare and administer Department of Defense Research & Development (FAR Part 35) contracts · Assist in the negotiation of contract terms and conditions with government and contractor personnel · Prepare contract modifications and maintain accurate contract documentation · Analyze procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal regulations · Perform cost and price analysis and support the development of cost proposals · Prepare and maintain contract file documentation in accordance with FAR, DFARS, and other applicable regulations Qualifications for the Contract Specialist: · 6 -12 years of experience in government procurement · Active Secret Clearance required · Procurement Desktop Defense (PD2) experience · Full cradle-to-grave contract administration experience · Department of Defense contracting experience preferred · Experience preparing cost proposals, negotiating terms and conditions of contracts, preparing contract modifications, administering contracts or subcontracts, and analyzing cost and prices · Experience working with DFARS regulations and OTAs Compensation for the Contract Specialist: · Salary: $120,000-$175,000 based on professional experience · Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays This job was posted on August 30, 2026 and will be open for 30 days. #LI-AK #LI-Hybrid Keywords: Contract Specialist, Senior Contract Specialist, Government Contract Specialist, Federal Contract Specialist, Federal Contracts Specialist, Government Contracts Specialist, Contracting Specialist, Contracting Officer, Contract Officer, Contracting Officer Specialist, KO, CO, 1102, GS-1102, 1102 Contract Specialist, Federal 1102, Acquisition Professional, Acquisition Specialist, Senior Acquisition Specialist, Federal Acquisition Specialist, Government Acquisition Specialist, Acquisition Analyst, Senior Acquisition Analyst, Acquisition Consultant, Acquisition Program Specialist, Acquisition Management, Acquisition Support, Procurement Specialist, Federal Procurement Specialist, Procurement Analyst, Senior Procurement Analyst, Contracts Administrator, Contract Administrator, Senior Contract Administrator, Contracts Manager, Government Contracts Manager, Federal Contracts Manager, Subcontracts Administrator, Senior Subcontracts Administrator, Subcontracts Manager, Government Contracts, Federal Contracts, DoD Contracts, Defense Contracts, Defense Contracting, Government Contracting, Federal Contracting, DoD Contracting, Contract Administration, Contract Management, Contract Lifecycle Management, Cradle-to-Grave Contracts, Cradle to Grave Contracting, Cradle-to-Grave Acquisition, Full Lifecycle Contracting, Acquisition Lifecycle, Federal Procurement, Government Procurement, DoD Procurement, Defense Procurement, Procurement Management, Acquisition Planning, Procurement Planning, Pre-Award, Post-Award, Contract Award, Contract Closeout, Contract Modifications, Contract Modification, Contract Mods, Mods, Solicitation, Solicitation Development, RFP, RFQ, Request for Proposal, Request for Quote, Source Selection, Market Research, Proposal Evaluation, Proposal Analysis, Contract Negotiation, Negotiations, Terms and Conditions, Cost Proposal Development, Cost Proposal, Cost Analysis, Price Analysis, Cost and Price Analysis, Cost/Price Analysis, Cost Realism, Price Reasonableness, Cost Evaluation, FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR Part 15, FAR Part 16, FAR Part 35, DFARS, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, DFARS PGI, PGI, Federal Acquisition, Government Acquisition, Defense Acquisition, DoD Acquisition, OTA, OTAs, Other Transaction Authority, Other Transaction Agreement, Other Transaction Agreements, OTA Agreements, Research Contracts, Research and Development Contracts, R&D Contracts, R&D Contracting, R&D Acquisition, Research Acquisition, DoD Research, Defense Research, Government R&D, Federal Research Programs, Research and Development, PD2, PD², Procurement Desktop Defense, Procurement Desktop-Defense, SPS, Standard Procurement System, Contract Writing System, Contract Writing Systems, PIEE, WAWF, Wide Area Workflow, DAWIA, Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act, FAC-C, Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting, NCMA, CFCM, CPCM, Secret Clearance, Active Secret Clearance, Active Secret, Security Clearance, Cleared, Cleared Professional, Cleared Professionals, Cleared Contract Specialist, Cleared Acquisition Specialist, Department of Defense, DoD, Defense Programs, Federal Government, National Security, DARPA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, ARPA, ARPA-H