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Contract Researcher Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Howard University

Contract Specialist-2

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

Howard University is seeking a Contract Specialist who has primary responsibility for the ... External contacts include Federal, state, local and other governmental sponsors of research ...

Howard

Contract Specialist-2

Washington, DC

$100K - $134K/yr

Howard University is seeking a Contract Specialist who has primary responsibility for the ... External contacts include Federal, state, local and other governmental sponsors of research ...

Cyberstar, LLC

Contract Specialist II

Washington, DC · On-site

The Contract Specialist II supports the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO) and the ... Conducting market research and preparing solicitation documentation. * Reviewing proposals for ...

Cyberstar, LLC

Contract Specialist II

Washington, DC · On-site

The Contract Specialist II supports the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO) and the ... Conducting market research and preparing solicitation documentation. * Reviewing proposals for ...

Chenega Mios

Contract Specialist III

Washington, DC · On-site

Lead cradle-to-grave contract activities, like conducting market research, preparing solicitation documentation (pre- and post-award), reviewing proposals for compliance, performing cost/price ...

Chenega MIOS

Contract Specialist III

Washington, DC · On-site

Lead cradle-to-grave contract activities, like conducting market research, preparing solicitation documentation (pre- and post-award), reviewing proposals for compliance, performing cost/price ...

Westat

Principal Contracts Manager - Hybrid

Bethesda, MD

$95K - $127K/yr

... and research-related agreements. * Knowledge of government contractor compliance requirements, audits, cost principles, and contract administration best practices. * Familiarity working with ...

One Federal Solution

Contract Specialist I

Arlington, VA · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

Research and provide statistical data to contracting officers. * Prepare documents such as market research and other Federal Acquisition Regulatory determinations. Contract Specialist Qualifications:

One Federal Solution

Contract Specialist I

Arlington, VA · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

Research and provide statistical data to contracting officers. * Prepare documents such as market research and other Federal Acquisition Regulatory determinations. Contract Specialist Qualifications:

One Federal Solution

Contract Specialist I

Arlington, VA · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

Research and provide statistical data to contracting officers. * Prepare documents such as market research and other Federal Acquisition Regulatory determinations. Contract Specialist Qualifications:

One Federal Solution

Contract Specialist II

Arlington, VA · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Research and provide statistical data to contracting officer. * Prepare documents such as market research and determination. Contract Specialist Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree with at least 24 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Researcher JobsContract Researcher Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Contract Researcher information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$31K

$116.9K

$170.1K

How much do contract researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract researcher in Silver Spring, MD is $116,922.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $159,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract researcher?

To thrive as a Contract Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, experience in research methodologies, and a relevant academic background such as a degree in science or social sciences. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature databases, and ethical compliance certifications is often required. Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or with diverse teams are vital soft skills. These competencies are crucial to delivering high-quality, credible research outcomes that meet client or project objectives.

What is the difference between Contract Researcher vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectContract ResearcherClinical Research Associate
Required credentialsTypically a degree in life sciences, relevant certificationsDegree in health sciences, certifications like CRA certification
Work environmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizationsMonitoring clinical trials at sites, data review
Employer and industry usagePharmaceutical, biotech, CROsPharmaceutical companies, CROs, hospitals

Both roles involve clinical research but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities. Contract Researchers often focus on specific research projects or experiments, while Clinical Research Associates primarily monitor and manage clinical trial sites. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the clinical research industry.

What is a contract researcher?

Contract Researchers are professionals hired on a temporary basis to conduct specific research projects for organizations, universities, or companies. They typically work under contracts rather than as permanent staff, focusing on tasks such as data collection, analysis, and reporting. Their work can span a variety of fields, including science, social science, market research, and more. Contract Researchers are valued for their expertise and flexibility, often bringing specialized skills to short-term or project-based assignments.

What are common challenges faced by contract researchers and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract Researchers often work on multiple projects for different clients or organizations, which can lead to tight deadlines and shifting priorities. Managing time efficiently and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders is crucial to ensure deliverables meet expectations. Additionally, adapting quickly to new research topics and methodologies is important, as contract work can span various industries or subject areas. Building strong organizational skills and staying proactive about clarifying project scopes can help overcome these challenges.
What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Researcher jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Contract Researcher jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Researcher jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Researcher jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Contract Researcher jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Contract Researcher job openings:
Contract Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Researcher job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,922 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Senior Contracts Specialist

Riverside Research Institute

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$108K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Riverside Overview
Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
Position Overview
The Contracts Specialist is responsible for cradle-to-grave contract lifecycle management for a portfolio of federal government contracts and agreements. This role supports compliance with FAR, DFARS, agency-specific regulations, and company policies while contributing to business growth through effective contract administration, negotiation, risk management, and customer engagement.
The ideal candidate is an experienced government contracts professional who can independently manage contracts throughout the contract lifecycle, support proposal efforts, advise program teams on contractual matters, and identify and mitigate contractual risks. This position requires sound judgment, strong attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across functional organizations.
Location: Fairfax, VA or Beavercreek
Responsibilities
Contract Formation & Negotiation
  • Draft, review, negotiate, and administer a variety of government contracts and agreements, including prime contracts, subcontracts, task orders, OTAs, CRADAs, NDAs, teaming agreements, and other business arrangements.
  • Partner with Finance, Procurement, and Program Management teams to negotiate contract terms and conditions that support business objectives while managing risk.
  • Support business development and proposal activities by reviewing solicitations, identifying contractual requirements, assessing risk, and supporting proposal compliance efforts.
  • Participate in contract negotiations with customers, subcontractors, and business partners.

Contract Administration & Management
  • Independently manage a portfolio of contracts through the full contract lifecycle, including award, modifications, funding management, performance monitoring, and closeout.
  • Serve as a contractual point of contact for government contracting officers, contracting officer representatives, subcontractors, and business partners.
  • Monitor contract funding, periods of performance, deliverables, reporting requirements, and other contractual obligations.
  • Maintain complete and accurate contract files and records in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Support timely contract closeout activities and records retention requirements.

Compliance & Risk Management
  • Interpret and apply FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and other applicable regulations.
  • Identify contractual, compliance, and business risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Advise program teams and management regarding contractual rights, obligations, and compliance requirements.
  • Support internal reviews, customer audits, DCAA audits, DCMA reviews, and other compliance assessments.

Process Improvement & Collaboration
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of contract management processes, procedures, templates, and tools.
  • Support training initiatives by sharing contractual knowledge and best practices with internal stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve contractual issues and support successful program execution.
  • Promote consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency within the contracts function.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contracts Management, Finance, Law, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • 8-11 years of progressive experience in federal government contract management, preferably supporting R&D, technology, aerospace, defense, or government services organizations.
  • Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and federal acquisition regulations.
  • Experience supporting proposal development, including solicitation review, compliance analysis, and contractual risk assessment.
  • Experience administering Cost-Reimbursement, Firm-Fixed-Price, Time-and-Materials, Labor-Hour, IDIQ, and GSA Schedule contracts.
  • Strong negotiation, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience using contract management and ERP systems, preferably Deltek Costpoint.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Understanding of subcontract management, flow-down requirements, intellectual property considerations, and contract risk management.

Preferred Qualifications
  • NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, CCCM) or progress toward certification.
  • Experience supporting Commercial Products and Commercial Services under FAR Part 12.
  • Active TS or TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Experience supporting government-furnished property (GFP), inventory management, and property compliance programs.
  • Familiarity with DCMA, DCAA, and other federal compliance reviews.

Global Comp
$110,000- $145,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Closing Statement
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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