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Cybersecurity Researcher Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Cybersecurity Researcher information

See Washington salary details

$34K

$128.1K

$186.3K

How much do cybersecurity researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for cybersecurity researcher in Washington is $128,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $174,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cybersecurity researcher do?

A Cybersecurity Researcher investigates threats, vulnerabilities, and emerging risks in digital systems to help protect organizations and individuals from cyberattacks. Their work involves analyzing malware, testing security measures, and developing new techniques to defend against hackers. They may also publish findings, contribute to security tools, and advise on best practices. Cybersecurity Researchers play a crucial role in staying ahead of cybercriminals and advancing the field of information security.

What are some common challenges cybersecurity researchers face when working on threat analysis projects?

Cybersecurity Researchers often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving threat landscapes, the need to analyze vast amounts of complex data, and staying current with the latest attack vectors and tools. Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams is essential, as projects typically require input from software engineers, network specialists, and policy experts. Adapting to shifting priorities and responding quickly to emerging threats are also common aspects of the role, making flexibility and continuous learning crucial for success.

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

To thrive as a Cybersecurity Researcher, you need a strong understanding of computer science, network security, cryptography, and threat analysis, often supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications like CISSP or CEH. Familiarity with security tools such as Wireshark, Metasploit, and various malware analysis platforms is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for innovating and sharing findings with technical and non-technical stakeholders. These abilities ensure effective identification, analysis, and mitigation of emerging cyber threats in a rapidly evolving landscape.

What is the difference between Cybersecurity Researcher vs Security Analyst?

AspectCybersecurity ResearcherSecurity Analyst
Required CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development teams, academic settingsCorporate security teams, incident response centers
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, academiaFinancial institutions, government agencies, corporations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Cybersecurity Researchers focus on discovering vulnerabilities, developing new security methods, and advancing cybersecurity knowledge. Security Analysts monitor networks, respond to threats, and implement security measures. While both roles require similar certifications and often work in overlapping environments, Researchers are more involved in innovation and discovery, whereas Analysts focus on protecting and maintaining security in operational settings.

How much do cybersecurity researchers make?

Cybersecurity researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning over $150,000. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the security environment they work in.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cybersecurity Researcher jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Cybersecurity Researcher jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Cybersecurity Researcher jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Cybersecurity Researcher jobs in Washington are:

Cybersecurity Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cybersecurity Researcher job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,099 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

NIST PREP Research Associate in Applied Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity and Critical Infra

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). The PREP program provides valuable research and laboratory experience, as well as financial support, to researchers at various stages of their academic and professional careers. Individuals in this position will perform technical work that advances scientific research and measurement science across multiple disciplines.
Research Title: Research Associate - Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scientist for Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure
Position Description: The Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scientist for Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure will serve as a technical expert in the design, development, evaluation, and deployment of trustworthy AI technologies to enhance the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure systems. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research initiatives and support the transition of innovative AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions from the laboratory to operational environments.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Technical Development and Implementation:
  • Design, develop, and deploy applied AI solutions focused on strengthening cybersecurity capabilities for critical infrastructure environments.
  • Integrate AI technologies into cybersecurity workflows, tools, and operational processes.

Research and Technical Analysis:
  • Conduct advanced research and technical analyses to develop and evaluate trustworthy AI approaches for cybersecurity applications.
  • Develop methodologies and frameworks that ensure AI systems are robust, secure, explainable, and resilient to adversarial threats.

Technical Collaboration and Coordination:
  • Collaborate with researchers and technical experts across NIST and external partner organizations to advance AI-enabled cybersecurity research.
  • Evaluate emerging AI technologies and assess their applicability to critical infrastructure cybersecurity challenges.

Technology Transition and Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Support the transition of research outcomes into scalable, operational solutions for U.S. industry partners and critical infrastructure stakeholders.
  • Contribute to pilot implementations, technology demonstrations, and industry engagement activities that promote adoption of research-based solutions.

Qualifications
U.S. Citizen Preferred
  • Experience conducting research and measurement science in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related fields to address challenges in critical and emerging technology areas, including cybersecurity.
  • Experience developing, evaluating, or implementing AI-related guidelines, frameworks, standards, or pilot projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to transition research outcomes into practical applications that deliver measurable impact to industry or government stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) and related AI guidance documents.
  • Strong analytical, technical, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary research environments.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004898

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