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Design Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Echelon Insights

Research Team Roles

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Main Responsibilities: * Assist with drafting survey instruments and proposed research designs ... The ideal candidate will merge creative design ability with quantitative data skills in order to ...

Echelon Insights

Research Team Roles

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Main Responsibilities: * Assist with drafting survey instruments and proposed research designs ... The ideal candidate will merge creative design ability with quantitative data skills in order to ...

Riverside Community Care

Family Partner

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Assemble data and research * Assist with administrative duties * Provide input on solutions to problems using basic theories and engineering fundamentals * Assist with layout and design of routine ...

Virginia Tech

Research Specialist

Blacksburg, VA

Duties include evaluation of literature relevant to research projects; design, modification, and ... Reports to the Urban Pest Management specialist, and will assist in overall program coordination.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDesign Research JobsDesign Research Assistant JobsDesign Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Design Research Assistant information

How does a design research assistant typically contribute to collaborative projects within a design team?

As a Design Research Assistant, you play a vital role in supporting collaborative projects by gathering user insights, conducting surveys or interviews, and synthesizing findings for the design team. You often work closely with UX/UI designers, product managers, and other researchers to ensure that user perspectives are integrated into the design process. Your ability to communicate research findings clearly and contribute to brainstorming sessions helps drive informed design decisions and fosters a user-centered approach throughout the project.

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

A Design Research Assistant should have a solid background in user research methods, data analysis, and design principles, often supported by a degree in design, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research tools, survey platforms, and design software like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma is typically required. Strong communication, organization, and critical thinking skills help them effectively collaborate and synthesize insights. These abilities are crucial for delivering actionable research that informs and improves design solutions.

What is a design research assistant?

Design Research Assistants are professionals who support design teams by conducting research to inform and guide the design process. Their responsibilities typically include gathering user insights, analyzing data, assisting in usability testing, and preparing reports that help designers create user-centered products or experiences. They often use both qualitative and quantitative research methods and work closely with designers, researchers, and other stakeholders. This role is essential for ensuring that design solutions are based on real user needs and evidence.

What is the difference between Design Research Assistant vs User Experience Researcher?

AspectDesign Research AssistantUser Experience Researcher
CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in design, psychology, or related fieldsUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in human-computer interaction, psychology, or design
Work EnvironmentAssist in research tasks within design teams, often in agencies or corporate settingsConduct user research to improve digital products, often in tech or software companies
Employer & IndustryDesign firms, product companies, agenciesTech companies, software developers, digital agencies

While both roles involve user research, a Design Research Assistant typically supports research activities within design projects, focusing on gathering insights to inform design decisions. A User Experience Researcher conducts in-depth user studies to enhance digital experiences, often taking on more independent research responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Design Research Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Design Research Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Research Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Design Research Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Design Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Design Research Assistant job openings:
Design Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Laboratory Research Operations Assistant

Virginia Jobs

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

The Connelly Laboratory at the University of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Laboratory Research Operations Assistant to join our interdisciplinary research team. This position is ideal for candidates interested in gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of molecular biology, neuroscience, and animal behavior.
The Connelly Lab conducts cutting-edge research in translational neuroepigenetics, with a focus on how DNA methylation and gene regulation shape brain development, behavior, and health across the lifespan. Our work integrates molecular biology, genomics, imaging and animal models to understand how early-life experiences-particularly birth interventions-impact the oxytocin system in mothers and offspring.
We are a well-funded, collaborative, and highly productive lab, offering opportunities for meaningful scientific contribution and professional development. Learn more at www.connellylab.com .
Position Overview
The Laboratory Research Operations Assistant will work closely with Professor Jessica Connelly and lab members to support both research execution and laboratory operations. This role combines molecular biology, imaging, and animal behavior research, and lab management, making it ideal for candidates seeking a broad and immersive research experience.
The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining an active animal colony, generating molecular data, collecting imaging data and supporting experimental workflows, while also contributing to the overall functioning of a dynamic research environment.
Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain and manage a small animal breeding colony, including daily husbandry
  • Conduct and record behavioral observations and analyses
  • Assist with small animal surgical procedures
  • Perform tissue collection, processing, and biobanking
  • Isolate and analyze DNA and RNA from tissues and cells
  • Assist with cell culture and molecular biology workflows
  • Assist with confocal and other imaging modalities, including neuroimaging
  • Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records and ensure data quality
  • Manage laboratory inventory, reagents, and supplies
  • Ensure compliance with institutional animal care and safety protocols
  • Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants
  • Support general laboratory operations, including organization, maintenance, and workflow optimization
  • Contribute to manuscripts, grant preparation, and scientific presentations
  • Other duties as assigned
What We Offer
  • Direct mentorship from the PI and senior scientists
  • Opportunities for authorship on scientific publications
  • Experience contributing to grant writing and experimental design
  • Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
  • A collaborative, intellectually engaging lab environment
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 1 year of laboratory experience (including undergraduate research); Bachelor's degree may substitute for experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline
  • Experience with rodent models and animal handling
  • Background in animal behavior analysis
  • Experience with dissection and/or small animal surgery
  • Familiarity with DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, or molecular biology techniques
  • Experience with cell culture
  • Experience with neuroimaging pipeline design and analysis
Salary range: $19.00-$21.50/hour (commensurate with experience)
Physical Demands: This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other benchwork and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.
This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.
This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is a full-time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.
Application Process:
Please apply online , and search for R0082682. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application online with the following documents:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration. This position is open until filled.
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.
For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.
Job Profile
J1882 - Laboratory Research Operations and Service 1
Career Stream and Level
Operations and Service-O1
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

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