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Design Research Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

HIT Strategies

2026 Research Pipeline

Washington, DC · Remote

Positions include Executive Research Assistant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Manager and 1099 ... Drive research design, data collection, analysis, and consulting Preferred Research Audiences

Hit Strategies

2026 Research Pipeline

Washington, DC · Remote

Positions include Executive Research Assistant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Manager and 1099 ... Drive research design, data collection, analysis, and consulting Preferred Research Audiences

HIT Strategies

2026 Research Pipeline

Washington, DC · On-site

Positions include Executive Research Assistant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Manager and 1099 ... Drive research design, data collection, analysis, and consulting Preferred Research Audiences

Umd

Assistant Research Professor

College Park, MD

The new Professional Track faculty member will provide leadership in epidemiological study design ... as an Assistant Professor on the professional research track in the School of Public Health ...

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Design Research Assistant information

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$84

How much do design research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for design research assistant in Washington is $38.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.39 and $51.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the most commonly searched types of Design Research jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Design Research jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Research Assistant jobs in Washington? For Design Research Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Research Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Design Research Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Design Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Design Research Assistant job openings:
Design Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Research Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,757 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Research Assistant/Associate

Center for a New American Security

Washington, DC • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 hours ago

Job description

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks to hire a Research Assistant/Associate (RA) to support its Defense Program. Candidates with an interest in defense strategy, policy, and operations who possess strong project and event management skills are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates should be self-starters comfortable working as part of a small, close-knit team in an extremely fast-paced and fluid work environment. The RA will have the opportunity to contribute to research projects on high-impact defense issues and organize events such as roundtables and wargames with senior defense and national security leaders. An ability to manage complex administrative tasks while also undertaking research assignments with diligent attention to detail is critical. Please note that this is not a regional studies position. The position is in-person and located in Washington, D.C.
The following is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities will vary over time.
RESPONSIBILITIES
TEAM MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS
  • Schedule and execute meetings and events across multiple time zones.
  • Create meeting agendas, take notes, and track associated tasks.
  • Arrange business travel and accommodations.
  • Compile expense reports and manage financial reporting.
  • Maintain program website and project content.
  • Manage program contact lists.
  • Assist in the management and mentorship of intern(s).

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT
  • Edit CNAS papers and reports for substance, style, and layout, including citations.
  • Manage team publication schedules and deadlines.
  • Collaborate with Center staff to develop compelling graphics and data visualizations.
  • Help promote research among target audiences.

EVENT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
Plan, manage, and execute Defense Program events, including wargames run by The Gaming Lab, private roundtables, and public events. This includes:
  • Formulate event agendas and relevant background materials.
  • Draft and send personalized invitations and external-facing event descriptions.
  • Identify invitees and manage RSVP lists.
  • Oversee event logistics, such as venues, catering, etc., in conjunction with Center staff.
  • Coordinate with senior government and subject matter expert external speakers and their staffs.
  • Execute complex virtual event communications plans using Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
  • Research and build familiarity with potential funders.
  • Develop proposals, grant applications, and project budgets in conjunction with Center staff.
  • Engage with project sponsors in conjunction with senior staff.
  • Compile reporting requirements for funders in conjunction with Center staff.
  • Engage with donors and sponsors.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
  • Conduct literature reviews, in-depth research, and analysis on key defense topics.
  • Assist in wargame design, execution, and analysis.
  • Create and manage wargame support materials, including orders of battle, scenarios, and maps.
  • Identify key insights from wargames.
  • Co-author CNAS papers and reports with supervision from senior staff.
  • Publish op-eds, journal articles, or short analyses with supervision from senior staff.
  • Support and participate in engagements with external experts and practitioners including (non-resident) adjunct fellows.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Participate in interviews and other personnel processes.
  • Attend internal meetings and represent CNAS at outside events.
  • Mentor colleagues.
  • Assist in networking, messaging, and outreach about CNAS, the Defense Program, and its products.
  • Attend and staff CNAS events and activities as needed.
  • Occasional travel

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Required:
  • U.S. citizenship.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and rigorous attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated interest in researching, analyzing, and writing on national security and defense issues.
  • Demonstrated willingness to perform administrative work with diligence.
  • Strong multitasking and time management skills, as well as an ability to juggle multiple projects and competing priorities.
  • An ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and fluid environment.
  • General familiarity with military, Department of Defense, and national security issues and terminology, as well as familiarity with open-source research methods and traditional academic approaches.
  • Strong writing skills, including good grammar and diligent self-editing and fact checking.
  • Good judgment, especially regarding the quality of data and competing information sources.
  • Willingness to maintain confidentiality.
  • Computer competency including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Slack, and Zoom.
  • Based in Washington, D.C. or willing to relocate upon job offer. This is a fully in-person role.

Preferred:
  • Master's degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., strategic studies, security studies, political science, international relations, military history, operations research).
  • Project management experience.
  • Events management experience.
  • Experience researching, analyzing, and writing on national security and defense issues.
  • Experience designing, executing, and analyzing wargames or other research-related events.
  • Experience in data analysis and visualization using standard tools (Excel, Python, R, etc.).
  • Two to five years of full-time relevant work experience (required for Research Associate applicants).

ABOUT THE DEFENSE PROGRAM
The CNAS Defense program addresses the central military challenges of today and tomorrow and assesses how to balance risk across time. We employ strategic, budgetary, and operational analysis and leverage innovative approaches to inform defense policy. Wargaming is one of these innovation approaches, and the Gaming Lab at CNAS, situated within the Defense Program, develops and runs games and exercises on critical defense issues. Through these efforts and more, we develop actionable policy recommendations on defense strategy, force structure, operations, and resourcing to help U.S. and allied leaders create needed change.
ABOUT CNAS
The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.
CNAS is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.

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