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Educational Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

In this role, you will apply advanced vulnerability research (VR), reverse engineering (RE), and ... experience, education, certifications, skills, security clearance level, geographic location ...

New

Technology Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and ... Education: BS Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or ...

JR101341 Postdoctoral Researcher (Open) Job Posting Title: Postdoctoral Researcher Department ... Education: * Earned Ph.D. in a relevant field such as computational science, applied mathematics ...

The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and ... Education: BS Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering,or ...

... Education and Experience * Bachelor's degree in relevant field; advanced degree desired * 3+ years ... X Research experience * 3+ years conducting interviews and gathering data * 3+ years of Figma ...

... Education and Experience * Bachelor's degree in relevant field; advanced degree desired * 3+ years ... X Research experience * 3+ years conducting interviews and gathering data * 3+ years of Figma ...

... of education and professional experience. Experience conducting research within federal government, public sector, healthcare, or other highly regulated environments is strongly preferred.

... Education and Experience * Bachelor's degree in relevant field; advanced degree desired * 3+ years ... X Research experience * 3+ years conducting interviews and gathering data * 3+ years of Figma ...

AI Researcher

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

R0244539 AI Researcher The Opportunity: As an analytics professional, you're excited at the ... education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific ...

AI Researcher

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$99K - $225K/yr

Share AI Researcher The Opportunity: As an analytics professional, you're excited at the prospect ... education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific ...

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Showing results 1-20

Educational Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$112.1K

$163.1K

How much do educational researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for educational researcher in Virginia is $112,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $152,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Educational Researcher position, and why are they important?

Educational Researchers need strong analytical skills, expertise in research design, and typically a graduate degree in education, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or NVivo), survey tools, and sometimes IRB certification is important. Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and collaboration skills help researchers share findings and work effectively with teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure research quality, generate meaningful insights, and contribute to evidence-based educational improvements.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Educational Researcher?

Educational Researchers spend much of their day designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and writing reports or academic articles. They often collaborate with educators, school administrators, and other researchers to evaluate educational programs or interventions. Many roles involve presenting findings to stakeholders or at conferences, as well as ensuring that research complies with ethical standards. The work environment can vary from universities and government agencies to non-profits and research firms, with teamwork and communication being central to success.

What does an Educational Researcher do?

An Educational Researcher investigates learning processes, teaching methods, and educational policies to improve education systems. They collect and analyze data, conduct studies, and evaluate programs to identify best practices. Their work informs educators, policymakers, and institutions on effective teaching strategies and curriculum development. Educational Researchers may work in universities, government agencies, or research organizations. Their insights help enhance student outcomes and advance the field of education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Educational Researcher jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Educational Researcher jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Educational Researcher jobs in Virginia? For Educational Researcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Educational Researcher jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Educational Researcher jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Educational Researcher job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,132 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Vulnerability Researcher

The Pennsylvania State University

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a self-motivated Vulnerability Researcher to join our Cyberspace Operations Research Department in Reston, VA of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Cyberspace Operations Research Department provides technical expertise in adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to support system evaluation and provide security hardening support to various sponsors.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Research cutting edge techniques and technologies for system exploitation

  • Leverage expertise in reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and software development to address established needs and investigate solutions to emerging requirements

  • Apply software engineering best practices to create proof-of-concept tools and configure test environments to perform demonstrations to sponsors and partners

  • Assist the Cyberspace Operations Research Department Head in maintaining relationships with sponsors through on-site technical discussions, preparation and presentation of technical materials, and project-related correspondence

  • Provide process enhancement for technical functionality evaluation, vulnerability analyses, cyberspace operations engineering, and penetration testing projects

  • Apply project management principles and methods to the leadership of tasks or projects

  • Provide guidance to lower-level engineers to foster professional growth

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:

  • Understand broad strategic objectives and contribute to them; nurture and maintain relationships with major customers/grantors of external research and development grant funding

  • Identify grant/project follow-on work and persuade customers/grantors to fund; impact customer decisions and strategies

  • Initiate new project concepts and seek funding; develop technical proposals and make presentations to customers/grant sponsors

  • Mentor department staff in the development technical, project, and business development skills

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Documented application of reverse engineering and vulnerability testing tools (e.g. Ghidra/IDA, Kali Linux, Angr/AFL++, QEMU/Unicorn, etc)

  • Reverse engineering, vulnerability research, malware analysis, and/or CNO tool development

  • Computer networking fundamentals, Windows and *NIX operating systems, X86(64) and ARM or MIPS architectures

  • Cyber operations architecture and software engineering practices

  • Software programming, programming languages, and development environments (to include at a minimum C, Java, or Python)

  • Ability to express technical information clearly and concisely in documents and presentations for senior leaders to successfully comprehend and leverage for decision making

  • Active government security clearance at TS/SCI level with eligibility for special accesses

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Cybersecurity exploit development and test environment configuration

  • Cybersecurity penetration testing / cybersecurity Red Team testing / white hat hacking

  • Military cyberspace operations or computer network operations

  • Demonstrated history of successful project initiation efforts

  • Agile software development methodology and tools

  • Atlassian products (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)


Your working location will be fully on-site located in Reston, VA, but options exist for occasional hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Cyber Security (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Cyber Security (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Cyber Security (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $127,080.00 - $277,200.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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