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Entry Level Research Associate Jobs in Washington

PrideStaff

Entry level Tax Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Research and resolve various tax notices. * Manage payroll tax accounting and unemployment tax rate ... Associates degree, or equivalent work experience * Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a focus on ...

DGA Group

Associate - Asia

Washington, DC · On-site

The Asia team is seeking an Associate for an entry-level position supporting the firm's large and ... You will also work with team members to understand client objectives, conduct research, and develop ...

AllJobs

Data Entry Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

The work is mostly data entry and will involve research and putting data into our spreadsheet ... is an entry-level position with opportunities for you to get promoted and grow with us! Here are ...

Thinkbrg

Fall 2027 Advisory Associate

Washington, DC

We Do Consulting Differently The Associate position is a full-time entry level consulting staff ... Research: Ability to perform complex research accurately, thoroughly, and efficiently. * Problem ...

ROCS

Business Development Associate

Reston, VA

$60K/yr

This is a perfect entry-level role for someone who enjoys connecting with people, is eager to learn ... Research prospective companies and decision-makers using industry tools and platforms * Shadow ...

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Entry Level Research Associate information

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How much do entry level research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level research associate in Washington is $24.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.49 and $31.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level research associate position?

To thrive as an Entry Level Research Associate, you need a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, strong analytical skills, and experience with data collection and laboratory procedures. Familiarity with lab equipment, statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R), and basic data management systems is typically required. Effective communication, organization, and attention to detail are key soft skills that help you excel in this role. These competencies ensure accurate research support, reliable results, and smooth collaboration within multidisciplinary research teams.

What does an entry level research associate do?

A typical day for an Entry Level Research Associate involves a mix of tasks such as collecting and analyzing data, preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting with literature reviews. You’ll often collaborate closely with senior researchers and team members to coordinate experiments and interpret findings. Depending on the project, you may also be responsible for documenting results and contributing to group meetings or presentations. The work environment is usually team-oriented and fast-paced, offering great opportunities to learn a variety of research methods and tools. This dynamic role allows you to gain hands-on experience and build foundational skills for advancement in scientific or academic research.

What is an entry level research associate?

An Entry Level Research Associate supports research projects by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data under the supervision of senior researchers. They assist with literature reviews, laboratory experiments, data entry, and documentation. This role is common in academic, healthcare, and corporate research settings, providing hands-on experience in research methodologies. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with research tools are essential. It is an excellent starting point for those looking to build a career in research or related fields.

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Entry Level Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Research Associate job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,450 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Research Associate - Entry Level

Institute for Defense Analyses

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

About IDA
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. IDA's mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. IDA operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC's).
Why Work for IDA?
We are seeking a Research Associate to support projects in both the Science, Systems and Sustainment Division (S3D, as the home division) and Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI, as the secondary division). Researchers within IDA are self-starting scientists and engineers who advise Department of War (DoW), Department of Homeland Security, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and other agency officials and selected audiences on challenges of national and global significance. We provide independent analytical products to help solve problems facing senior executives and military officials across the Federal government. IDA scientists and engineers offer our sponsors insight into technology trends and the impact of emerging advances by bringing rigor to technology readiness assessments, science and technology ecosystem characterization including workforce analysis, and independent perspectives on technology risks and mitigation strategies. The Research Associate will facilitate data-driven decision-making by conducting research using methods such as statistical analysis, natural language processing, literature review, computer code development, or modeling and simulation. Strong problem-solving skills are critical, and duties will also include report writing, developing visualizations of data and research results, presenting results, and other project-related tasks as directed by research staff. Projects may cross the full domain of science and technology; therefore, applicants should be willing to regularly learn new topics that concern national security and science and technology policy.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Provide qualitative and quantitative analytic support to government sponsors (e.g., analysis of scientific research developments and progress in areas of interest to defense sponsors, analysis of policy and program data, analysis of scientific and industrial capabilities relevant to sponsor interests).
  • Assist in the preparation of documents (e.g., briefings and reports on the design, conduct, and findings of data analyses, graphs that clearly present findings from analyses)
  • Identify and prepare useful data sources for analysis to address questions of sponsor interest.

What Will You Need?
  • We are seeking a highly analytical person who is able to both collaborate on cutting-edge research projects within S3D and STPI while also conducting independent research in support of S3D's DoW and STPI's OSTP and other agency sponsors.
  • An ideal candidate will enthusiastically and proactively develop new data sources and analytical methodologies to help address complex and challenging research questions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Bachelors or Masters degree in physical sciences, engineering, computer science, or related fields as well as demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to conduct independent research.
  • Expertise in topics related to natural language processing, autonomous systems, robotics, AI, S&T policy, or researcher networks will be viewed as a plus. Experience in a research setting with natural language processing methods and related language-based machine learning or artificial intelligence tools is particularly desired.
  • Data analysis experience using Python, Matlab, R, or similar languages.
  • Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Successful completion of a background check is required.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.

Why work at IDA?
IDA, as a non-profit, is uniquely positioned to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science questions with objective and rigorous analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. This position is located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C.
IDA offers the following benefits and resources to their employees:
  • Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement;
  • Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL);
  • Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications;
  • A culture of work-life balance, including flex time, partial telework, and limiting work communication to core business hours;
  • The opportunity to craft your own unique research portfolio of distinct value to the national security enterprise.
  • A brand-new facility located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a gym, cafeteria and close proximity to local dining and shopping; and
  • Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $340/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

What are the next steps?
  • Complete the application and submit your resume.

The application process consists of three interviews.
  • A short screening call with HR;
  • A 30 min - 60 min screening call with researchers; and
  • A full day interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving an hour presentation on a research project.

Prior to the full day interview, you will be asked to provide:
  • Transcripts (unofficial accepted);
  • 3 letters of recommendation; and
  • A writing sample.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $67,335 - $190,249 Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.
U.S. Citizenship is required
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required
IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Click here to learn more about IDA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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