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Independent Researcher Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing

Vulnerability Researcher

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Vulnerability Researcher: Use advanced systems to find zero-day (O-day) vulnerabilities ... Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation's most impactful mission ...

Nwis

Vulnerability Researcher

Annapolis Junction, MD

$77K - $163K/yr

Vulnerability Researcher: Use advanced systems to find zero-day (O-day) vulnerabilities ... Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation's most impactful mission ...

Kitware

Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA

$155K - $215K/yr

Research and Development Engineers at Kitware also enjoy benefits commonly associated with a ... independence and responsibility. Besides a great work environment, our comprehensive benefits ...

Kitware

Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Research and Development Engineers at Kitware also enjoy benefits commonly associated with a ... independence and responsibility. Besides a great work environment, our comprehensive benefits ...

Kitware

Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Research and Development Engineers at Kitware also enjoy benefits commonly associated with a ... independence and responsibility. Besides a great work environment, our comprehensive benefits ...

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All JobsIndependent Researcher JobsIndependent Researcher Jobs in Washington

Independent Researcher information

See Washington salary details

$34K

$128.1K

$186.3K

How much do independent researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent 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 is an independent researcher?

An Independent Researcher conducts studies, analyzes data, and develops knowledge outside of formal institutional settings. They often self-fund or seek grants, working on projects driven by personal interest or societal needs. This role requires strong self-discipline, research skills, and the ability to publish or present findings independently. Independent Researchers may collaborate with institutions, but they operate without direct employment by academia or private organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent researcher?

To thrive as an Independent Researcher, you need advanced analytical thinking, solid research methodologies, and expertise in your chosen field, often supported by a relevant degree or substantive research experience. Familiarity with data analysis tools, reference management software, and scientific databases is commonly required. Strong self-motivation, time management, and written communication skills help set outstanding researchers apart. These skills are crucial for producing credible, high-quality research independently, managing projects efficiently, and effectively sharing findings with diverse audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by independent researchers and how can they be addressed?

Independent Researchers often encounter challenges such as securing funding, accessing necessary resources, and maintaining motivation without the structure of a traditional institution. Navigating these hurdles usually involves proactive networking, seeking grants or sponsorships, and utilizing online academic platforms or open-source tools. Collaboration with other researchers or joining professional associations can provide valuable support and feedback. Staying organized and setting clear project milestones also helps maintain progress and motivation throughout the research process.

How do you become an independent researcher?

To become an independent researcher, you typically need a strong background in your chosen field, often demonstrated through a relevant degree or extensive experience. Developing research skills, such as data analysis, critical thinking, and familiarity with research tools, is essential, along with establishing a professional network and a clear research focus. Building a portfolio of published work or projects can also help establish credibility and attract opportunities.

How much do independent researchers make?

Independent researchers' earnings vary widely based on experience, specialization, and project scope. They typically charge hourly rates ranging from $20 to $100 or more, or project-based fees, and income can range from a few thousand dollars annually to six figures for highly experienced professionals working on complex projects or consulting contracts.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Independent Researcher jobs in Washington?

For Independent Researcher jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Independent Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Researcher job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,099 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate Applying Machine Learning Methodologies to Predict Spectra of PFAS

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Postdoctoral Researcher Applying Machine Learning Methodologies to Predict Spectra of PFAS Compounds
The work will entail: The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens preferred) to apply modern methods in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to the problem of predicting infrared spectra and mass spectra for PFAS compounds. The candidate should have a strong background in AI/ML with application to chemical problems, have familiarity with infrared and mass spectra, and understand the relevant chemistry of PFAS molecules. This position will involve working with a team of chemists, physicists, mathematicians, data scientists and machine learning experts characterizing PFAS molecules used in the semiconductor industry with the goal of discovering new molecules for the semiconductor etching process.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Develop libraries of training data through mining of existing databases and simulation of infrared and mass spectra using quantum chemistry and related methodologies.
  • Create AI/ML models for high-fidelity prediction of the infrared and mass spectra and validate their use in matching experimentally measured spectra.
  • Collaborate with other computational and experimental researchers to meet project goals.
  • Disseminate results through publications, talks, poster presentations, etc.

Qualifications
  • PhD. in chemistry, physics, or a closely aligned field.
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting quantum scattering calculations.
  • Strong programming skills in languages such as Python or C/C++, experience using modern software frameworks for AI/ML, and experience in data analysis.
  • Motivated, independent researcher with good organizational, communication and leadership skills.
  • Solid track-record of scientific publication.

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 the 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. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.
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.
PREP0004008 or PREP0003620

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