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Investigative Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Investigative Assistant I

Arlington, VA · On-site

$42K - $43K/yr

Research, gather investigative data, assemble/compile information for agents' use in investigations * Draft Reports of Investigation and Case Synopsis * Compile reports or provide briefings on the ...

Investigative Assistant I

Arlington, VA · On-site

$43K - $43K/yr

Research, gather investigative data, assemble/compile information for agents' use in investigations * Draft Reports of Investigation and Case Synopsis * Compile reports or provide briefings on the ...

Investigative Assistant I

Arlington, VA · On-site

$42K - $43K/yr

Research, gather investigative data, assemble/compile information for agents' use in investigations * Draft Reports of Investigation and Case Synopsis * Compile reports or provide briefings on the ...

Leveraging investigative, analytic, and writing skills and experience to analyze large data sets ... Researching, preparing, and presenting reports and briefings as required * Communicating and ...

Investigative Assistant I Jobs

Arlington, VA · On-site

$43K - $43K/yr

Research, gather investigative data, assemble/compile information for agents' use in investigations * Draft Reports of Investigation and Case Synopsis * Compile reports or provide briefings on the ...

Leveraging investigative, analytic, and writing skills and experience to analyze large data sets ... Researching, preparing, and presenting reports and briefings as required * Communicating and ...

Investigative Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$165K - $295K/yr

Leveraging investigative, analytic, and writing skills and experience to analyze large data sets ... Researching, preparing, and presenting reports and briefings as required * Communicating and ...

Research, pitch, and execute impactful investigative and consumer-focused reports across multiple platforms * Identify accountability angles within daily news coverage and pursue deeper reporting ...

Work closely with faculty investigators, research collaborators, graduate students, and visiting scientists to support ongoing research activities and project deliverables. * Assist with model setup ...

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Showing results 1-20

Investigative Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$34.7K

$55.6K

$100.1K

How much do investigative researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigative researcher in Virginia is $55,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $46,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Investigative Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, critical thinking, attention to detail, and a background in research methods, often supported by a relevant degree in journalism, criminology, or social sciences. Familiarity with data analysis tools, online databases, public records systems, and sometimes certifications in investigative techniques are typical requirements. Exceptional written and verbal communication, persistence, and ethical integrity set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for uncovering accurate, reliable information and presenting findings clearly and responsibly.

What are some common challenges faced by investigative researchers when gathering and verifying information?

Investigative Researchers often encounter challenges such as accessing reliable sources, dealing with incomplete or conflicting information, and ensuring data accuracy under tight deadlines. Navigating privacy laws and ethical considerations can also be complex, especially when handling sensitive topics. Successful researchers develop strong critical thinking skills, persistence, and effective networking abilities to overcome these obstacles and deliver credible, well-substantiated findings.

What is the difference between Investigative Researcher vs Forensic Analyst?

AspectInvestigative ResearcherForensic Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in criminal justice, research, or related fieldDegree in forensic science, criminal justice, or chemistry
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, government agencies, private investigation firmsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in investigative agencies, private firms, intelligencePrimarily in law enforcement, forensic labs, legal cases
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in investigationsUnderstanding forensic analysis in criminal cases

Investigative Researchers focus on gathering and analyzing information for investigations, often working in research or intelligence settings. Forensic Analysts specialize in analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes in labs. While both roles support criminal investigations, Investigative Researchers emphasize information collection, whereas Forensic Analysts focus on scientific evidence analysis.

How much do investigative researchers make?

Investigative researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Higher salaries are common for those with specialized skills, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand sectors such as private investigation or corporate security.

What does an investigative researcher do?

An investigative researcher gathers, analyzes, and verifies information to support investigations or research projects. They often use public records, interviews, and online sources, and may work with tools like databases and research software to uncover facts and patterns relevant to their case or study.

What job categories do people searching Investigative Researcher jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Investigative Researcher jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Investigative Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,576 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Investigative Analysts

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Ruchman and Associates Inc
Business Management Consulting • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Are you seeking an exciting career in Federal law enforcement? Ruchman and Associates, Inc. is currently seeking Investigative Analysts (IAs) to provide financial investigative services at the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). The DCIS is a federal law enforcement organization whose mission is to protect America's warfighters by conducting investigations in support of crucial National Defense priorities involving fraud, waste, and abuse.
As an IA, you will utilize analytical techniques and tools to conduct research and provide findings to identify possible targets, conspirators, financial transactions, assets, and leads to illegal proceeds. Specific duties include:
• Preparing comprehensive reports and other documents that show asset ownership and presenting the findings of viable assets for forfeiture. Preparing graphs, charts or any other visual aids that illustrate financial transactions; movement of funds; and the identification of assets, individuals, entities, and the relationship to associated contracts. Products will be completed with Government tools such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Utilizing information obtained as a result of financial analysis to prepare documentation such as reports, spreadsheets, and link association charts for use by DCIS personnel pursuing civil and criminal forfeiture matters.
• Preparing research, reports, and analyses of the evidence and of the ability to forfeit targeted property and assess risk in proceeding (e.g., complex link analysis of events and records).
• Preparing research, reports, and analyses for DCIS management regarding program/case status, investigations, seized and forfeited assets, etc.
• Testifying in court proceedings related to the financial analysis conducted on forfeiture investigations.
• Assisting with the preparation of documents (e.g., reports, spreadsheets, case files, filing, scanning, and copying). Managing assigned asset forfeiture case files, records, and property databases to ensure information is accurate, up- to-date, and audit ready when required.
• Photocopying and using Optical Character Recognition software and affixing Bates Stamps when needed to support major Asset Forfeiture investigative operations and pending adjudicative actions.
• Maintain detailed case documentation and database files of financial investigative research to trace proceeds of criminal activities and investigative interests in targeted property.
Requirements
Qualified candidates must possess:
• Bachelor's Degree of any discipline
• Minimum 5 years law enforcement experience with planning, conducting, and participating in complex financial investigations.
• Government clearance
RAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and will not discriminate against any application for employment on the basis of age, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, disability, or sex including pregnancy and childbirth or related medical condition or on any other basis prohibited by law. RAI participates in the E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all persons hired. This means that we will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. RAI will not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants.