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Lead Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Accenture Federal Services

UX Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$91K - $184K/yr

Design and lead research studies across generative and evaluative methods, from discovery through delivery * Support team designers and analysts to facilitate or moderate sessions * Ensure the ...

advansix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA · On-site

Nylon Lead R&D Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Process Technology Focus) Position Summary The Nylon Lead R&D Scientist serves as a technical leader driving polymer chemistry innovation and process ...

advansix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA · On-site

Nylon Lead R&D Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Process Technology Focus) Position Summary The Nylon Lead R&D Scientist serves as a technical leader driving polymer chemistry innovation and process ...

ProSidian Consulting

Human Capital Research Lead

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We seek Human Capital Research Lead | Workforce Planning & Strategic Human Capital Analytics - Employee Research & Surveys [NSF0040040] candidates with relevant Government And Public Services Sector ...

STR

Lead Signal Processing Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$173K - $216K/yr

As a Lead Signal Processing Researcher, you will create and lead technical teams that develop, test, integrate, and demonstrate novel signal processing, optimization, and machine learning algorithms ...

STR

Lead Signal Processing Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$173K - $216K/yr

As a Lead Signal Processing Researcher, you will create and lead technical teams that develop, test, integrate, and demonstrate novel signal processing, optimization, and machine learning algorithms ...

Socket.dev

Lead Signal Processing Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$173 - $216/hr

As a Lead Signal Processing Researcher, you will create and lead technical teams that develop, test, integrate, and demonstrate novel signal processing, optimization, and machine learning algorithms ...

Holland & Knight

Senior Research Analyst

Richmond, VA · On-site

$114K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead research strategy for all sophisticated queries. * Evaluate sources and organize information into high-quality work product sent directly to firm lawyers, business professionals or clients.

Sands Capital

Research Analyst

Arlington, VA

$200K - $250K/yr

Research Analyst sought by Sands Capital Management, LLC in Arlington, VA. 40 hrs./wk. Hybrid ... Develop key insights that lead to long-term investment recommendations. * Articulate and share key ...

BCC

User Experience Researcher

Fairfax, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Black Canyon Consulting (BCC) is a hiring for a UX Researcher to lead user research efforts and provide actionable insights for our government clients success of the IT/Product Modernization ...

BCC

User Experience Researcher

Fairfax, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Black Canyon Consulting (BCC) is a hiring for a UX Researcher to lead user research efforts and provide actionable insights for our government clients success of the IT/Product Modernization ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Researcher JobsLead Researcher Jobs in Virginia

Lead Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$34.7K

$166.6K

How much do lead researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead researcher in Virginia is $158,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $165,600.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Researcher, you need advanced analytical skills, a deep understanding of research methodologies, and typically a graduate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software, data visualization tools, and research management systems is often required. Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills help coordinate teams and disseminate findings effectively. These skills are crucial for designing rigorous studies, leading collaborative research efforts, and producing impactful results.

What is the difference between Lead Researcher vs Research Analyst?

AspectLead ResearcherResearch Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field; experience in research leadershipBachelor's or Master's degree; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentLeading research projects, managing teams, strategic planningData collection, analysis, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageResearch firms, academia, corporate R&DMarket research, finance, healthcare, academia

The main difference between a Lead Researcher and a Research Analyst lies in their responsibilities and seniority. Lead Researchers oversee research projects and manage teams, while Research Analysts focus on data analysis and reporting. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and leadership duties.

What does a lead researcher do?

A lead researcher oversees research projects, develops research strategies, and manages a team of researchers to gather and analyze data. They ensure research objectives are met, often using tools like statistical software, and communicate findings to stakeholders. Strong analytical skills and experience in research methodologies are essential for this role.

What is a lead researcher?

Lead Researchers are experienced professionals who oversee and direct research projects within academic, scientific, or corporate environments. They are responsible for designing research methodologies, managing research teams, securing funding, and ensuring that research objectives are met. Lead Researchers analyze data, publish findings, and often collaborate with other experts to advance knowledge in their field. Their leadership and expertise are critical to the success and integrity of research initiatives.

How do you become a lead researcher?

To become a lead researcher, individuals typically need a strong educational background such as a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field, along with extensive experience in research roles. Developing skills in data analysis, project management, and leadership, as well as familiarity with research tools and methodologies, is essential for advancing to a lead position.

How does a lead researcher typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a project?

As a Lead Researcher, you will frequently coordinate and communicate with professionals from various backgrounds, such as data analysts, subject matter experts, and project managers. This collaboration is essential for integrating diverse perspectives, ensuring methodological rigor, and aligning research outcomes with organizational goals. You'll often facilitate meetings, delegate specific research tasks, and synthesize input from team members to drive the project forward efficiently. Strong interpersonal and project management skills are crucial for navigating differing viewpoints and maintaining progress on shared objectives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Researcher jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Lead Researcher jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Researcher jobs in Virginia?

For Lead Researcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Lead Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,842 per year, or $76.4 per hour.

UX Researcher

Accenture Federal Services

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Accenture Federal Services rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 491 rated business services

Job description

We're reinventing a large enterprise data platform, and we need a senior researcher who can close the loop between user feedback and continuous product improvement. This role will set the tone for research across product design, communications, and customer success efforts. You'll work with designers, analysts, and service design practitioners to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data - and help teams better understand what would make a user's experience intuitive, accessible, and seamless.

 The Work

  • Design and lead research studies across generative and evaluative methods, from discovery through delivery
  • Support team designers and analysts to facilitate or moderate sessions
  • Ensure the quality and structure of research findings feeding our research repository
  • Turn qualitative and quantitative findings into insights that shape design, content, and customer-facing strategy
  • Manage participant recruiting
  • Present findings and recommendations directly to stakeholders and leadership
  • Partner with design and engineering leads to align research with design and delivery milestones

What You Need

  • Bachelor's degreein human behavior or related field, or equivalentexperience
  • 4+ years of CX/UX research experience, planning and running studies in person and remotely
  • Experience training or mentoring junior researchers in research best practices
  • Working knowledge of both generative and evaluative research methods (card sorting, journey mapping, moderated and unmoderated testing)
  • Comfort integrating qualitative and quantitative data into a single narrative
  • Practical experience using gen-AI or agentic tools (NotebookLM or similar) to support a research workflow
  • Proficiency with collaboration tools like Figma, Confluence and standard research tooling at a team-wide or enterprise scale

 Bonus Points

  • Master's Degree
  • Experience on a large-scale federal IT program
  • Prior experience leading a research workstream or team
  • Familiarity with SAFe delivery

Security Requirements

  • Active Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI, or TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance required, depending on position 

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