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Medical Research Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Research Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Research Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534727 Work type: Research Faculty ... in medical research. Required Qualifications Graduate degree in biology, health sciences ...

AbbVie

Clinical Research Associate II

Richmond, VA

... medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across ... Focus on site clinical research that ensures appropriate conduct of the trial while driving ...

AbbVie

Clinical Research Associate II

Richmond, VA · On-site +1

$78K/yr

... medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across ... Focus on site clinical research that ensures appropriate conduct of the trial while driving ...

AbbVie

Clinical Research Associate II

Richmond, VA

... medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across ... Focus on site clinical research that ensures appropriate conduct of the trial while driving ...

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Medical Research Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$37.2K

$52.9K

$58K

How much do medical research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical research associate in Virginia is $52,869.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a research associate?

A research associate in the medical field typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a related science or healthcare discipline, such as biology, chemistry, or nursing. Relevant skills include data analysis, laboratory techniques, and familiarity with research protocols; some positions may require a master's degree or higher. Certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) can also be advantageous.

Is it hard to get a CRA job?

Securing a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) position can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience, a degree in life sciences or related fields, and knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Entry-level roles may be easier to obtain with strong educational backgrounds and certifications like the CCRP, but advancing to senior CRA positions typically demands proven experience in clinical trials and monitoring skills.

What is the difference between Medical Research Associate vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectMedical Research AssociateClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field; certifications like CCRP are commonBachelor’s degree in health sciences, nursing, or related; often holds certifications like CCRP or CCRC
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutionsHospitals, clinics, research sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic research centersHospitals, clinical trial sites, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonMedical Research Associate vs Clinical Research Coordinator

Both roles involve coordinating and supporting clinical research, but Medical Research Associates typically focus on data collection, analysis, and supporting laboratory work, while Clinical Research Coordinators manage patient recruitment, scheduling, and regulatory compliance at research sites. The roles often overlap, but their primary responsibilities and work environments differ slightly.

Is CRA better than CRC?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) and a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) are both key roles in clinical trials, but they have different responsibilities. CRAs typically oversee multiple sites, monitor trial progress, and ensure compliance, often working remotely or traveling frequently, while CRCs manage day-to-day trial activities at a specific site, including patient recruitment and data collection. Both roles require knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and relevant certifications, but CRAs usually have more experience and may require a background in monitoring or regulatory aspects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Research Associate, you need a strong background in life sciences, data analysis, and clinical research methods, often supported by a relevant degree such as biology or pharmacology. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, and statistical analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration in conducting and managing clinical studies.

What are some common challenges faced by Medical Research Associates when coordinating clinical trials?

Medical Research Associates often encounter challenges such as managing tight timelines, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory guidelines, and maintaining clear communication among diverse teams. Coordinating with investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Additionally, balancing multiple studies simultaneously can be demanding, making effective time management and attention to detail essential for success in this role.

What are Medical Research Associates?

Medical Research Associates are professionals who assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of clinical trials and medical research studies. They ensure that studies comply with regulatory guidelines and ethical standards, collect and analyze data, and help prepare reports for publication. Their work is essential in advancing medical knowledge and supporting the development of new treatments and therapies.

What does a medical research associate do?

A medical research associate (MRA) supports clinical trials by coordinating study activities, ensuring compliance with protocols, collecting and managing data, and monitoring patient safety. They often work closely with investigators, use data management tools, and require knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards. The role typically involves documentation, communication, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Research jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Medical Research jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Research Associate jobs in Virginia? For Medical Research Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Research Associate jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Research Associate jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Medical Research Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Medical Research Associate job openings:
Medical Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Research Associate job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,869 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Research Associate

Research Associate

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Research Associate

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534727
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Fralin Biomedical Res. Institute
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific

Job Description

The Lessard Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated research associate to work on laboratory studies related to exercise physiology, nutrition, metabolism, and diabetes. The lab is located within the Center for Exercise Medicine Research (CEMR) in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) in Roanoke Virginia. The successful candidate will work on NIH-funded research projects to determine how exercise training, in combination with dietary and pharmacological therapies, influence health and metabolism. More information on current studies can be found at https://fbri.vtc.vt.edu/research/labs/lessard.html.
The primary responsibilities of this position will be to manage and supervise various experimental protocols including tissue culture systems, mouse husbandry and physiology, and molecular biology assays. The research associate will also spend significant time and effort on general lab maintenance and organization. The successful candidate should be detail oriented and highly organized with excellent communication skills. Additional duties include data management and analysis, and training/supervising new research staff and students. Benefits of this position include gaining high-level research experience, authorship on scientific publications, and working in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. This is an excellent position for candidates with previous research lab management experience who wish to pursue a career in medical research.

Required Qualifications

Graduate degree in biology, health sciences, biochemistry, exercise physiology, or another related field
Demonstrated research and lab management experience
Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated ability and desire to succeed in a fast-paced research environment with multiple concurrent duties
Excellent communication skills
Experience working with aseptic technique and tissue culture
Knowledge and training in biochemistry and molecular biology

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supervising undergraduate and graduate research students
Proficiency in various molecular biology techniques including Western blotting, PCR, and immunofluorescence
Experience working with and handling live mice
Experience with mouse metabolic testing including glucose tolerance testing, indirect calorimetry, body composition measurement, and exercise testing
Knowledge and/or experience in exercise physiology, metabolism, or diabetes research

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

11/21/2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: November 5, 2025
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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