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Medical Research Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Research Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537306 Work type: Research Faculty ... medical ultrasound systems and associated testing methodologies. Overtime Status Exempt: Not ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 Sep 7, 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 is a medical research associate?

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 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 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 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.

Do I need a PhD to be a medical research associate?

A medical research associate typically does not need a PhD; a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences is usually sufficient. Relevant skills include attention to detail, data management, and familiarity with clinical trial protocols, and some positions may require certification or training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Medical Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Medical Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Research Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,869 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

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.

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.

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.

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.

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