ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Policy Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Research Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$21.49 - $35.03/hr

We are looking for dedicated Research Assistant in the Fairfax and Ashburn area to work in children ... Inova Health System policies in addition to institutional, state and federal regulations.

Inova Primary Care

Research Assistant

Fairfax, VA

$19.75 - $27/hr

We are looking for dedicated Research Assistant in the Fairfax and Ashburn area to work in children ... Inova Health System policies in addition to institutional, state and federal regulations.

Prism Vision Group

Clinical Research Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$46K - $96K/yr

The Clinical Research Assistant will perform a variety of duties involved in the collection ... policies • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite • Certification through either ACRP or SoCRA ...

New

Prism Vision Group

Clinical Research Assistant

Fairfax, VA

$46K - $96K/yr

The Clinical Research Assistant will perform a variety of duties involved in the collection ... policies • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite • Certification through either ACRP or SoCRA ...

Posted today

Liberty

Research Assistant

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

The Research Assistant will assist the Dean or a Faculty member of the Law School with various ... It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolicy Research JobsPolicy Research Assistant JobsPolicy Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Policy Research Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$6

$19

$30

How much do policy research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for policy research assistant in Virginia is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a policy research assistant do?

A Policy Research Assistant supports policy analysts and researchers by gathering, organizing, and analyzing data relevant to public policies. They review academic literature, draft reports, prepare briefing materials, and assist in the development of policy recommendations. Their work helps policymakers make informed decisions by providing evidence-based information and insights. Policy Research Assistants often work in government agencies, think tanks, nonprofits, or research organizations.

What is the difference between Policy Research Assistant vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy Research AssistantPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, think tanksGovernment agencies, think tanks, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageSupports policy development through research and data collectionAnalyzes policies, prepares reports, and provides recommendations

While both roles involve policy work, Policy Research Assistants primarily focus on data collection and research support, whereas Policy Analysts analyze policies and develop recommendations. The roles often overlap in skills and work environment, but Policy Analysts typically have more responsibility for policy evaluation and strategic input.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a policy research assistant?

To thrive as a Policy Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, research proficiency, and a relevant degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Excel or SPSS), academic databases, and report writing software is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively are standout soft skills. These qualifications enable effective data gathering, clear policy analysis, and high-quality support for policy development initiatives.

What are some common challenges faced by policy research assistants when gathering and analyzing data for policy reports?

Policy Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as accessing up-to-date and reliable data, synthesizing information from varied sources, and ensuring objectivity in their analysis. Working under tight deadlines while supporting multiple projects can also be demanding. Successful assistants develop strong organizational skills and collaborate closely with senior researchers and policy analysts to ensure their findings are accurate and actionable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Research jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Policy Research jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Policy Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Policy Research Assistant job openings:

Policy Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,855 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Research Assistant

Inova

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$21.49 - $35.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

234th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description


We are looking for dedicated Research Assistant in the Fairfax and Ashburn area to work in children's specialties including Inova Children's Hematology/Oncology, Inova Children's Pulmonology, Inova Children's Gastroenterology, Inova Children's Neurology and Inova Children's Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. These roles will be full-time, day shift with varying hours from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.
Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.
Featured Benefits:
  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off and paid parental leave.

Research Assistant
The Research Assistant assists in the collection, validation and entry of data by using established tools, technologies and databases. Performs administrative functions in order to support the accomplishments of research/project objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assists in baseline study enrollment, specimen collection/processing and follow-up visits.
  • Assists with data collection and communications to ensure accuracy and data completeness.
  • Assists in reviewing and entry of data collection forms; reviews for completeness and reconciles missing data for data entry.
  • Performs administrative functions in order to support the accomplishments of research/project objectives.
  • Assists in the compilation and distribution of reports related to research findings.
  • Occasionally provides informed consent to potential human subjects for research studies according to Inova Health System policies in addition to institutional, state and federal regulations.
  • Documents entire informed consent process in enrollment notes in subject records and Epic electronic medical records.
  • Ensures study/regulatory compliance and readiness by performing a review of study documentation and participating in appropriate reporting.
  • Assists in regulatory readiness for internal Research Quality Improvement team and external (i.e. Sponsor, FDA) audit visits.
  • Notifies Inova's Research Center, research manager/department director, PI, IRB, sponsor and other appropriate personnel of audit visits and results.
  • Assists in the response to audit reports and follow-up requests as needed.
  • Participates in orienting and training of new research staff.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Education: Two years of college coursework
  • Experience: 1 year of experience in a research, administrative or clinical support role

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous Pediatric Specialists of Virginia (PSV) work experience

Additional Details:
  • Application deadline: this position will remain posted for 30 days from the original posting date. Applications must be submitted before the posting closes.
  • Tentative employment start date: June 2027

Applicants may be considered for current and future opportunities.
We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 25,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare.
Inova Health System is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

What Inova Health System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply