ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Professional Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ICF

Transportation Researcher

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

This position offers significant potential for professional growth and advancement. Key Responsibilities * Research a variety of transportation-related topics to inform literature reviews and ...

Echelon Insights

Research Team Roles

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Previous experience in an academic or professional research setting * Bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field * Data-driven and a strong desire to work with numbers * Strong written and ...

Echelon Insights

Research Team Roles

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Previous experience in an academic or professional research setting * Bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field * Data-driven and a strong desire to work with numbers * Strong written and ...

Redhorse Corporation

Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

We're looking for thoughtful, skilled professionals who thrive as trusted partners building ... In this role, you will apply advanced vulnerability research (VR), reverse engineering (RE), and ...

REDLattice

Mobile Vulnerability Researcher

Chantilly, VA · On-site

REDLattice is seeking a highly skilled Mobile Vulnerability Researcher to support advanced mobile ... Opportunities for professional growth and development * A collaborative and innovative work culture ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessional Researcher JobsProfessional Researcher Jobs in Virginia

Professional Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$112.1K

$163.1K

How much do professional researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional researcher in Virginia is $112,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $152,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional researcher?

A Professional Researcher is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to support decision-making in various fields such as academia, business, science, or government. They use various research methods, including data collection, literature reviews, and qualitative or quantitative analysis. Their work often involves synthesizing findings into reports, presentations, or publications. Professional Researchers must have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

What does a professional researcher do?

A Professional Researcher typically engages in designing and conducting studies, gathering and analyzing data, and synthesizing findings into reports or presentations. They may collaborate closely with other researchers, subject matter experts, or stakeholders to shape research questions and ensure the validity of results. Daily tasks often include literature reviews, data collection (such as interviews or surveys), drafting grant proposals, and presenting outcomes at team meetings. This role combines independent work with frequent collaboration, offering variety and opportunities to build deep expertise in a chosen field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional researcher?

To thrive as a Professional Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, expertise in data collection and analysis, and a relevant advanced degree, such as a master's or Ph.D., depending on the field. Proficiency with research databases, statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), and familiarity with citation management tools or industry-specific certifications are often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail help researchers excel in compiling and reporting their findings. These competencies are crucial for producing rigorous, high-quality research and effectively disseminating insights to stakeholders.

Do I need a PhD to be a professional researcher?

A PhD is not always required to be a professional researcher, as many roles value relevant experience, analytical skills, and subject matter expertise. However, certain research positions, especially in academia or specialized fields, may prefer or require a doctoral degree. Skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and familiarity with research tools are also important for success in this role.

What kind of professional researcher makes the most money?

Senior-level research positions such as market research directors, data science researchers, or scientific research managers tend to earn the highest salaries among professional researchers. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills in data analysis or scientific methods, and leadership responsibilities, which contribute to higher compensation.

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

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Researcher jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Researcher job openings:

Professional Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,132 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Research Analyst

Quantico, VA • On-site

Web Business Solutions Inc.
IT Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Web Business Solutions Inc.external

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

*This position is contingent upon contract award*
Job purpose
The Research Analyst provides institutional research, assessment, planning, survey, student-performance, accreditation, and analytical support for CDET distance education and MCU resident programs.
Duties and responsibilities
  • Define and develop course and program survey instruments with CDET and MCU academic leaders.
  • Electronically develop and distribute survey instruments, then collect, organize, calculate, display, summarize, and distribute the resulting data.
  • Develop academic institutional-research reports by course and program for CSCDEP, EWSDEP, ECDEP, and assigned MCU resident programs.
  • Coordinate with deans, associate deans, student-support leaders, faculty, and MCU Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning personnel to collect and share institutional-research information.
  • Participate in Course Content Review Boards and other review boards, providing course-specific input from students, adjunct faculty, and resident faculty.
  • Create annual academic institutional-research reports that summarize and interpret course data for each assigned program and academic year.
  • Archive records required for Process for the Accreditation of Joint Education reviews and other accrediting bodies at CDET Headquarters.
  • Collaborate with MCU Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning in developing and coordinating institutional-research program information and the Director's annual assessment.

Qualifications
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) preferred.
  • Six (6) additional years' work experience, or an Associate's degree and four (4) additional years' experience, may be substituted if the professional lacks a Bachelor's degree.

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Data Analytics, Research Methods, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, Business Analytics, Operations Research, Political Science, or a related field.

Years of Relative Work Experience:
  • Five (5) years of professional research or analytical experience.
  • Experience designing, conducting, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative research.

Clearance:
  • Minimum Tier 1 background investigation and Government-access eligibility are required; an active Secret clearance is required before supporting classified events or tasks.

Apply