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Professional Researcher Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

... team of dynamic professionals is dedicated to growing worker power and ensuring every working ... The Writer/Researcher is part of the Materials and Research team in the Political/Electoral ...

... team of dynamic professionals is dedicated to growing worker power and ensuring every working ... The Writer/Researcher is part of the Materials and Research team in the Political/Electoral ...

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 ...

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 ...

Vulnerability Researcher

Dulles, VA · On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

hackajob is collaborating with Nightwing to connect them with exceptional professionals for this ... Vulnerability Researcher: Use advanced systems to find zero-day (O-day) vulnerabilities.

ARLIS Quantum Research Professional

College Park, MD · On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Professional service contributions such as reviewing journal publications or conference papers, helping to organize conferences, workshops, and researcher visits, conference participation, or ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Researcher information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$117.7K

$171.1K

How much do professional researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional researcher in Reston, VA is $117,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $160,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Researcher jobs in Reston, VA? For Professional Researcher jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Researcher jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Researcher jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Professional Researcher jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Professional Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Researcher job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,666 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Writer/Researcher (Temporary)

AFL-CIO

Washington, DC

$78K/yr

Temporary

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Are you passionate about economic fairness and social justice? Do you want to improve the lives of working people and strengthen the labor movement? If you answered, “Yes!,” then the AFL-CIO may be the right place for you. We are the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, and our team of dynamic professionals is dedicated to growing worker power and ensuring every working person has a voice on the job. When you work at the AFL-CIO, you’re more than just an individual employee—you’re helping to lead a movement with a proud history and a bright future ahead.

The Writer/Researcher is part of the Materials and Research team in the Political/Electoral & Issues Mobilization hub. The Materials and Research team is primarily responsible for the development and dissemination of:

       Communications materials for electoral, legislative, and issue campaigns

       Candidate, legislative, and issue research

This position reports to the Assistant Political Director.

This is a temporary position not to exceed November 30, 2026.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

      Work with the Materials and Research team to conceptualize and write campaign materials such as fliers, local union letters, fact sheets, and walk or phone scripts.

       Conduct ongoing, in-depth research on political candidates and legislative issues.

       Create, maintain, and update research documents for use by the Campaigns, Political, Communications, and Digital Strategies departments, as the basis of many different facets of member and external communications.

       Track candidate statements, actions, and votes.

       Write summaries and briefings with pertinent information for use in campaigns.

       Work with field staff to ensure materials produced satisfy the needs of the field program.

       Fact check direct mail pieces and other materials as needed.

       Track the progress of the materials you write through the design, posting, and approval process on the Working Families Toolkit.

       Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

       BA or BS in a field with substantive writing, research, political, or analytical focus, or equivalent experience.

       2-3 years experience in political campaigns or party committees with specific demonstrated experience in campaign research and communications.

       Effective time management skills, including demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects, including demonstrated experience in developing campaign and/or personal work plans and goals.

       Knowledge of the workings of the labor movement and its structure.

       Demonstrated excellent computer research skills including web-based and Nexis-Lexis research.

       Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Suites, and overall excellent computer skills.

       Demonstrated superior writing and messaging skills – writing sample required.

       Demonstrated ability to adjust tone and arguments for a variety of audiences. 

       Ability to assess political issues and identify relevant information for a Labor political program.

       Demonstrated ability to work well within a team.

       Ability to work long and extended hours including weekends.

Writing samples required.

Employment Type: TEMPORARY