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Remote Research Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MUST HAVE Six (6) years of relevant experience in applied research, big data analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, data science, computer science, operations research or other closely related ...

MUST HAVE Six (6) years of relevant experience in applied research, big data analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, data science, computer science, operations research or other closely related ...

General information Job Posting Title Data Scientist II (Remote) Date Tuesday, August 4, 2026 City ... This role applies advanced analytics and research methods to help improve the short- and long-term ...

Data Scientist (Remote)

VA ยท On-site +1

General information Job Posting Title Data Scientist (Remote) Date Tuesday, August 4, 2026 City ... research in optimizing human decisions using technologies like machine learning and/or deep ...

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA ยท On-site +1

$150K - $235K/yr

Lead research and development of advanced algorithms for OPIR and EO/IR remote sensing systems ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA ยท On-site +1

$150K - $235K/yr

Lead research and development of advanced algorithms for OPIR and EO/IR remote sensing systems ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

Technical Scientist - SME

Springfield, VA ยท On-site +1

$150K - $235K/yr

Lead research and development of advanced algorithms for OPIR and EO/IR remote sensing systems ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

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Remote Research Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$50.1K

$129K

$172.5K

How much do remote research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote research scientist in Virginia is $129,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,600.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote research scientist?

A Remote Research Scientist conducts scientific research and analysis from a remote location, often for academic institutions, private companies, or government agencies. They design experiments, analyze data, and publish findings while collaborating with teams virtually. Depending on the field, they may work in areas like artificial intelligence, biology, or social sciences. Strong communication, data analysis, and self-management skills are crucial for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote research scientist?

A Remote Research Scientist typically needs an advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific field, strong analytical abilities, and experience designing and conducting research studies. Familiarity with statistical software, data analysis tools, and research databases, as well as experience with tools like R, Python, or MATLAB, is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, self-motivation, and strong organizational skills are key soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for managing independent research projects, collaborating virtually with team members, and producing high-quality, publishable work.

How does collaboration work for remote research scientists who are not physically present with their teams?

Remote Research Scientists often collaborate through digital platforms such as video conferencing, shared cloud-based documents, and project management tools to ensure seamless communication and teamwork. Regular virtual meetings, clear documentation, and prompt updates are essential to keep everyone aligned on project goals and timelines. Many organizations have established protocols for remote workflow that foster close cooperation with colleagues across disciplines and time zones. This structure enables Remote Research Scientists to effectively contribute to joint publications, share findings, and access support from mentors or team leads regardless of their physical location.

Are remote research scientists in high demand?

Remote research scientists are in high demand across industries such as healthcare, technology, and academia due to the increasing reliance on data analysis, scientific innovation, and remote collaboration tools. Employers seek candidates with strong analytical skills, relevant technical expertise, and the ability to work independently in a virtual environment.

Can a remote research scientist work from home?

Yes, many remote research scientists work from home, utilizing digital collaboration tools and data analysis software. Their work often involves independent research, data collection, and reporting, which can be performed remotely with a reliable internet connection and relevant technical skills.

Can you work remotely as a research scientist?

Remote research scientist positions are common in many fields, allowing professionals to conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate virtually. These roles often require strong communication skills, familiarity with collaboration tools, and sometimes specific certifications or software proficiency. Remote work arrangements depend on the employer and the nature of the research.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Remote Research Scientist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Research Scientist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Remote Research Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Remote Research Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Research Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,001 per year, or $62 per hour.

Remote Sensing Engineer

Riverside Research Institute

Springfield, VA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$97K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Riverside Overview
Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled Remote Sensing Engineer to support the development, analysis, and exploitation of remote sensing data for national security, defense, and geospatial intelligence missions. The ideal candidate has experience working with geospatial datasets, remote sensing technologies, and automation tools, and is comfortable collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges.
An active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance is required for this position.
Responsibilities
  • Process, analyze, and interpret satellite, airborne, and other remotely sensed imagery.
  • Develop and maintain geospatial analysis workflows and automated processing pipelines.
  • Design and implement Python-based tools to support imagery processing, feature extraction, and geospatial analysis.
  • Perform image classification, object detection, change detection, and spatial analysis using commercial and open-source tools.
  • Support sensor calibration, validation, and quality assurance activities.
  • Work closely with engineers, data scientists, and intelligence analysts to develop mission-focused solutions.
  • Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Evaluate emerging remote sensing technologies and recommend improvements to existing workflows.
  • Contribute to project planning, technical discussions, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance (required).
  • Bachelor's degree in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Geography, GIS, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Environmental Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • minimum of 5 years professional experience in remote sensing, geospatial analysis, GIS, or a related engineering field.
  • Experience processing and analyzing satellite, aerial, or other remotely sensed imagery.
  • Proficiency with remote sensing and GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, or similar platforms.
  • Strong Python programming skills for geospatial analysis and workflow automation.
  • Experience with geospatial libraries such as GDAL, Rasterio, GeoPandas, Shapely, or OpenCV.
  • Understanding of raster and vector geospatial data formats and coordinate reference systems.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a remote, collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting DoD, NGA, NRO, or Intelligence Community programs.
  • Experience with SAR, LiDAR, hyperspectral, multispectral, or thermal imagery.
  • Familiarity with cloud-based geospatial processing environments such as AWS or Azure.
  • Experience with machine learning or computer vision techniques applied to geospatial imagery.
  • Knowledge of containerization technologies such as Docker and modern software development practices.
  • Experience with Git and collaborative software development workflows.

Global Comp
$97,000 - $135,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Closing Statement
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.