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Research Administration Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This position will also be expected to provide pre-award sponsored research administration support as needed to assist the pre-award Grants Specialist during times of heavy volume or quick turn ...

Strong knowledge of research administration, including pre-award and post-award processes. Excellent communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing federally funded research ...

Post‑Award Research Administration and Compliance Monitoring (30%) * Provide financial and administrative support of program sponsored research portfolios as assigned to include: grants ...

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Research Administration information

See Virginia salary details

$17.4K

$81.5K

$153.2K

How much do research administration jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for research administration in Virginia is $81,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is research administration?

Research administration refers to the management and support of research projects within organizations such as universities, hospitals, and research institutes. Professionals in this field help researchers secure funding, ensure compliance with regulations, manage budgets, and oversee grant applications and reporting. Their work is essential for the smooth operation of research activities and helps facilitate scientific discovery and innovation. Research administrators often act as liaisons between researchers, funding agencies, and institutional leadership.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in research administration?

To thrive in Research Administration, you need a strong background in grant management, compliance, budgeting, and knowledge of research regulations, often supported by a relevant degree such as in business, science, or public administration. Familiarity with electronic research administration (eRA) systems, federal grant databases, and certifications like CRA (Certified Research Administrator) are commonly required. Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals effectively coordinate between researchers, sponsors, and institutional offices. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring that research projects comply with regulations, are properly funded, and progress smoothly within institutional and sponsor guidelines.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in research administration, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges in research administration is managing complex compliance requirements across various funding agencies, which often necessitates meticulous attention to detail and up-to-date knowledge of regulations. Additionally, research administrators frequently juggle multiple projects with tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Collaborating effectively with researchers, finance teams, and external sponsors is essential, as is continuous professional development to stay ahead of evolving guidelines. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues and participating in professional associations can also help new administrators navigate these challenges.

What is the difference between Research Administration vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch AdministrationResearch Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field; certifications like CRA or CCRP are commonUsually requires a bachelor's degree; some roles may prefer or require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, managing grants, budgets, compliance, and institutional policiesOn-site at research sites, coordinating daily activities of research studies
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, hospitalsResearch sites, hospitals, academic institutions

Research Administration focuses on managing grants, compliance, and institutional policies, often in an office setting. Research Coordinators handle the day-to-day operations of research studies, working directly with research participants and staff. Both roles are essential in the research process but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does research administration do?

Research administration involves managing and supporting the process of conducting research projects, including tasks such as preparing grant proposals, overseeing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, and coordinating between researchers and funding agencies. Professionals in this field often use project management skills and knowledge of research policies to facilitate successful project execution.

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Administration jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Research Administration job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Administration job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,460 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associate - AI Tools for Research Administration and Development

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Postdoctoral Associate - AI Tools for Research Administration and Development
Job no: 537218
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Research/Interdisc. Prog. - Admin
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Information Systems / Technology, Research / Scientific, Data Analytics / Security
Job Description
The Office of Research and Innovation at Virginia Tech invites applicants for a postdoctoral associate. We are seeking a well-qualified applicant who will engage stakeholders to explore opportunities for and develop a medium-term plan for using artificial intelligence tools to support research administration, strategy, and development. The candidate will work with stakeholders to understand opportunities and challenges faced by the research community and explore opportunities to use AI to meet those needs. Examples of opportunities that may emerge include reducing administrative load, improving faculty pre- and post-award service, strengthening compliance support, generating better research intelligence, and creating a scalable model for responsible AI use in research administration. The successful applicant will work closely with ORI Information Technology (IT), Electronic Research Administration (ERA), and Data & Analytics teams to develop and share best practices, understand available data and security challenges, build sustainable solutions, and provide expert perspective on using AI.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in computer science, statistics, data analytics, business administration, or related areas
- PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
- Experience developing sustainable, secure, AI-enabled solutions intended for end-user use.
- Awareness of administrative or business processes and decision making
- Experience working with and engaging stakeholders or customers to understand needs and requirements
- Experience making medium- to long-term project plans
- Strong communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with proprietary or sensitive financial and administrative data
- Experience with process mapping and/or process improvement
- Experience building solutions within policy, legal, and contractual requirements as part of a larger team
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$60,000; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40+
Review Date
August 12, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
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.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Lynn Byrd at byrd@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: July 29, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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