1

Research Administration Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Prior basic working experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and agreements, preferably in the area(s) of research administration and/or technology licensing at a college or ...

Pre-Award Grants Coordinator

Blacksburg, VA ยท On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

The department is committed to supporting professional development and training in research administration systems and processes. This on-site position also serves as a backup to the department ...

You'll join an experienced Research Administration Sales Team that provides significant career development and growth opportunities while you bring exciting, new cloud-based eRA solutions to market.

Showing results 21-40

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 2, 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.

Research Financial Analyst II

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Roanoke, VA โ€ข On-site

$54 - $66/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Description

The Research Financial Analyst II works directly with principal investigators, research personnel, finance staff, and institutional partners to support responsible stewardship of sponsored funds and ensure awards are administered in accordance with sponsor regulations, university policy, and institutional procedures.

FBRI manages a diverse and complex sponsored research portfolio supported by federal agencies, state funding, private foundations, philanthropic investments, industry-sponsored research, translational initiatives, and emerging commercialization activities. The institute supports approximately 50 independently led laboratories and research centers operating under varied funding structures, sponsor requirements, and operational models.

As a key member of the FBRI team, this position will manage routine to moderately complex post-award administration for an assigned faculty portfolio, including financial forecasting, labor allocation monitoring, grant transition planning, and identification of key administrative and compliance deadlines. The position is expected to serve as a specialist and exercise sound judgment in identifying financial and administrative actions required to maintain compliant award management, while escalating highly complex, high-risk, or non-routine issues to the Associate Director of Post Award Management. Position is expected to collaborate effectively with the Office of Sponsored Programs.

This role is designed as a professional mid-level position with a progressive career path toward senior post-award administration responsibilities. Assigned portfolios may include faculty supported by federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, private foundations, and subawards involving varied sponsor requirements and administrative timelines.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in accounting, finance, grant administration, research administration, or related administrative work involving independent portfolio management and financial analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex financial, administrative, and regulatory requirements with limited supervision.
  • Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problemโ€‘solving abilities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial reporting systems.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and institutional partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and apply complex policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting sponsored research, grants, contracts, or restricted funds.
  • Experience in an academic, healthcare, nonprofit, or researchโ€‘intensive environment.
  • Familiarity with federal sponsor requirements such as National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, or Department of Defense.
  • Experience with large ERP systems.
  • Progress toward Certified Research Administrator credential or interest in pursuing certification.
Pay Band

5

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $60,000; Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

8/3/2026

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 handsโ€‘on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problemโ€‘solvers. A comprehensive landโ€‘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 Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

#J-18808-Ljbffr