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Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Liberty

Student Research Assistant for Law

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

The Research Assistant will assist the Dean or a Faculty member of the Law School with various projects by utilizing library and internet resources to research topics and then summarize the findings.

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Research Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$21

$31

How much do research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for research assistant in Virginia is $21.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectResearch AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in a related field; some roles require a master'sAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research institutions, or corporate R&D settingsLaboratories, hospitals, or industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing plants
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between a Research Assistant and a Laboratory Technician lies in their roles and qualifications. Research Assistants typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and focus on supporting research projects, data analysis, and academic studies. Laboratory Technicians usually have an associate's degree or certification and perform routine lab tests and maintenance. Both roles work in laboratory environments but serve different functions within research and clinical settings.

What are some common challenges research assistants face when balancing multiple projects, and how can they effectively manage their workload?

Research Assistants often juggle several projects simultaneously, which can lead to competing deadlines and shifting priorities. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with supervising researchers, use organizational tools such as project management software or detailed timelines, and regularly review progress with the team. Setting realistic expectations and proactively seeking clarification on priorities can also help ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Developing these time management and collaboration skills is crucial for success in a dynamic research environment.

What does a research assistant do?

Research assistants gather and document information for their employer. As a research assistant, your responsibilities vary depending on the setting and field in which you work. Most research assistants work in academia, either in the science or humanities departments at a university, or for research institutes. Duties may include collecting data from the library and other sources, conducting surveys, and recruiting volunteers. In a laboratory setting, you may prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment, assist with experiments, and log readings and results.

What is a research assistant job salary?

The salary for a research assistant varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Graduate students or those working part-time may earn hourly wages between $12 and $20. Skills in data analysis and familiarity with research tools can influence compensation levels.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research assistants typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or engineering. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with research tools or software are also important qualifications.

How hard is it to get a job as a research assistant?

Securing a research assistant position typically requires relevant academic background, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, and strong organizational or analytical skills. Competition can be high, especially for positions in prestigious institutions or specialized fields, and some roles may require prior research experience or familiarity with specific tools like statistical software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant academic background, often with a bachelor's or master's degree in the field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Excel), literature databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is typically required. Effective communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities help Research Assistants collaborate and manage complex tasks efficiently. These skills are crucial for producing accurate, reliable research results and supporting the project's overall success.

What is a research assistant?

Research assistants are individuals who support research projects by helping with data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and administrative tasks. They often work under the supervision of a lead researcher or professor in academic, scientific, or industry settings. Research assistants may also contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, and publications. Their role is essential in ensuring that research projects are conducted efficiently and accurately.
More about Research Assistant jobs

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

The most popular types of Research jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Assistant jobs in Virginia?

For Research Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Research Assistant job openings:

Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Assistant 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 $45,180 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Research Assistant Professor of Software Engineering & Optimization - School of Engineering, Archite

Hampton University Faculty

Hampton, VA • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description
The Hampton University School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation is seeking a candidate for appointment in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as a Research Assistant Professor of Software Engineering & Optimization. The position will be filled immediately or will remain open until filled. This position is located in Hampton, Virginia.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University ( www.hamptonu.edu ) is located on approximately 300 acres of the Virginia Peninsula. It is a privately endowed, co-educational, nonsectarian institution of higher education and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Hampton University, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), is enjoying tremendous growth and development from a traditionally teaching to a more research-intensive institution.
Hampton University is currently an R2 Carnegie classification institution of higher learning with a primarily undergraduate student population of approximately 4,200 students pursuing degrees in diverse areas of study.
It is pertinent to note that Hampton University is a consortium member of the Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy (RITA), which is a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) funded by the Department of Defense/Department of the Air Force. The selected candidate will conduct research for the RITA UARC and must be a US Citizen.
Duties and Responsibilities
Hampton University is seeking a candidate for an appointment at the Research Assistant Professor of Software Engineering & Optimization. The individual selected for this position will be expected to contribute to the research missions of the Departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the RITA UARC by conducting research related to Autonomy, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The selected candidate will be responsible for supervising undergraduate students and working with the Engineering and Aviation faculty to complete research tasks assigned by the RITA UARC.
Qualifications
The successful applicant must have a master's degree or doctorate degree in either Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with expertise in the one or more of the following areas: machine learning, reinforcement learning, artificial intelligence, optimal control theory, optimization, cognitive science, social science, tactical autonomy, and/or cloud-based computing.
The successful candidate will possess the following skills and abilities:
  • An established record of research: The candidate should have a strong track record of publishing high-quality research papers in top-tier journals and conferences.
  • A deep understanding of Al/ML: The candidate should have a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of Al/ML, as well as the latest advances in these fields. They should also be familiar with a variety of Al techniques.
  • A proven ability to mentor students: The candidate should have a proven ability to mentor and train undergraduate researchers. They should be able to create a supportive learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
  • Understanding algorithm development and optimization (genetic algorithms LP/SQP) techniques.
  • State machine learning (a plus)

Salary is based on qualifications $80,000-$90,000
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The compensation package will be commensurate with experience. All interested applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement and a completed Hampton University Application for Faculty Employment form electronically (only) to joyce.shirazi@hamptonu.edu:
Dr. Joyce Shirazi
Dean, School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation
Hampton University
Hampton, VA 23668
joyce.shirazi@hamptonu.edu
Forms
Visit https://home.hamptonu.edu/hr/employment/ to retrieve the faculty employment application and other supplemental application materials.

Apply