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Research Associate Food Science Jobs in Reston, VA

## Research Associate, Race & EthnicityApplylocations: Washington, DC (Pew Research Center)time type ... S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; science and society ...

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Research Associate Food Science information

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$17

$33

$48

How much do research associate food science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate food science in Reston, VA is $33.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.26 and $38.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research associate food science?

A Research Associate in Food Science conducts experiments and analyzes food products to improve quality, safety, and innovation. They work in laboratories or food production facilities, assisting in research on ingredients, processing methods, and nutritional content. Their responsibilities may include data collection, product testing, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. This role often requires a degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field, along with analytical skills and attention to detail.

What does a research associate food science do?

A typical day for a Research Associate in Food Science involves conducting laboratory experiments, preparing samples, and analyzing data to support the development or improvement of food products. You'll often collaborate closely with scientists, technologists, and quality assurance teams to ensure projects meet regulatory standards and business goals. Documenting findings, maintaining lab equipment, and participating in meetings or presentations are also common tasks. This role requires balancing hands-on experimentation with thorough data reporting, making organization and communication skills essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the research associate food science position?

To thrive as a Research Associate Food Science, you generally need a background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, with experience in laboratory research and data analysis. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometers), statistical software, and quality control systems is often required, and certifications like HACCP can be valuable. Strong attention to detail, organization, effective communication, and teamwork are key soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential for ensuring experimental accuracy, reliable results, and smooth collaboration within research teams or with cross-functional departments.

What are popular job titles related to Research Associate Food Science jobs in Reston, VA?

For Research Associate Food Science jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Associate Food Science jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Associate Food Science jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Research Associate Food Science jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Research Associate Food Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Associate Food Science job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,417 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Research Associate - Quantitative Analysis

Institute for Defense Analyses

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$68K - $194K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a Federally-Funded Research and Development Center supporting the Department of War (DoW) and other federal agencies. IDA's mission is to provide objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific and technical expertise. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, independent thinking, and objective results.

An opportunity now exists in our Cost Analysis and Research Division (CARD) for a Research Associate. Candidates should be interested in working on a diverse set of emerging problems using advanced analytic techniques to derive data-driven insights for our sponsors. Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi-disciplinary approach. Researchers work closely with each other and are in frequent contact with government sponsors. Consequently, strong communications and interpersonal skills will be greatly valued.

Responsibilities:

IDA is seeking a Research Associate to join the Cost Analysis and Research Division (CARD). Research Associates directly contribute to IDA research efforts as part of interdisciplinary research teams. The candidate for this position will support various analyses within CARD and may also work with analysts from other divisions at IDA. A Research Associate in CARD will likely be asked to:

  • Research topics independently.
  • Compile, cleanse, and analyze data.
  • Build and develop statistical models.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining information sources.
  • Attend and participate in project meetings.
  • Interact with Governmental sponsors and industrial representatives.
  • Provide presentations of analyses.
  • Contribute to the writing of reports and papers.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Decision Science, Management Science, Accounting (or a similar field) is required.
  • Demonstrated strong communications skills are essential.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of project teams is vital.
  • Experience working with data, including data collection, normalization, analysis, and visualization is highly desirable.
  • Prior work experience is preferable.
  • Skills working with programming languages (e.g., R, Python, STATA) are a plus.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances is mandatory.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $68,681-$194,054. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

U.S. Citizenship is required


Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required


IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to employment@ida.org and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

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