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Research Biologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Functional Scientific Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this role, you will provide scientific expertise in support of Office of Research Innovation ... PhD in a biomedical field (toxicology, pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry ...

Lead Biologist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Biologist is responsible for conducting complex experiments in the study of biological ... Perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. Document, present ...

Lead Biologist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Biologist is responsible for conducting complex experiments in the study of biological ... Perform research and/or development in collaboration with others for projects. Document, present ...

DTRA Biologist

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position serves as technical/scientific support on research projects conducted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate with emphasis on ...

DTRA Biologist

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position serves as technical/scientific support on research projects conducted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate with emphasis on ...

DTRA Biologist

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position serves as technical/scientific support on research projects conducted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate with emphasis on ...

DTRA Biologist with Security Clearance

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position serves as technical/scientific support on research projects conducted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate with emphasis on ...

Associate Biologist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is ... Mission Focused: * Non-profit organization supporting critical life science research * We give ...

Associate Biologist

Manassas, VA

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is ... Mission Focused: * Non-profit organization supporting critical life science research * We give ...

Cell Biologist

Charlottesville, VA

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Cell Biologist - In Vitro Models and Assay Development Charlottesville, VA About Luna Labs Luna ... fast-paced research and development team. This position will focus on leading the design ...

Biologist/ Bioinformatics Scientist

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products ... Job Summary We are currently seeking a Biologist / Bioinformatics Scientist. This position is a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Biologist information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$87.1K

$131.9K

How much do research biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research biologist in Virginia is $87,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $101,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Research Biologist, you need a solid background in biological sciences, data analysis, and experimental design, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, statistical analysis software (such as R or SPSS), and sometimes specialized certifications like GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) are important. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills set standout professionals apart. These competencies are crucial for conducting reliable research, interpreting results accurately, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

What is a research biologist?

Research biologists are scientists who study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and often publish their findings to advance knowledge in fields such as ecology, genetics, or physiology. Research biologists may work in laboratories, in the field, or both, depending on their area of specialization. Their work often contributes to scientific understanding, environmental conservation, and the development of new medical or technological solutions.

What is the average salary for a research biologist?

The average salary for a research biologist in the United States typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in research-intensive environments or with government agencies.

What is the difference between Research Biologist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectResearch BiologistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology or related field; often a PhD for advanced rolesAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agencies, fieldworkLaboratories, hospitals, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, private research companiesHospitals, biotech firms, research institutions

Research Biologists typically hold higher degrees and focus on designing experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings. Laboratory Technicians support research by performing routine tests, preparing samples, and maintaining lab equipment. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in responsibilities, education, and scope of work.

What are some common challenges faced by research biologists when conducting experiments in the field versus the laboratory?

Research biologists often encounter unique challenges depending on whether their work is conducted in the field or in a laboratory setting. Fieldwork can present unpredictable variables such as weather, difficult terrain, and limited access to equipment, which may complicate data collection and experiment replication. In contrast, laboratory work offers controlled conditions but may limit the ability to observe organisms in their natural environments, potentially influencing the accuracy of behavioral or ecological studies. Balancing these environments and adapting methodologies is a key skill for success in this role.

Are research biologists in high demand?

Research biologists are in moderate demand, especially in fields such as healthcare, environmental science, and biotechnology. Employment growth is expected to be steady, with opportunities increasing for those with specialized skills, advanced degrees, and experience with laboratory techniques and data analysis.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Biologist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Research Biologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Research Biologist jobs in VA?

For Research Biologist jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Biologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,078 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Functional Scientific Researcher

Imagineeer LLC

Arlington, VA • On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

About this Role:
In this role, you will provide scientific expertise in support of Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application's (ORIVA) mission to develop, validate, and apply non-animal approaches and innovative technologies to advance human-centered biomedical research across National Insitutes of Health (NIH). You work directly alongside NIH scientific and program staff across two divisions: D-NICEATM and DAIBR.
Key Responsibilities:
  1. Evaluate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and prepare documentation aligned with guidelines from the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM), FDA, EPA, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
  2. Design and coordinate interlaboratory validation studies; analyze bioactivity, in vitro/in silico, and dose-response data
  3. Contribute to study design and provide expert recommendations on data adequacy for government reports and regulatory submissions
  4. Apply and evaluate computational methods for human health safety and risk assessment
  5. Review and curate data from relevant scientific databases; perform literature searches in government platforms
  6. Draft scientific materials including technical reports, research highlights, and meeting summaries
  7. Support scientific meetings including ICCVAM calls, public forums, and national/international conferences
  8. Collaborate with NIH scientists, program officers, and cross-functional teams on program deliverables

Qualifications and Skills:
  1. PhD in a biomedical field (toxicology, pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related) with 1+ years of relevant experience OR Master's degree in an equivalent field with 4 years of additional experience
  2. Demonstrated expertise in NAMs or a closely related scientific field
  3. Experience developing, evaluating, or validating in vitro or computational methods for human health safety or risk assessment
  4. Strong scientific writing and oral communication skills
  5. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  6. U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain Public Trust clearance

Desired Skills and Competencies:
  1. Familiarity with 3Rs principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine) and their application in NIH-funded research
  2. Prior NIH and/or HHS contractor experience
  3. Peer-reviewed publications in NAMS-related field

Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $145,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year
About Us
Our Approach
We firmly believe in the uniqueness of every business, necessitating a personalized approach to transformation. This conviction drives us to invest time in comprehending an organization's historical challenges and operational framework. Our commitment is to foster innovation by adopting a tailored strategy that optimizes the utilization of an organization's human resources and data assets. With a wealth of experience, we specialize in guiding organizations through the implementation of post-quantum security, protocols for autonomy, and artificial intelligence.
We are committed to working with clients to positively disrupt, modernize, and transform their organizations and business processes. Noteworthy achievements include initiatives aimed at enhancing human resilience in the food supply chain, leveraging autonomy for streamlined operations, establishing root-of-trust capabilities for high-quality, trusted data, and designing ecosystems and tools for securing and transferring digital value through digital wallets. . Our proficiency extends to using artificial intelligence and data to fortify security and enhance visibility in data assets, aiding in the management of health issues at local, state, and national levels. We've developed a modern security posture to effectively mitigate risks associated with cyber attacks from nation-states. Our wealth of experience is underpinned by collaborative work with diverse multidisciplinary teams, thriving in highly complex and rapidly changing environments.