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Research Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Research Intern information

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$2.2K

$6.8K

$8.2K

How much do research intern jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average monthly pay for research intern in Reston, VA is $6,805.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,666.67 and $8,100.00 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research intern?

To thrive as a Research Intern, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and foundational knowledge in your field of study, often supported by enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Excel), literature databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment or programming languages is typically required. Effective communication, curiosity, and time management are vital soft skills that help interns collaborate and contribute meaningfully to research projects. These competencies are important for producing accurate findings, supporting team objectives, and gaining valuable hands-on experience in research environments.

What is the difference between Research Intern vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch InternResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; some internships may require coursework in the fieldOften students or early-career professionals; may require some relevant coursework or experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based; often in academic, government, or corporate settingsMore consistent, ongoing support roles in labs or research teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in universities, research institutes, and corporate R&D departmentsPrimarily in academic labs, research institutions, and industry R&D teams

Research Interns typically are students or recent graduates gaining initial experience through temporary roles, while Research Assistants are more involved in ongoing research projects, often with some prior coursework or experience. Both roles support research activities but differ mainly in duration and level of responsibility.

What is a research intern?

Research interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who work temporarily in a research setting to gain practical experience and contribute to ongoing projects. They assist with tasks such as data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and sometimes experimental work under the supervision of experienced researchers. Research internships are valuable opportunities for interns to develop relevant skills, broaden their academic or professional networks, and explore potential career paths in research or academia.

What are some typical challenges a research intern might encounter when starting out, and how can they be addressed?

Research Interns often face challenges such as adapting to new research methodologies, managing multiple tasks with tight deadlines, and learning to navigate academic or corporate research environments. To address these, it's helpful to proactively communicate with your supervisor for clear expectations, seek mentorship from experienced team members, and utilize organizational tools to track assignments. Embracing a collaborative mindset and asking questions early on can also ease the transition and foster professional growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Research jobs in Reston, VA are:
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Infographic showing various Research Intern job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,666 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Library and Research Intern (Graduate Student)

AARP

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


AARP rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 771 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Overview
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.
AARP's Policy, Research and International Affairs leads the development and communication of AARP's public policies and, research and insights on the issues that matter to people 50-plus.
The AARP Library & Strategic Services team seeks a master's-level graduate student who is pursuing a master's in library science, to intern with our dynamic group focused on research, insights, synthesis, innovation, personal growth, and emerging technologies. This internship provides hands-on opportunities to conduct, interpret, and synthesize secondary research using licensed databases and internal research and is best suited for a student pursuing a career in reference services. You'll also gain practical experience designing and building SharePoint web pages and build valuable technical services skills.
Throughout the internship, we will challenge you to think creatively and work innovatively on real-world projects. By the end of the experience, you will have developed a strong foundation that prepares you for a range of career paths within the library and information field. AARP is committed to your growth and to cultivating your continued learning and professional development. This paid internship is anticipated to begin in Summer 2026 and continue through the end of the year, with a possible extension into 2027. Finalist must be available to work from AARP's Headquarters in Washington, DC. Local candidates are preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Synthesize research findings from AARP's collection of resources, including primary and secondary research, surveys, consumer and market research databases, academic journals, etc
  • Analyze and write up findings and insights; apply innovative thinking and problem-solving; utilize approved AI research tools
  • Conduct literature reviews and market scans for stakeholders throughout the association, and perform company due diligence and people vetting
  • Support technical services activities, including collection development, database management, building web pages, promoting library events, and programming via internal channels
  • Proactively distribute research from a collection of resources to internal stakeholders, including contributing relevant research to issue area newsletters enterprise-wide
  • Provide face-to-face interactions at the Library's Reference Desk and monitor and provide timely responses via the library's internal communication channels to help manage project intake
  • Manage several projects simultaneously and answer ad-hoc research requests as assigned; assist in managing special projects and marketing internal library events
  • Explore and demonstrate emerging technologies in the AARP Library collection, such as virtual reality (VR) technology, and AI capabilities within research and knowledge management tools
Qualifications
  • Prospective intern must be enrolled in a Master's-level program in Library and Information Science college or university in the DC, Maryland or Virginia area, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
  • Availability to work on-site at the National Office located in downtown Washington, DC is required. Local students are preferred. (We observe Monday and Friday as teleworking days, with Tuesday-Thursday in the office)
  • Experience with research databases (eg, ProQuest, Westlaw, EBSCOhost, LexisNexis)
  • Excellent written, oral communication, and critical thinking skills, and the ability to synthesize research findings
  • Ability to identify, analyze, and creatively solve problems, with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a curiosity to learn more about reference services
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of the team
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and shift priorities as directed
  • A strong commitment to providing outstanding customer service
  • Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
Additional Requirements
  • Regular and reliable job attendance
  • Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
  • In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Hybrid Work Environment
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly range is $18.40 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, and $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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