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Research Lab Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

CAV Tech Transfer Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Saxton Lab, located at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research ... signals control, traffic management systems, vehicle guidance systems, and transportation ...

Research Innovations

Production Technician

Alexandria, VA

$18.50 - $23/hr

You will also be expected to assist the lab manager with daily tasks and responsibilities. You will ... Research Innovations Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will ...

Research Innovations

Production Technician

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

You will also be expected to assist the lab manager with daily tasks and responsibilities. You will ... Research Innovations Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will ...

Research Innovations

Production Technician

Alexandria, VA

$18.50 - $23/hr

You will also be expected to assist the lab manager with daily tasks and responsibilities. You will ... Research Innovations Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will ...

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All JobsResearch Lab JobsResearch Lab Manager JobsResearch Lab Manager Jobs in Virginia

Research Lab Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$34.2K

$66.4K

$91.7K

How much do research lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research lab manager in Virginia is $66,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the responsibilities of a Research Lab Manager?

A Research Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a scientific laboratory, ensuring that research activities run smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities typically include managing laboratory staff, maintaining equipment and supplies, enforcing safety protocols, and assisting with budgeting and administrative tasks. They also support researchers by coordinating experiments, managing data, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential in this role.

What is the difference between Research Lab Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Lab ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often requires management experienceMaster's or Ph.D. in specific research area
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, administrative offices, overseeing operationsLaboratories, conducting experiments, data analysis
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesResearch institutions, universities, industry R&D
Primary FocusManaging lab operations, budgets, staffDesigning experiments, conducting research, publishing findings

The main difference is that a Research Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, staff, and budgets, while a Research Scientist concentrates on conducting experiments and advancing scientific knowledge. Both roles are essential in research settings but serve different functions within the research process.

What are some common challenges a Research Lab Manager faces and how can they be addressed?

Research Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to balancing administrative duties with supporting scientific research, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and ensuring efficient use of resources. Navigating these requires strong organizational skills, clear communication with both researchers and administrative staff, and staying up to date with regulatory changes. Proactively scheduling regular team meetings, investing in ongoing training, and implementing standard operating procedures can help address these challenges and create a productive, compliant lab environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Lab Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Lab Manager, you need strong scientific expertise, leadership skills, and a relevant degree in the field (often a Master's or PhD). Experience with laboratory management systems, safety protocols, grant writing, and equipment maintenance is crucial, along with certifications such as CLIA or GLP compliance when applicable. Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help foster teamwork and ensure smooth lab operations. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining high research standards, ensuring safety, and achieving project goals efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Manager jobs in Virginia? For Research Lab Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Lab Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Research Lab Manager job openings:
Research Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Lab Manager job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,411 per year, or $31.9 per hour.
CAV Tech Transfer Engineer

CAV Tech Transfer Engineer

Leidos

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 451 rated business services

Job description

Are you interested in shaping the future of transportation? Consider joining the Leidos team operating FHWA's Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory (STOL), a USDOT research lab focused on the improvement of transportation operations, safety, mobility, and environmental impacts. STOL provides a variety of services to support the advancement and adoption of emerging technologies, including automation and communication in vehicles and on the roadside.
Learn more about:
• The Leidos Surface Transportation group: https://www.leidos.com/markets/energy/transportation https://www.leidos.com/markets/energy/transportation/surface-transportation-research
• The Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory: https://highways.dot.gov/turner-fairbank-highway-research-center/labs/STOL
Location: This role will be expected to work full-time at the customer site in McLean, VA
Candidates MUST:
This position requires candidates be legally authorized to work in the United States AND be currently located in the United States for the current three consecutive years and be eligible for a Public Trust Clearance
Position Overview
The CAV Tech Transfer Engineer will be a key part of the Leidos team supporting Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) research across the US through our work at the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Saxton Lab, located at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, VA. Our team advances CAV technology for the USDOT by developing, testing, and supporting the adoption of technologies associated with vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications as well as Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA).
This is an opportunity for someone who is seeking a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment working directly with state and local DOTs as well as technology vendors in the CAV industry. A strong candidate will have the following: a background in electrical, civil, automotive, or other relevant technical discipline; work history or education that demonstrates ability to troubleshoot V2X devices, computer networks, and transportation simulation tools; the ability to learn and clearly communicate complex technical matters to a variety of audiences. The ideal candidate will arrive with a working knowledge of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and networking, including related hardware/software configurations and applicable IEEE and SAE standards. The work environment is very collegial and benefits from a collaborative effort across a growing interdisciplinary team.
The primary responsibility of this role, as a CAV Tech Transfer Engineer in the Saxton Laboratory, is to support external stakeholders through the Saxton Lab helpdesk to accelerate adoption of USDOT ITS/CAV technologies. The position provides technical assistance for deployment and use of lab-developed tools and data products, including V2X Hub (open-source V2X platform) and CAV message creator tools. The role serves as the technical point of contact for stakeholder questions, equipment loan requests, and troubleshooting, while maintaining current knowledge of lab research products, CAV equipment, and stakeholder needs. This position also coordinates with internal engineers and technicians to track, resolve, and follow up on support requests.
Duties May include:
  • Provide technical assistance to academia, government, and private industry to support the adoption of ITS, CDA, C-V2X, and CAV technologies.
  • Perform engineering duties at the systems level on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software required for traffic signals control, traffic management systems, vehicle guidance systems, and transportation simulation tools. This is a hands-on role, working directly with the components, systems, and suppliers to develop new and exciting transportation technologies.
  • Assist with organizing and managing project work, including but not limited to supporting development and review of project financials, customer interaction, provide input towards project direction, and providing engineering expertise towards project execution.
  • Lead the development and maintenance of a stakeholder community of practice to support tech transfer for various projects across the surface transportation research portfolio.
  • Conduct stakeholder outreach and promotion to meet research and project needs.
  • Support the operations and maintenance of the lab facility, equipment, and associated testbeds, including but not limited to conducting and/or supervising the prototyping, assembly, and configuration of electrical and networking equipment, and performing safety driver duties during testing.
  • Stay up to date with latest technology in AI, AV and CAV industry by attending seminars, conferences, and independent research.
  • Interface with researchers, Government technical and business personnel, and other users of the Saxton Laboratory and associated testbeds.
  • Assist in various phases of research projects across the breadth of transportation science.

Required Education & Experience:
  • B.S. in electrical, Civil, Automotive, or other scientific or engineering discipline related internship experience or other scientific or engineering discipline
  • 0-2+ years of experience supporting technical projects, research, software tools, transportation systems, or stakeholder-facing technology work.
  • Knowledge of Connected and automated vehicle or transportation communication
  • Familiarity with transportation and communication systems.
  • Familiarity with technical documentation, user guides, reports, briefings, or training materials.
  • Desire to independently learn about new technologies, hardware, and software (with guidance and technical support from the team as needed) - and instruct external stakeholders on how to use them.
  • Must communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing along with a good understanding of industry specific terminology.
  • Must be a good team player and be able to give and take constructive feedback.
  • Must be prompt, schedule-conscious, and able to focus on the work at hand.
  • Must be coachable and open to self-discovery and professional improvement.
  • Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
  • Valid driver's license and suitability to operate a motor vehicle.

Extra consideration given for experience in any of the following:
  • Familiarity with AWS and Artificial intelligence especially generative AI.
  • Software development tools and methods, including one or more commonly used programming languages, such as C++, Python, JAVA, and Bash scripting.
  • Geospatial positioning (e.g., GPS) and position correction (e.g., RTCM)
  • Experience supporting stakeholder outreach, technical assistance, helpdesk-style support, workshops, or community-of-practice activities.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
July 10, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $50,700.00 - $91,650.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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