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Research Physiologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Research / Scientific The Lessard Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated research associate to work on laboratory studies related to exercise physiology, nutrition, metabolism, and ...

Research Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536733 Work type: Research Faculty ... Required Qualifications Master's in Veterinary Sciences, Physiology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences ...

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Research Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535375 Work type: Staff Senior ... Michael Halassa, the lab uses controlled behavioral tasks alongside physiological, genetic, and ...

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Research Physiologist information

See Virginia salary details

$27.8K

$89.6K

$152.7K

How much do research physiologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for research physiologist in Virginia is $89,644.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research physiologist?

Research physiologists are scientists who study how living organisms function, with a focus on understanding the physical and chemical processes that occur within the body. They often conduct experiments to investigate topics such as muscle function, metabolism, cardiovascular health, or the effects of various interventions on biological systems. Their work can contribute to advancements in medicine, sports science, and biology by providing insights into how the body responds to different stimuli or conditions. Research physiologists typically work in laboratories, universities, government agencies, or private research organizations. They may also collaborate with healthcare professionals to apply their findings to improve human or animal health.

What does a research physiologist do?

As a research physiologist, your job duties include performing research on people and other living organisms to determine their physiological response to specific environments and other stimuli. You may work for a university, college, nonprofit group, another type of research facility, or the military. You may also find work in a company’s research and development department. Physiological research includes studies that you can apply to medicine, chemical interactions, human health, environmental health, or human behavior. Regardless of your focus, you perform experiments and research, analyze results, and make a report on your findings. You may work with other biomedical scientists to help them understand physiological signals as they relate to their research.

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

To thrive as a Research Physiologist, you need a strong background in biology, physiology, experimental design, and data analysis, typically backed by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or M.S. in physiology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, statistical analysis software (like SPSS or R), and ethical research protocols is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are vital for designing robust experiments, ensuring accurate data collection, and advancing scientific understanding in physiological research.

How do research physiologists typically collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in their daily work?

Research Physiologists frequently work alongside professionals from various scientific backgrounds, such as biochemists, biomedical engineers, and clinicians. Collaboration often involves designing experiments, sharing data, and interpreting results to ensure comprehensive understanding of physiological processes. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the quality and impact of research findings, and regularly attending team meetings or joint lab sessions is common. Effective communication skills and openness to diverse perspectives are key for success in these collaborative environments.

What is the difference between Research Physiologist vs Clinical Physiologist?

AspectResearch PhysiologistClinical Physiologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physiology or related field; certifications varySimilar credentials; often requires certification like ACSM or CCI
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, academia, government agenciesHealthcare providers, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Job FocusConducting experiments, advancing scientific knowledgeDiagnosing, monitoring, and treating patients

Research Physiologists focus on scientific research and experimentation in controlled environments, while Clinical Physiologists work directly with patients in healthcare settings. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ mainly in their work environment and primary objectives.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Research Physiologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $89,644 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Vice Chair for Research and Scholarship | Family Medicine | SOM | F79340

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Unit

School of Medicine

Department

Family Medicine

Mission of the Department

Founded in 1970, the Department of Family Medicine at VCU has a long and proud history of research and scholarship focused on the practice of family medicine and family medicine education. It was the birthplace of the North American Primary Care Research Group and the academic home for its founder, Dr. Maurice Wood.

Our Family Medicine Research team has a multi‑disciplinary approach to research, coming from fields such as family medicine, health services, biostatistics and epidemiology, cultural anthropology, social and behavioral science, and public health. The team’s research focuses on improving quality in primary care settings, with a special focus on helping patients improve health behaviors, harnessing information technology, and improving systems of care.

Our research faculty conduct innovative, multi‑disciplinary research aimed at understanding the interface between behavior and physiology, and integrates social, psychological and biological approaches that provide insight on health and illness over the life course. The department hosts research programs in the dynamics of aging, cancer prevention and control, and emphasizes behavioral and mental health.

This department is also home to the Virginia Ambulatory Care Outcomes Research Network (ACORN), our well‑respected practice‑based research network composed of more than 90 practices throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Chief Purpose of the Position

The VCU Department of Family Medicine seeks applicants for the position of Vice Chair for Research and Scholarship. In this role, you will be responsible, under direction of the Chair, for the leadership, management, and administration of the family medicine research team.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assist the Chair in fostering an environment in the department that values and promotes diverse clinical, translational, practice‑based, community and educational research and scholarship across all department missions and locations.
  • Serve as the primary departmental advocate for and oversight for research and scholarship program improvement.
  • Provide oversight, support, direction, coaching, and development to the department’s research and scholarship efforts.
  • Advise the Department Chair and PIs on research and scholarship priorities, funding opportunities, funding needs, recruitment, and infrastructure support for research and scholarship programs.
  • Work with the department administrator, PIs and other program leaders to develop and maintain annual operating budgets for research and scholarship programs.
  • Interact with, and serve as a liaison to, university and hospital leaders to promote the departmental research and scholarship initiatives.
  • Foster collaboration, innovation, and coordination of research and scholarship across all training sites.
  • Develop and support new initiatives consistent with departmental values and focus areas.
  • Ensure oversight so that all research programs meet and exceed compliance standards and policies.
  • Ensure that the departmental research and scholarship programs function consistently with the department values.
  • Ensure that medical student and resident research and scholarship programs function in a trainee‑focused manner, including fostering trainee safety and well‑being.
  • Oversee medical research and scholarship activities, including identifying and securing infrastructure support and engaging faculty members to serve as mentors.
  • Participate in the recruitment of clinician researchers.
  • Serve as a mentor for faculty members with specific interest in family medicine research and scholarship across all departmental missions.
  • Serve as an alternative representative for the Chair on university and hospital committees relevant to research and scholarship activities.
  • Convene regular meetings of the department’s research team.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
  • MD, PhD or equivalent in family medicine research and scholarship.
  • 3‑5 years of experience in family medicine research and scholarship.
  • Direct experience leading research teams with a range of experience and interests.
  • Maintained a diverse and sustained funding track record.
  • Track record of success working with a team of researchers.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Completed an accredited residency program in Family Medicine.
  • Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
  • Experience providing oversight for department or organizational budget.
  • Coordinated multiple projects across a team of researchers.
  • Identified as a national thought leader in primary care.
  • Established relationships with a network of primary care and multidisciplinary researchers.
  • Eligible to obtain license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Past experience in providing direct patient care to underserved populations across multiple settings.
  • Willing and able to care for patients in outpatient settings.
Salary Range

Commensurate with experience.

FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt.

Restricted Position

No.

ORP Eligible

Yes.

Rank

Open.

Tenure

Open.

Months

12 months.

Contact Information

Contact Name: Ashley Krauss

Contact Email: ashley.krauss@vcuhealth.org

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