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Research Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Noblis

AI/ML Research Scientist

Reston, VA · On-site

Contribute to client-facing data science platforms and tools. * Write and support government-funded research proposals. Required Qualifications * US Citizenship is required. * Master's degree with 6+ ...

CNA Corporation

Research Scientist

Arlington, VA

Minimum Master's degree in a International relations, political science, history, or related discipline, PhD preferred. 2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements 5+ years of experience in research ...

cna

Research Scientist

Arlington, VA

Minimum Master's degree in a International relations, political science, history, or related discipline, PhD preferred. 2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements 5+ years of experience in research ...

cna

Research Scientist

Arlington, VA

Minimum Master's degree in a International relations, political science, history, or related discipline, PhD preferred. 2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements 5+ years of experience in research ...

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How much do research science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for research science in Virginia is $34.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.64 and $44.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Research scientists in specialized fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or data science can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially with senior roles, extensive experience, or leadership positions. High earnings often require advanced degrees, strong technical skills, and working in high-demand industries or executive-level roles.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Research scientists typically require advanced degrees, but some high-paying jobs without a degree include roles like sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades such as electricians and plumbers, especially with experience and certifications. These positions often involve strong interpersonal skills, technical knowledge, or entrepreneurial efforts to reach high income levels. Earning $10,000 a month is more common in sales, entrepreneurship, or specialized trades than in entry-level roles without formal education requirements.

What is a research science job?

A research science job involves conducting scientific investigations to generate new knowledge or solve specific problems within a field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. These roles typically require strong analytical skills, familiarity with laboratory tools or data analysis software, and often a relevant degree or advanced training.

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

To thrive as a Research Scientist, you need a robust background in scientific methodology, data analysis, and subject-matter expertise, usually supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or master's in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS), laboratory equipment, and research databases is often necessary, along with adherence to ethical research standards. Critical thinking, curiosity, and strong communication skills help researchers generate novel ideas, solve complex problems, and share findings effectively. These skills are crucial for driving scientific discovery, ensuring research integrity, and contributing valuable knowledge to the field.

What are some common challenges faced by research scientists when working on interdisciplinary projects?

Research scientists often collaborate with professionals from diverse fields, which can present challenges such as differing terminologies, research methodologies, and expectations regarding project outcomes. Building strong communication skills and a willingness to learn about adjacent disciplines is essential for overcoming these challenges. Successful interdisciplinary projects also require flexibility and the ability to integrate feedback from various perspectives, which can lead to more innovative and impactful results.

What is the difference between Research Science vs Data Scientist?

AspectResearch ScienceData Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), research experienceBachelor's or Master's, strong statistical and programming skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research labs, corporate R&DTech companies, finance, healthcare, industry
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, R&D divisionsBusinesses analyzing data for insights and decision-making

Research Scientists focus on conducting experiments, developing theories, and publishing findings, often in academic or R&D settings. Data Scientists analyze large datasets to extract actionable insights, primarily in industry. While both roles require strong analytical skills, Research Scientists emphasize experimental design and theory development, whereas Data Scientists focus on data analysis and modeling for business solutions.

What is a Research Scientist?

A Research Scientist is a professional who conducts experiments and analyzes data to advance knowledge in a specific scientific field. They often work in laboratories, universities, or research institutes, using the scientific method to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, and develop new products or technologies. Research Scientists may specialize in areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, or social sciences, and their work often contributes to scientific publications, patents, or practical applications. Collaboration with other scientists, writing grant proposals, and presenting findings are also key aspects of this role.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

Research scientists in specialized fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or data science can earn $400,000 or more annually, often through a combination of high-level positions, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this salary typically requires advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in their domain.
Research Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Science job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,088 per year, or $34.7 per hour.
Research Scientist in Environmental Sciences Sciences

Research Scientist in Environmental Sciences Sciences

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a Research Scientist (Information Manager) to lead information and data management for the Virginia Coast Reserve Long Term Ecological Research project (VCR LTER).
VCR LTER is an interdisciplinary environmental research program based at UVA and supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) since 1987 to advance knowledge of coastal ecosystems and their responses to long-term change. As part of the LTER Network-one of the longest-running ecological research networks in the world-VCR LTER generates long-term datasets that advance understanding of ecological dynamics in a complex coastal landscape. The Information Manager (IM) plays a central role in supporting discovery, synthesis, and long-term stewardship of these data. The IM is a core member of the VCR LTER team, working closely with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and collaborators across multiple institutions to ensure that data are well-documented, high-quality, accessible, and reusable-both within the project and across the broader ecological research community.
Location: This is a full-time position based at UVA in Charlottesville, VA, with periodic travel required to the VCR LTER site at UVA's Coastal Research Center on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
About the role: The VCR LTER IM (Research Scientist) oversees the full lifecycle of diverse ecological data, from acquisition and quality control through documentation, standardization, publication, and preservation. A main priority is stewardship of core LTER datasets such as long-term biological, oceanographic, hydrologic, geologic, and meteorological data. In addition, the IM serves as a collaborator and advisor-helping researchers design effective data workflows, harmonize data to support synthesis and modeling efforts, and translate information management best practices into practical, researcher-friendly solutions.
We are especially interested in candidates who understand the value of ecological data as observations of organisms, processes, and environments, and who appreciate how careful data stewardship enables discovery and research productivity across time and disciplines.
Key responsibilities:
(1) Data stewardship and publication
  • Manage, curate, and archive VCR LTER datasets and associated metadata.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and LTER data management requirements, including timely public data release.
  • Publish datasets to the Environmental Data Initiative (EDI), maintain accessible data catalogs on the VCR LTER website, and coordinate deposition in national repositories (e.g., NSF Public Access Repository, Biological and Chemical Oceanography Data Management Office).
  • Develop and maintain QA/QC workflows and ensure compliance with data documentation standards.

(2) Systems, workflows, and infrastructure
  • Maintain and enhance data management systems supporting long-term field observations, sensor data, and derived data and modeling products.
  • Work with existing infrastructure (e.g., data servers, relational databases, automated workflows, web services, backup systems) to maintain continuity while contributing to thoughtful modernization over time.
  • Develop reproducible data processing pipelines using scripting and workflow tools.
  • Provide technical oversight for long-term deployed sensor instruments and data acquisition systems, including system configuration, integration, and advanced troubleshooting. Coordinate with field-station staff responsible for routine deployment and maintenance; periodic travel to field sites is required.
  • Coordinate with UVA Information Technology Services and project partners on system reliability and security.
  • Maintain the VCR LTER website, including programming web services for researchers, such as calendar and reservation systems.

(3) Research collaboration and training
  • Work directly with faculty, postdocs, students, and staff to support data organization, documentation, and analysis.
  • Provide training and guidance on data management best practices and reproducible workflows.
  • Assist with data access, integration, synthesis, and modeling where appropriate.
  • Help researchers evaluate and apply advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support research and information management.
  • Contribute to project reports, proposals, and publications related to information management.
  • Maintain internal and external personnel and project databases.

(4) Network engagement and professional development
  • Represent VCR LTER within the LTER Network and communicate effectively with Information Managers at other LTER sites.
  • Participate in national meetings, working groups, and professional development activities.
  • Engage with evolving community standards for ecological data and open science.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: Requires a doctoral degree or a master's degree with significant experience, in ecology, environmental science, data science, computer science, information science, or a related field, by the start date.
Required experience/skills:
  • Experience working across the research data lifecycle, including data cleaning, quality control, documentation, and publication.
  • Proficiency in at least one scientific programming language (e.g., R or Python).
  • Experience managing or working with structured datasets and relational databases (e.g., SQL).
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with scientists across disciplines, institutions, and career stages.

Preferred experience/skills:
  • Ability to navigate and coordinate complex systems and find efficient solutions to challenging problems.
  • Background or training in ecology, environmental science, or related natural sciences, or demonstrated experience working closely with ecological or environmental data.
  • Familiarity with long-term observational or experimental datasets, sensor data, or field-based data collection.
  • Interest or experience in field sensors and networks, from development and installation to maintenance and troubleshooting, including familiarity with basic electrical systems.
  • Experience with metadata standards (e.g., Ecological Metadata Language).
  • Experience with web-based data access systems, automated workflows, or reproducible research tools, and familiarity with web-scripting, web-based data systems, and server-side languages (e.g., PHP, Python, JavaScript).
  • Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their use for processing, analyzing, and archiving data.
  • Interest in data synthesis, modeling, or advanced analytical workflows.
  • Experience training or mentoring students or researchers.

TO APPLY: Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0082043 . Attach the following documents:
A cover letter describing your motivation, experience, and qualifications for the advertised position. A resume or curriculum vitae. Contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters upon request.
Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the application system.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on May 1 , 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
The preferred start date is September 1, 2026, but it is negotiable. This is a one-year appointment, and the appointment may be renewed contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Max Castorani, Associate Professor, at castorani@virginia.edu.
For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.
For more information on the benefits available to Research Scientists at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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