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Research Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$113K - $144K/yr

Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist As AI-enabled autonomous systems get closer to widespread deployment, fundamental research questions remain around their development and use, especially ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$52.6K

$135.6K

$181.4K

How much do research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research scientist in Reston, VA is $135,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $180,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research scientist?

Research Scientists are professionals who conduct experiments and investigations to increase knowledge in a specific field, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or social sciences. They design studies, analyze data, and publish their findings in scientific journals. Research Scientists often work in academic institutions, government agencies, or private industry, contributing to advancements in technology, healthcare, and understanding of the natural world. Their work is critical for developing new products, improving processes, and solving complex scientific problems.

What degree do you need for a research scientist?

A research scientist typically needs at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. Many roles, especially in academia or advanced research, require a Ph.D. for independent work and higher-level positions.

How do research scientists typically collaborate with other departments or teams within an organization?

Research Scientists often work closely with cross-functional teams, including data analysts, engineers, and product managers, to ensure that their findings are effectively integrated into practical applications. Collaboration may involve regular meetings, joint planning sessions, and sharing experimental results to guide decision-making. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the research process but also helps align scientific efforts with organizational goals, fostering innovation and impactful outcomes.

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 solid background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and subject-specific expertise, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD or MSc. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (like R or SPSS), and research documentation tools is often required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with colleagues and presenting findings. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure rigorous, innovative research and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Research Scientist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Research Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Scientist 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 $135,617 per year, or $65.2 per hour.

Assistant Research Scientist (PREP0004224)

Johns Hopkins University

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
PREP Post-Masters Researcher (US Citizen)
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration. This position requires US Citizenship.
The position will collaborate with NIST researchers and NIST's external collaborators in a variety of topics relevant to their work including social scientists, engineers, and scientists - connecting economics to fundamental research, multi-disciplinary analysis, and decision support tools related to activities across a range of research topic areas, building and infrastructure, circular economy, resilience, and decision science.
The position is in the Applied Economics Office (AEO), a part of the Engineering Laboratory (EL) at NIST, provides economic products and services through research and consulting to industry and government agencies in support of productivity enhancement, economic growth, and international competitiveness, with a focus on improving the life-cycle quality and economy of constructed facilities and manufacturing processes that support social and economic functions. The AEO is integrated within EL's major research thrusts: energy conservation, community resilience planning, manufacturing, fire, smart grid, building construction, and safety. The AEO delivers high quality research and tool development that informs and assists stakeholders in their decision-making processes.
The work will entail:
Key responsibilities could include, but are not limited to, leading the following activities:
• Analyzing data
• Reviewing relevant literature
• Assist in Designing data collection instruments
• Writing reports and research articles
• Assist in Publishing within refereed journals and technical research series
• Communicating research at professional conferences
Qualifications
§ US Citizen
§ A master's in economics, Social Science, Psychology, Policy, or related field.
§ Background in econometrics or statistics and at least two of the following areas:
o Applied microeconomics
o Decision-science or behavioral-science
o Environmental economics
o Environmental studies
o Geography
o Non-market valuation
o Policy
o Psychology
o Regional studies or planning
o Regional Economics
o Risk and uncertainty
o Social Science
o Sociology
§ Strong oral and written communication skills.
§ Logical thinking and Problem solving
§ Patience and Attention to detail
§ Excellent writing and communication skills
Application Instructions
Please upload the following with your application:
• CV/Resume
*Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume.
Self portraits
Phone number
Home address/Country
Citizenship status
Languages spoken
Sex/Gender
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876