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Research Writing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Research Institute

Director (R&D)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

Riverside Overview Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to ... Experience in new business capture, such as shaping program opportunities and proposal writing ...

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How much do research writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for research writing in Virginia is $27.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.49 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is research writing?

Research writing is the process of investigating a topic, gathering and analyzing information, and presenting findings in a structured, formal manner. It typically involves formulating a research question or hypothesis, conducting a literature review, collecting data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Research writing is commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional fields to communicate new knowledge, support arguments, and contribute to ongoing discussions. Strong research writing requires critical thinking, clarity, proper citation, and adherence to specific formatting guidelines. The primary goal is to inform, persuade, or solve a problem using reliable and well-documented information.

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

To thrive as a Research Writer, you need strong analytical skills, advanced writing proficiency, and typically a relevant academic background such as a degree in English, communications, or a specialized field. Familiarity with citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago), research databases, and reference management software like EndNote or Zotero is commonly required. Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are key soft skills. These competencies ensure that research findings are accurately interpreted, well-articulated, and credible, supporting the integrity and impact of scholarly or professional publications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in research writing roles, and how can they be addressed?

Research writers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, maintaining objectivity, and ensuring accuracy in presenting complex data. Balancing clarity with technical detail can also be demanding, especially when writing for diverse audiences. To address these challenges, it's essential to develop strong time management skills, stay informed about the latest research in the field, and seek regular feedback from peers or subject matter experts. Collaboration with researchers, editors, and other writers can further help refine content quality and maintain high standards of integrity.

What is the difference between Research Writing vs Content Writing?

AspectResearch WritingContent Writing
CredentialsTypically requires strong academic background, research skills, and familiarity with citation stylesOften requires good writing skills, SEO knowledge, and understanding of target audiences
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research institutions, or specialized industriesDigital marketing, media, corporate websites
Industry UsageUsed in academia, scientific research, and technical fieldsUsed in marketing, advertising, and online media

Research Writing focuses on creating detailed, evidence-based content often for academic or scientific purposes, requiring research skills and citation knowledge. Content Writing is geared towards producing engaging, SEO-friendly material for online audiences, emphasizing readability and marketing goals. While both involve writing, their audiences, objectives, and skill sets differ significantly.

How much does a research writing make?

Research writers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the complexity of projects. Freelance research writers may charge $0.10 to $1.00 per word or more, with rates varying based on expertise and client requirements.

What does a research writing do?

A research writer creates detailed, accurate, and well-organized written content based on thorough research. They analyze data, cite sources, and adhere to specific formatting styles, often working with research tools and deadlines to produce reports, articles, or academic papers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Writing jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Research Writing jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Writing jobs in Virginia?

For Research Writing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Writing jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Research Writing job openings:

Research Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Writing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,097 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Director (R&D)

Riverside Research Institute

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$186K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Riverside Overview
Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
Position Overview
Riverside Research is seeking a senior dynamic, strategic, operational, and growth focused Director to lead a research and development team. As a key member of our Cognitive Intel Solutions (Sensors & Systems) group, the Director will pursue and grow applied R&D opportunities with IC and DoW customers (e.g. NGA, NRO, AFRL, military services, etc.), lead corporate-wide Independent Research & Development (IR&D) efforts and manage existing R&D contracts. The Director will manage team members located across Fairfax, Lexington, and Beavercreek research offices while reporting to the Vice President of the Sensors & Systems Business Unit.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Development and execution of the portfolio strategy to pursue R&D funding to achieve annual growth
  • Provide technical direction, leadership, and management oversight of a substantial IR&D budget in artificial intelligence and software development.
  • Lead and shape capture and proposals, developing strategy to expand our existing technology baseline in alignment with the Riverside Research wide strategy and vision.
  • Significant customer interaction, initiating customer contact to create new business opportunities at DoD and IC organizations such as NRO, NGA, AFRL, USSF, SDA, etc.
  • Collaboration across the larger Riverside Research organization to facilitate the development and transition of revolutionary solutions in important technology areas in the intelligence automation, system and sensor orchestration and sensor technology spaces, including machine learning/artificial intelligence, system integration, field testing, data collection, and software development.
  • Experience as a Principal Investigator for programs, setting technical direction and guiding teams in executing complex development projects that regularly involve multiple technical fields and cross-disciplinary work.
  • Grow the next generation of associate directors, managers, and scientists through mentorship
  • A leader that is responsible for developing consensus from among competing inputs to include customer feedback, diverse technical opinions, and team dynamics

Riverside has created a collaborative culture that stands apart from their competitors. With a strong business base, forward-looking vantage point, and growing internal R&D capabilities, the Director will be strongly positioned to grow his/her enterprise.
Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance and ability to obtain SAP access.
  • A bachelor's degree and 15 years' experience, 12 years with a master's degree, 8 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience is typically required for an employee at this level, and 8 years of supervisory experience.
  • Experience in leading teams to solve complex technical problems, and developing and growing teams and an organization around a unified vision
  • Experience in new business capture, such as shaping program opportunities and proposal writing; preferred if experienced leading proposal efforts
  • Motivated individuals with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to perform a wide variety of related tasks, have exceptional oral and written skills, and experience presenting to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Demonstrated understanding of program management processes and ability to prioritize multiple, concurrent tasks with minimal supervision
  • An established professional reputation for excellence in customer support and program execution
  • Collaborative leader with the highest integrity and moral compass
  • Sound business judgment, keen conceptual skills, intellectual discipline, self-confidence, imagination, well-developed management skills, and the personal ambition to play a major role in the growth and success of a high-end government research and services company with a strong heritage for high quality and responsive service to its clients
  • Other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree and 15 years' experience, 12 years with a master's degree, 8 years with a PhD
  • Experience with automation of intelligence collection, orchestration, and analysis activities through software, particularly efforts leveraging Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLM's) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
  • Has an existing network of USG Customer contacts at DoD and IC research and development organizations, or has experience growing and maintaining a customer contact network
  • Demonstrated success in leading the capture of DoD and / or IC R&D opportunities at organizations such as NRO, NGA, AFRL, DARPA, USSF, SDA,
  • Technology roadmap development experience
  • Experience with programming and scripting languages (e.g., Java, C++, MATLAB, Python, Bash)
  • Proven ability to lead a diverse organization across multiple sites
  • A minimum of bachelor's degree in related field (Engineering, Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, etc.) and several years of relevant experience required with strong preference for PhD degree.

Global Comp
$000,000- $000,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Closing Statement
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

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