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Researcher Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

With moderate oversight, the Research Assistant I provides direct support to Clinical Research Coordinators in the completion of protocol-specific study goals while observing strict adherence to ICH ...

Research Assistant - Part Time

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site +1

$28.50K - $30K/yr

Essential Duties: โ€ข Apply basic clinical research methodologies to meet protocol and regulatory requirements. โ€ข Assist in the development of client deliverables according to project requirements ...

Research Assistant I

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$18.35 - $22.48/hr

With moderate oversight, the Research Assistant I provides direct support to Clinical Research Coordinators in the completion of protocol-specific study goals while observing strict adherence to ICH ...

Apply basic clinical research methodologies to meet protocol and regulatory requirements. Assist in the development of client deliverables according to project requirements, including but not limited ...

Research Assistant I

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$18.35 - $22.48/hr

With moderate oversight, the Research Assistant I provides direct support to Clinical Research Coordinators in the completion of protocol-specific study goals while observing strict adherence to ICH ...

Positions include Executive Research Assistant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Manager and 1099 Contract Researcher. We conduct informational interviews on a rolling basis. Research candidates who ...

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Researcher Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$117.7K

$171.1K

How much do researcher assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for researcher assistant in Reston, VA is $117,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $160,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Researcher Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a relevant academic background, often in the field of research. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS or Excel), online research databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively help someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, efficient project support, and meaningful contributions to research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges Researcher Assistants face when balancing multiple projects, and how are these usually managed within research teams?

Researcher Assistants often juggle several projects with overlapping deadlines and priorities. This can be challenging, especially when coordinating data collection, literature reviews, and reporting tasks simultaneously. Most research teams address this by holding regular check-ins, using project management tools, and setting clear expectations about deliverables. Developing strong organizational skills and proactive communication with supervisors and team members are key strategies to manage workload effectively.

What are Researcher Assistants?

Researcher Assistants are professionals who support scientists, scholars, or other researchers in conducting studies and experiments. Their tasks often include collecting and analyzing data, preparing materials, conducting literature reviews, and maintaining laboratory equipment or records. Researcher Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that research projects run smoothly and efficiently. They may work in academic, scientific, technical, or medical settings, and often gain valuable experience that can lead to further career advancement in research or academia.

What is the difference between Researcher Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectResearcher AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree or ongoing education in a related fieldUsually a master's degree or higher in a relevant discipline
Work EnvironmentSupportive research settings, labs, or academic institutionsIndependent research projects, often with more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, research organizations, private sector R&D
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research rolesCompared for more advanced research positions

The main difference between a Researcher Assistant and a Research Associate lies in their experience, education, and responsibilities. Researcher Assistants typically hold a bachelor's degree and support research activities, while Research Associates usually have higher qualifications and take on more independent research tasks. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but they differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Researcher Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Researcher Assistant job openings:

Research Assistant, Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility (Safety-Net Programs)

AEI

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$50K - $54K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview
The Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility (COSM) at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time research assistant to work with Senior Fellows Matt Weidinger and Howard Husock. The research assistants may also support COSM Deputy Director Kevin Corinth and Director Scott Winship and assist COSM generally with research projects. The new research assistants will begin no later than summer 2026, ideally earlier.
Launched at the beginning of 2023, COSM seeks to shrink opportunity gaps facing disadvantaged Americans and strengthen social mobility by publishing rigorous research and developing innovative policy solutions.
The research assistant will conduct extensive research on US safety-net programs and their associated outcomes, including poverty, food insecurity, and health, among other topics.
Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter noting their interest in or experience with safety-net policies, unofficial academic transcripts, and a writing sample. Independent research projects are strongly preferred as writing samples.
Responsibilities
  • Support research by retrieving, analyzing, and manipulating data.
  • Edit and contribute to scholarly papers, articles for a general audience, op-eds, and books.
  • Create and format charts, graphic displays, and tables.
  • Conduct literature reviews on US safety-net programs, poverty trends, family structures, social capital, and other topics.
  • Work with the rest of COSM's research team to support the center's broader mission and projects.
  • Assist COSM scholars in planning and executing public events and conferences.
  • Work internally with other AEI teams on outreach for scholars' work.
  • Regularly track relevant legislative debates on US safety-net programs and other topics.
  • Regularly track coverage by key media outlets that overlaps with ongoing projects.
  • Provide administrative support as needed.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI
  • The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
  • The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
  • The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
  • Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree (required), preferably in political science, economics, statistics, public policy, or a related field
  • 0-2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience
  • Quantitative skills, including proficiency in Excel and Stata or R (required)
  • Comfort using AI tools creatively for projects, research, and task organization (preferred)
  • Related research or internship experience (preferred)
  • A demonstrated interest in public policy and familiarity with US safety-net programs (required)
  • Comfort working both independently and on a team
  • Strong initiative

Benefits
AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and three personal days or floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403(b) retirement plan with a contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.
Compensation is based on a number of factors, including the position's scope and responsibilities; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000-$54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI's total compensation package for employees.