ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Researcher Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Nwis

Vulnerability Researcher

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Vulnerability Researcher: Use advanced systems to find zero-day (O-day) vulnerabilities. Responsible for analyzing, designing, and identifying programmatic behaviors. Have an opportunity to develop ...

Howard University

Post Doctoral Researcher

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

The purpose of this position is to perform highly skilled research or analyses involving complex scientific methods or a complex series of steps. Responsible for overseeing or conducting critical ...

Cmu

Network Security Researcher

Arlington, VA

As a network security researcher on the Network Situational Awareness team, you will research network threats to develop methods of detection and tailor these for partner environments. Transition of ...

Accenture Federal Services

UX Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

This role will set the tone for research across product design, communications, and customer success efforts. You'll work with designers, analysts, and service design practitioners to synthesize ...

AFL-CIO

Writer/Researcher (Temporary)

Washington, DC

$78K/yr

The Writer/Researcher is part of the Materials and Research team in the Political/Electoral & Issues Mobilization hub. The Materials and Research team is primarily responsible for the development and ...

AFL-CIO

Writer/Researcher (Temporary)

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K/yr

The Writer/Researcher is part of the Materials and Research team in the Political/Electoral & Issues Mobilization hub. The Materials and Research team is primarily responsible for the development and ...

FiveTwelve

Windows Security Researcher

Hanover, MD · On-site

$5.2K/mo

The candidate will be working on a team performing security research against Windows technologies. The candidate must be familiar with the latest techniques in vulnerability research and demonstrate ...

Egon Zehnder

Researcher, Executive Search

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

In this fast-paced role, the Researcher will be responsible for guiding internal client teams of consultants and other Researchers in the execution of Executive Search, Board, and Advisory projects ...

Accenture Federal Services

UX Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$184K/yr

Design and lead research studies across generative and evaluative methods, from discovery through delivery * Support team designers and analysts to facilitate or moderate sessions * Ensure the ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsResearcher JobsResearcher Jobs in Washington

Researcher information

See Washington salary details

$10

$26

$56

How much do researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for researcher in Washington is $26.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.26 and $33.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Researcher vs Data Analyst?

AspectResearcherData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often advanced degrees for research rolesBachelor's or Master's in statistics, data science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAcademic, laboratory, or research institutions; sometimes corporate R&DBusiness, finance, marketing, or healthcare settings; often office-based
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonResearcher vs Data Analyst

The main difference between a Researcher and a Data Analyst lies in their focus and work environment. Researchers typically conduct experiments, develop theories, and work in academic or research settings, often requiring advanced degrees. Data Analysts analyze data to inform business decisions, usually working in corporate environments with a focus on data interpretation and reporting. While both roles require strong analytical skills, their daily tasks and industry applications differ significantly.

What qualifications do I need to be a researcher?

To become a researcher, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or engineering is typically required, with many roles preferring or requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools and data analysis software, and good communication abilities are also important. Relevant experience through internships or previous research projects can enhance job prospects.

What is the job of a researcher?

A researcher is responsible for systematically investigating and analyzing information to generate new knowledge or insights in a specific field. They design experiments, collect and interpret data, and often use tools like statistical software or laboratory equipment. Researchers typically work in academic, scientific, or market environments and may require relevant qualifications or certifications.

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

To thrive as a Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and a solid educational background relevant to the research field, often at least a master's or doctoral degree. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory equipment, academic databases, and research methodologies is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, curiosity, and collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure rigorous, innovative research outcomes and effective knowledge sharing within the scientific community.

What is a researcher?

Researchers are professionals who systematically investigate topics to discover new information, validate existing knowledge, or solve problems. They work in various fields such as science, medicine, social sciences, and technology. Researchers design studies, collect and analyze data, and present their findings through reports, articles, or presentations. Their work is crucial for advancing knowledge and innovation in many industries.

What are some common challenges researchers face when working on collaborative projects, and how can they be addressed?

Researchers often encounter challenges such as coordinating across different disciplines, aligning project goals, and managing communication within collaborative teams. These issues can be addressed by establishing clear roles and responsibilities from the outset, holding regular meetings to ensure alignment, and using collaborative tools to track progress. Open communication and mutual respect among team members are essential for overcoming misunderstandings and fostering a productive research environment.

What do researchers do?

The main duty of a researcher is to perform research, the type depending greatly on the field in which you work. For example, someone who works in documentary film might do archival research and look for visual material that would fit well with a particular film. A researcher in a scientific field, such as biomedical technology, may look into particular drug treatments and provide information to clinical trial designers or other academic researchers. Many professors or academics perform research as part of their scholarly duties.

More about Researcher jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Researcher jobs in Washington? For Researcher jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Researcher jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Researcher jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Researcher jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Researcher job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Researcher jobs in WA? For Researcher jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Researcher job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,968 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Vulnerability Researcher

Nwis

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Job Description Vulnerability Researcher:

Use advanced systems to find zero-day (O-day) vulnerabilities. Responsible for analyzing, designing, and identifying programmatic behaviors. Have an opportunity to develop, test, and debug software applications. Research data and provide new design ideas for vulnerability techniques. Understands terminologies like debugging and fuzzing and applying it into your work.

Security Clearance
TS/SCI with FSP Poly

Required Skills:

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
  • At least 5 years of practical experience in a technology-related environment
  • 0-day vulnerabilities or CVEs discovered and attributed to themselves
  • History performing vulnerability research
  • Experience with writing or using fuzzers - AFL, LibFuzzer, ClusterFuzz, oss-fuzz
  • Experience with code analysis tools - CodeQL, Joern, Semgrep
  • History of exploiting or productizing 0-day vulnerabilities
  • History of exploiting or productizing n-day vulnerabilities/CVEs/publicly disclosed vulnerabilities
  • History of reverse engineering malware or other code for CNE purpose
    • Experience with reverse engineering tools - Ghidra, Ida Pro, Binary Ninja
    • Experience using debuggers - GDB or WinDbg
    • Experience writing, navigating, and building C/C++ code, Python
    • Experience with tools like VsCode, Visual Studio, VIM/Emacs
  • Familiarity with ARM or MIPS architectures and Linux variants
  • Bonus points if they list participating in CTF competitions as those leverage a lot these skills

What We Offer:

Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation's most impactful mission initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world's most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.
At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

The salary associated with this position $77,000-$163,000is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwingoffers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.


Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Apply