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Senior Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Technical

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

The Senior Research Analyst will assist the Program Officer in managing deadlines and required documents of the research performers, communicating with the research performers, providing feedback on ...

As a Senior Political Research Analyst, you will leverage your research experience to better inform ... A keen desire to assist in driving impactful changes across all levels of society and appreciate ...

... Research Assistant join our team Arlington, Virginia.      You will enjoy this role if ... Your direct supervisor will be the Senior Director of Growth (our firm does not have vice ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Research Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$28.8K

$80.6K

$164.1K

How much do senior research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior research assistant in Virginia is $80,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior research assistant?

Senior Research Assistants are experienced professionals who support research projects by managing data collection, analyzing results, and assisting with the preparation of reports and publications. They often oversee junior staff, coordinate project logistics, and ensure compliance with research protocols. Their advanced experience allows them to contribute to study design and problem-solving within the research team.

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

To thrive as a Senior Research Assistant, you need a strong background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and a relevant degree in your field of study. Familiarity with statistical software (like SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and sometimes certifications in research ethics or laboratory safety are typically expected. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with research teams and manage multiple tasks efficiently. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality data collection, accurate analysis, and the smooth execution of complex research projects.

How does a senior research assistant typically collaborate with principal investigators and junior team members?

Senior Research Assistants play a pivotal role in bridging communication between principal investigators and junior staff. They often help translate research objectives into actionable tasks, provide training or mentorship to newer team members, and ensure data collection and analysis meet project standards. Regular meetings and progress updates are common, and Senior Research Assistants are frequently responsible for troubleshooting issues and maintaining workflow efficiency across the team.

What is the difference between Senior Research Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectSenior Research AssistantResearch Associate
QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree, research experienceMaster's or PhD, advanced research skills
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research projects, academic or industry settingsIndependent research, project management, collaboration
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesUniversities, research organizations, government agencies

Research Associates typically hold higher qualifications like a Master's or PhD and are involved in more independent research tasks. Senior Research Assistants often support research projects under supervision. The roles differ mainly in experience level, independence, and scope of responsibilities, but both work in similar environments and industries.

Do I need a PhD to be a senior research assistant?

A senior research assistant typically does not require a PhD; most positions require a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Relevant experience, research skills, and familiarity with laboratory tools or data analysis are often more important than advanced degrees for this role.

Do research assistants get paid a lot?

Research assistants, including senior research assistants, typically earn modest salaries that vary by industry, location, and level of experience. In academic or research settings, pay is often aligned with institutional pay scales and may include benefits such as health insurance and professional development opportunities. Salaries tend to be lower than those of senior or specialized roles but can increase with experience and advanced skills.

How much does a senior research assistant get paid?

The average salary for a senior research assistant typically ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. They often work in research institutions, laboratories, or academic settings, and may require specialized skills or certifications in their field.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Research Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,554 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Research Assistant Professor

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Assistant Professor

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534151
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Biomedical Science
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific, Veterinary Medicine

Job Description

This position is responsible for providing technical and leadership support for the Viral Genetics and Host Interactions (VG-HI) lab in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. The individual will report directly to Dr. James Weger-Lucarelli. This position involves cutting-edge research studying cancer biology and developing strategies to treat cancer. Duties will include molecular and immunological assays, 2D and 3D cell culture, including primary cells, and procedures with mice. Basic and more complex computational tasks will be required for data analysis and interpretation. Responsibilities also include data analysis, reporting, manuscript and grant preparation, project management and leadership/training tasks, compliance with all safety regulations, and assistance with SOP development. The individual is expected to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams from academia, government, and industry, and serve as PI/Co-PI on projects.

Required Qualifications

Successful completion of a PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, immunology, or related fields
Substantial experience independently organizing and conducting complex procedures and experiments
Demonstrated experience in leading research projects to completion as evidenced by multiple first-author publications
Clear communication skills as evidenced by presentation of data at national conferences, seminar presentations, past teaching experience, and/or manuscript publication
Experience working with microorganisms and biosafety
Possess molecular and protein biology skills
Should be enthusiastic and dedicated, have the ability and interest in learning new techniques; must be willing to follow verbal and written instructions; be observant, attentive to detail, organized, efficient, and work well with others

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated program management and supervisory experience of junior lab staff
Success in proposal development and managing extramural funded programs

Pay Band

Faculty; Salary

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Salary; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

October 1, 2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. James Weger at weger@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 15, 2025
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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