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Senior Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ORB International

Senior Researcher

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

Senior Researcher - Onsite (Charlottesville, VA) ORB International is a growing small business providing research and analytics services to public and private sector clients in over 125 countries. We ...

Accenture Federal Services

UX Researcher

Arlington, VA

$184K/yr

Join us to drive positive, lasting change that moves missions and the government forward! We're reinventing a large enterprise data platform, and we need a senior researcher who can close the loop ...

Accenture Federal Services

UX Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$91K - $184K/yr

Join us to drive positive, lasting change that moves missions and the government forward! We're reinventing a large enterprise data platform, and we need a senior researcher who can close the loop ...

BetterUp

Principal UX Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$230K - $320K/yr

We're looking for a Principal UX Researcher, to serve as the most senior researcher on the Product Design team, reporting directly to the VP of Design . This role will define BetterUp's research ...

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All JobsResearcher JobsSenior Researcher JobsSenior Researcher Jobs in Virginia

Senior Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$76K

$136.3K

How much do senior researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior researcher in Virginia is $75,950.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a senior researcher typically collaborate with junior team members and cross-functional departments?

Senior Researchers often play a mentorship role, guiding junior researchers through project design, data analysis, and publication processes. They frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as product development, data science, or policy groups to align research objectives with organizational goals. This often involves regular meetings, sharing insights, and ensuring research findings are effectively translated into actionable strategies. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for fostering a collaborative, innovative environment.

What is a senior researcher?

Senior Researchers are experienced professionals who lead and oversee research projects within their field of expertise. They are responsible for designing studies, analyzing data, mentoring junior researchers, and publishing findings in academic journals or industry reports. Their work often involves securing funding, collaborating with other experts, and ensuring research meets ethical and methodological standards. Senior Researchers play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and innovation within their organizations or institutions.

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

To thrive as a Senior Researcher, you need advanced analytical skills, subject matter expertise, and typically a PhD or equivalent experience in your field. Familiarity with specialized research software, statistical analysis tools, and data management systems is often required. Strong critical thinking, leadership, and effective communication skills help in managing projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for driving innovative research, securing funding, and generating impactful results.

Do I need a PhD to be a senior researcher?

A PhD is often preferred for senior researcher roles, especially in academia and research institutions, as it demonstrates advanced expertise and research skills. However, some organizations may consider candidates with a master's degree combined with extensive experience and a strong publication record. Relevant skills, such as data analysis, project management, and familiarity with research tools, are also important.

What is the difference between Senior Researcher vs Research Scientist?

AspectSenior ResearcherResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, extensive research experienceMaster's or PhD, specialized research skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic, corporate, or government labs; leading projectsResearch-focused roles in labs, industry, or academia
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, corporationsResearch institutions, biotech, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonSenior ResearcherResearch Scientist

The main difference between a Senior Researcher and a Research Scientist lies in experience level and scope of responsibilities. Senior Researchers often lead projects and mentor junior staff, while Research Scientists focus on conducting specialized research. Both roles require advanced degrees and research expertise, but Senior Researchers typically have more leadership duties and broader project oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Researcher jobs in Virginia? For Senior Researcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Researcher jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Researcher jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Researcher jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Researcher job openings:
Senior Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,950 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Senior Researcher

ORB International

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Other

PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior Researcher – Onsite (Charlottesville, VA)

ORB International is a growing small business providing research and analytics services to public and private sector clients in over 125 countries. We specialize in opinion research in complex environments and support monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning, and decision-making for government, foundation, and international development clients.

We offer great benefits, interesting and challenging work, and the opportunity to build skills and experience in international quantitative and qualitative research.


Overview

The Senior Researcher position is a mid-level role that is primarily project management based. This position offers the opportunity to manage and conduct primary research, including monitoring and evaluation, across Latin America, Mexico and Western Africa. Our work covers some of the most important contemporary issues (security, intel, defense, etc.); this role will suit someone with a keen interest in international politics and a background in research.


Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinating with local research teams in a variety of countries to collect quantitative and qualitative data
  • Leading project delivery from design to reporting, ensuring work aligns with ORB standards. Anticipate delivery needs and maintain high standards under pressure.
  • Taking initiative in solving complex data issues - generates new ideas and offers solutions
  • Traveling internationally to train interviewers for research projects
  • Managing data collection and assuring high-quality data
  • Analyzing data and writing reports that have a clear argument, evidence and narrative
  • Keeping abreast of relevant news in regions of study
  • Training, developing and daily management of Junior Level Researchers


Education and Training Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in Data Analysis, Political Science, International Studies, Economics or related field in which analysis, research, deductive reasoning and writing, and intellectual rigor are taught. MA in the Social Sciences preferred.

US citizenship required.


Experience, Knowledge, and Skill Requirements

  • 4 years of SURVEY RESEARCH experience in an international setting including managing or previously conducting field interviews or focus groups
  • High proficiency with quantitative data (using Excel/SPSS) and excellent writing skills
  • Working knowledge of additional data analysis tools and software such as NVIVO, Dedoose, STATA, ArcGIS are a plus
  • Highly organized with a continuous improvement mindset
  • Ability to provide creative solutions in a fast-paced environment
  • Leadership experience within a team environment
  • Basic understanding of budgeting
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally
  • General knowledge of the politics, economics, and societies of Africa, Central Asia, and Mexico
  • Foreign language fluency is strongly preferred; French and Spanish
  • Preference given to candidates with M&E background; knowledge of the methods and techniques of monitoring and evaluation, including developing survey questionnaires, drawing and sample and assessing the quality of resulting data


ORB offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off and profit sharing.

Apply