Associate Scientist Jobs in Virginia
Associate Scientist jobs in Virginia are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in the life sciences, defense research, and federal contracting sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level lab technician to senior research associate. The busiest hiring markets are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads area, where employers like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Pfizer maintain significant research operations. Analytical chemistry, molecular biology, and environmental testing are among the most consistently recruited specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Associate Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 40+ Associate Scientist jobs
- Experience modeling on structured and unstructured data sets
- Experience with exploratory data analysis
- Experience in feature engineering
- Experience in data visualization
- Experience with Deep Learning methodology and state of the art libraries
- Knowledge of data collection methods, capabilities, and tasking process
- Ability to leverage multiple data management tools to organize relevant information and make decisions
- Support an Agile software development lifecycle
- Ability to hold a position of public trust with the US government.
- 0-2 years industry experience developing ML/AI solutions and a passion for solving complex problems.
- 0-2 years direct experience in Data Modeling and Data Solution Development
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, business, or a scientific or technical discipline
- Demonstrated experience manipulating structured and unstructured data for analysis
- Strong programming skills in SQL, Python, R, Scala, Java, or similar language
- Experience using Python to manipulate large data sets
- Demonstrated experience with TensorFlow, Keras, or other Deep Learning tools and frameworks
- Demonstrated experience in big data systems including Hadoop, Spark, Scala
- Data visualization skills in Tableau, Power BI, D3, ArcGIS, or similar
- Knowledge of DBOps and MLOps framework is a plus
- Experience with Solr, Elasticsearch, or similar tool is a plus
Identity Statement
Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients in the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health and DoD sectors. Through our Human-Centered delivery methodology, we are fundamentally changing the expectations our Federal clients have for true shared accountability in solving their toughest mission challenges. If you want to learn more about our story, visit http://www.steampunk.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Steampunk participates in the E-Verify program.
- Experience modeling on structured and unstructured data sets
- Experience with exploratory data analysis
- Experience in feature engineering
- Experience in data visualization
- Experience with Deep Learning methodology and state of the art libraries
- Knowledge of data collection methods, capabilities, and tasking process
- Ability to leverage multiple data management tools to organize relevant information and make decisions
- Support an Agile software development lifecycle
- Ability to hold a position of public trust with the US government.
- 0-2 years industry experience developing ML/AI solutions and a passion for solving complex problems.
- 0-2 years direct experience in Data Modeling and Data Solution Development
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, business, or a scientific or technical discipline
- Demonstrated experience manipulating structured and unstructured data for analysis
- Strong programming skills in SQL, Python, R, Scala, Java, or similar language
- Experience using Python to manipulate large data sets
- Demonstrated experience with TensorFlow, Keras, or other Deep Learning tools and frameworks
- Demonstrated experience in big data systems including Hadoop, Spark, Scala
- Data visualization skills in Tableau, Power BI, D3, ArcGIS, or similar
- Knowledge of DBOps and MLOps framework is a plus
- Experience with Solr, Elasticsearch, or similar tool is a plus
Identity Statement
Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients in the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health and DoD sectors. Through our Human-Centered delivery methodology, we are fundamentally changing the expectations our Federal clients have for true shared accountability in solving their toughest mission challenges. If you want to learn more about our story, visit http://www.steampunk.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Steampunk participates in the E-Verify program.
See All 40 Associate Scientist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Associate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Associate Scientist Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Capital One17
- Information Technology Senior Management Forum12
- Haleon2
- FTI Defense2
- The MIL Corporation2
Top Industries Hiring
- Banking & Financial Services
- Fintech
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate scientist jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline
- Hands-on laboratory experience with standard analytical or molecular techniques
- Proficiency with data analysis software and scientific documentation practices
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice standards and quality control procedures
- Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance for defense or government contractor roles
- Strong written communication skills for research reporting and cross-functional collaboration
Associate Scientist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a associate scientist in Virginia?
Most associate scientist positions in Virginia require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a natural or applied science such as biology, chemistry, or environmental science, with many employers preferring candidates who have laboratory coursework or research experience. Virginia does not issue a state license for the associate scientist title, but roles in clinical or environmental testing labs may require the lab to hold CLIA certification or Virginia Department of Health accreditation, indirectly shaping what credentials hiring managers value. Completing a thesis-based research project or a co-op program strengthens applications considerably.
Which companies hire associate scientists in Virginia?
Employers hiring associate scientists in Virginia right now include Capital One, Information Technology Senior Management Forum, and Haleon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's heavy concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and life sciences firms means hiring is spread across both established government support organizations and privately held research companies with long-term contracts in the state.
Which Virginia cities have the most associate scientist jobs?
McLean, Richmond, and Reston lead associate scientist openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors drives the largest share of postings, while Richmond's pharmaceutical and biotech cluster and Hampton Roads' naval research and environmental science operations account for a meaningful portion of listings outside the D.C. suburbs.
Are there remote associate scientist jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Most associate scientist roles involve hands-on laboratory, fieldwork, or secure facility requirements that cannot be performed remotely. About 63% of associate scientist openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those that do offer flexibility tend to be data analysis, regulatory writing, or scientific project coordination positions rather than bench or field roles.
How can I get hired as a associate scientist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for research assistant or laboratory technician roles at Virginia universities, hospital systems, or federal contractor sites, which frequently serve as the direct stepping stone to associate scientist titles. Large employers like Leidos and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality hire new graduates into structured associate programs and rotational research roles. Completing a capstone research project, earning an EPA-recognized environmental certification, or gaining CLIA-adjacent laboratory exposure through a community college program gives candidates a measurable edge over other entry-level applicants.
Where can I find and apply to associate scientist jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to associate scientist jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings to see roles that match your background and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 40 Associate Scientist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Associate Scientist Jobs