Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia
Research Assistant jobs in Virginia are consistently in demand, with strong hiring concentrated in biomedical research, social and behavioral sciences, and defense-related research across institutions ranging from entry-level laboratory positions through senior research coordinator roles. The largest hiring activity is in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Charlottesville area, where employers like George Mason University, Inova Health System, and MITRE Corporation maintain long-standing research assistant workforces. Clinical research and policy analysis are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 33+ Research Assistant jobs
State Role Title: Research Assistant
Position Type: Institutional Employment
Position Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Vice President - REDI
Department: 400341 - MCCD Consultin
Pay Band:
Pay Rate: Hourly
Specify Range or Amount: $18
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date:
About JMU:
General Information:
Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
The Madison Center for Community Development (MCCD) is a university-wide, transdisciplinary academic center, located within the Division of Research, Economic Development and Innovation (REDI). The mission of MCCD is to grow strong, just, and healthy communities through applied research and participatory program evaluation
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in weekly tasks related to program implementation with community partners.
- Work with clients at partner agencies to record program progress.
- Aid MCCD faculty researchers in evaluation tasks as assigned.
- Conduct data entry, management, and statistical analysis. Use of SPSS, Excel, and other software for research and data entry.
- Assist in grant writing and resource development.
- Assist in preparing reports for federal grant compliance, partner agencies, and the broader community.
Qualifications:
This position requires off-campus hours at community agencies within the Harrisonburg area, as well as at the Madison Center for Community Development (MCCD). The research assistant will report directly to MCCD faculty, who will assign and prioritize duties to advance goals, monitor progress of work assignments, and provide timely feedback to the assigned research assistant and community partner. The research assistant will also participate in workshops hosted by the MCCD to facilitate student oversight and professional development.
Additional Posting Information:
Conditions of Employment:
Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate), or conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program at JMU. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
Reasonable Accommodation:
State Role Title: Research Assistant
Position Type: Institutional Employment
Position Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Vice President - REDI
Department: 400341 - MCCD Consultin
Pay Band:
Pay Rate: Hourly
Specify Range or Amount: $18
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date:
About JMU:
General Information:
Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
The Madison Center for Community Development (MCCD) is a university-wide, transdisciplinary academic center, located within the Division of Research, Economic Development and Innovation (REDI). The mission of MCCD is to grow strong, just, and healthy communities through applied research and participatory program evaluation
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in weekly tasks related to program implementation with community partners.
- Work with clients at partner agencies to record program progress.
- Aid MCCD faculty researchers in evaluation tasks as assigned.
- Conduct data entry, management, and statistical analysis. Use of SPSS, Excel, and other software for research and data entry.
- Assist in grant writing and resource development.
- Assist in preparing reports for federal grant compliance, partner agencies, and the broader community.
Qualifications:
This position requires off-campus hours at community agencies within the Harrisonburg area, as well as at the Madison Center for Community Development (MCCD). The research assistant will report directly to MCCD faculty, who will assign and prioritize duties to advance goals, monitor progress of work assignments, and provide timely feedback to the assigned research assistant and community partner. The research assistant will also participate in workshops hosted by the MCCD to facilitate student oversight and professional development.
Additional Posting Information:
Conditions of Employment:
Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate), or conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program at JMU. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
Reasonable Accommodation:
See All 33 Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant JobsResearch Assistant Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Virginia Commonwealth University12
- University of Virginia3
- Virginia Tech2
- George Mason University2
- James Madison University2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education13
- Food & Beverage1
- Science & Research1
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, psychology, or social sciences
- Experience with research methodologies including data collection and literature review
- Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, R, or SAS
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and research compliance requirements
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports and research summaries
- Ability to manage and organize large datasets with attention to detail
Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research assistant in Virginia?
Most research assistant positions in Virginia require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field related to the research area, such as biology, public health, psychology, or a social science. Virginia does not issue a state license specifically for research assistants, but clinical research roles often require or prefer certification through bodies like the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Employers at Virginia universities and hospital systems typically hire candidates with relevant coursework and some lab or fieldwork experience.
Which companies hire research assistants in Virginia?
Employers hiring research assistants in Virginia right now include Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and major academic medical centers means research assistant demand stays relatively stable throughout the year.
Which Virginia cities have the most research assistant jobs?
Virginia, Richmond, and Fairfax have the most research assistant openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia draws heavily from proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors, Richmond is anchored by Virginia Commonwealth University's health and research enterprise, and Charlottesville's openings are driven largely by the University of Virginia's research programs.
Are there remote research assistant jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research assistant roles involve in-person lab work, participant interaction, or on-site data collection. About 19% of research assistant openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, which reflects the role's hands-on nature. Policy research, literature review, and data analysis tasks are the functions most likely to appear in remote or hybrid arrangements.
How can I get hired as a research assistant in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to undergraduate research assistant positions or post-baccalaureate research programs at Virginia's major research universities, including the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University, which regularly post openings designed for candidates without prior professional experience. Adjacent roles like research coordinator assistant, data entry specialist, or clinical trial recruiter often serve as stepping stones at Virginia hospital systems such as Inova and VCU Health. Earning a certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals gives entry-level applicants a measurable edge in clinical settings.
Where can I find and apply to research assistant jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to research assistant jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across industries including healthcare, academia, defense research, and policy. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employer through each listing.
See All 33 Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant Jobs