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.
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Showing 5 of 36+ Research Assistant jobs
- 538370
- Blacksburg, Virginia
- Psychology
- Staff
- College of Science
Job Description
The Cognition, Affect, and Psychophysiology Lab (CAP Lab) at Virginia Tech, directed by Dr. Martha Ann Bell, is seeking a full-time Research Assistant for the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study at Virginia Tech. The Research Assistant will join a team of other Research Assistants, graduate students, and undergraduate students working in the lab. This new Research Assistant will be responsible for the day-to-day functioning of all HBCD research activities and lab-related activities. The Research Assistant will work as a team with current Virginia Tech HBCD staff in data collection (EEG, behavioral observations, cognitive battery) at our Blacksburg campus lab and at our satellite lab in Roanoke.
This is a limited-term appointment, funded for two years from date of hire after a 6-month probationary period.
Required Qualifications
- Previous research experience in a lab focused on infant and child participants.
- Willingness and ability to participate in data collection on weekends and evenings.
- Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Able to work independently as well as with a group.
- Detail oriented.
- Demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment, exercising a high degree of confidentiality.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and exceptional time-management skills.
- Ability to resolve issues in a timely manner and ensure smooth data collection appointments.
- Have a personal vehicle available to travel between CAP Lab in Blacksburg and our satellite lab at the Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke (42 miles away).
Preferred Qualifications
- BS/BA in Psychology, Human Development, or related field
- Experience with mother-child data collection
- Experience with EEG data collection
Pay Band
3
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
40,000-42,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
11/09/2026
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 Michelle Wooddell at mwooddel@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
- 538370
- Blacksburg, Virginia
- Psychology
- Staff
- College of Science
Job Description
The Cognition, Affect, and Psychophysiology Lab (CAP Lab) at Virginia Tech, directed by Dr. Martha Ann Bell, is seeking a full-time Research Assistant for the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study at Virginia Tech. The Research Assistant will join a team of other Research Assistants, graduate students, and undergraduate students working in the lab. This new Research Assistant will be responsible for the day-to-day functioning of all HBCD research activities and lab-related activities. The Research Assistant will work as a team with current Virginia Tech HBCD staff in data collection (EEG, behavioral observations, cognitive battery) at our Blacksburg campus lab and at our satellite lab in Roanoke.
This is a limited-term appointment, funded for two years from date of hire after a 6-month probationary period.
Required Qualifications
- Previous research experience in a lab focused on infant and child participants.
- Willingness and ability to participate in data collection on weekends and evenings.
- Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Able to work independently as well as with a group.
- Detail oriented.
- Demonstrated ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment, exercising a high degree of confidentiality.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and exceptional time-management skills.
- Ability to resolve issues in a timely manner and ensure smooth data collection appointments.
- Have a personal vehicle available to travel between CAP Lab in Blacksburg and our satellite lab at the Roanoke Higher Education Center in Roanoke (42 miles away).
Preferred Qualifications
- BS/BA in Psychology, Human Development, or related field
- Experience with mother-child data collection
- Experience with EEG data collection
Pay Band
3
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
40,000-42,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
11/09/2026
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 Michelle Wooddell at mwooddel@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
See All 36 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
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
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 University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Commonwealth University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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?
Charlottesville, Blacksburg, 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 33% of research assistant openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 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 36 Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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