Research Assistant Professor Jobs in District of Columbia
Research Assistant Professor jobs in District of Columbia concentrate heavily in policy research, public health, biomedical sciences, and social science disciplines, driven by the district's dense network of federally affiliated research institutions and think tanks. Most openings cluster in Washington, D.C. itself, where anchor employers like Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Howard University maintain active research faculties across medicine, law, and the social sciences. Specialties in health policy, international affairs, and neuroscience see the most consistent demand. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 16+ Research Assistant Professor jobs
About the Team:
The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems to add national security capabilities, particularly in the areas of airborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. Within these areas, we perform work on emerging concepts & technologies, component & system development and prototyping, and experimental campaigns.
The Optical & Novel Sensing (ONS) Group within the Sensors Division pursues physics-driven research across multiple domains to provide warfighter and intelligence mission performance unachievable with traditional sensors. Our main customer focus is on Department of War and Intelligence Community research and development programs, with work spanning concept formulation through validation prototyping.
The Role:
As a Senior Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher, you will develop and apply state-of-the-art algorithms and techniques for HF communications that include signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation. You'll have opportunities to engage directly with our customers to communicate technical analyses for their most critical challenges. You'll work with a team of researchers in creating innovative system capability and collaborate with the engineering team to develop and demonstrate and optimize system capabilities.
A successful candidate will have demonstrated strong analysis skills and expertise in several of the following areas: adaptive signal processing, equalization, High Frequency (HF) radio propagation, ionospheric physics, machine learning, algorithm development, algorithm integration, test & evaluation, model & simulation, systems engineering, or communications systems. They will apply first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic environments to support system performance modeling at HF radio frequencies to develop realistic simulations of complex propagation environments. This position requires skills contributing to a multi-disciplinary team designing, analyzing, integrating, and demonstrating signal processing algorithms for complex systems.
What you will Do:
- Work closely with program leadership to spearhead efforts that align with program and company priorities
- Apply cutting-edge signal processing techniques to solve complex HF propagation challenges for critical national security missions
- Collaborate with diverse teams, learning from the different perspectives to develop and deploy prototype systems that demonstrate our ability to extend the boundaries of what's possible
- Document and present products to a community of scientists and subject matter experts
Who You Are:
- Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government.
- PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline
- 3+ years of experience on RF programs, including the development of advanced signal- and data-processing algorithms from mathematical/analytical derivation through testing and verification of system performance
- Experience in two or more of the following areas: RF signal processing, HF propagation (or propagation in dispersive, heterogeneous media), adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system model & simulation, and geolocation
- Excellent communicator with ability to develop and tailor technical briefs to influence a range of technical and non-technical audiences
- Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
- Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills
Even Better:
- Active Top Secret Clearance
- Demonstrated ownership of complex research, development, and engineering efforts
- Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline
- Experience with HF propagation modes and an understanding of the underlying physics, end-to-end signal processing chain
- Ability to apply novel, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $139,000 - $170,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
About the Team:
The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems to add national security capabilities, particularly in the areas of airborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. Within these areas, we perform work on emerging concepts & technologies, component & system development and prototyping, and experimental campaigns.
The Optical & Novel Sensing (ONS) Group within the Sensors Division pursues physics-driven research across multiple domains to provide warfighter and intelligence mission performance unachievable with traditional sensors. Our main customer focus is on Department of War and Intelligence Community research and development programs, with work spanning concept formulation through validation prototyping.
The Role:
As a Senior Algorithm & Signal Processing Researcher, you will develop and apply state-of-the-art algorithms and techniques for HF communications that include signal detection, channel equalization, and geolocation. You'll have opportunities to engage directly with our customers to communicate technical analyses for their most critical challenges. You'll work with a team of researchers in creating innovative system capability and collaborate with the engineering team to develop and demonstrate and optimize system capabilities.
A successful candidate will have demonstrated strong analysis skills and expertise in several of the following areas: adaptive signal processing, equalization, High Frequency (HF) radio propagation, ionospheric physics, machine learning, algorithm development, algorithm integration, test & evaluation, model & simulation, systems engineering, or communications systems. They will apply first principles of physics to model and simulate realistic environments to support system performance modeling at HF radio frequencies to develop realistic simulations of complex propagation environments. This position requires skills contributing to a multi-disciplinary team designing, analyzing, integrating, and demonstrating signal processing algorithms for complex systems.
What you will Do:
- Work closely with program leadership to spearhead efforts that align with program and company priorities
- Apply cutting-edge signal processing techniques to solve complex HF propagation challenges for critical national security missions
- Collaborate with diverse teams, learning from the different perspectives to develop and deploy prototype systems that demonstrate our ability to extend the boundaries of what's possible
- Document and present products to a community of scientists and subject matter experts
Who You Are:
- Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government.
- PhD, MS, or BS in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical discipline
- 3+ years of experience on RF programs, including the development of advanced signal- and data-processing algorithms from mathematical/analytical derivation through testing and verification of system performance
- Experience in two or more of the following areas: RF signal processing, HF propagation (or propagation in dispersive, heterogeneous media), adaptive signal processing, algorithm development, system model & simulation, and geolocation
- Excellent communicator with ability to develop and tailor technical briefs to influence a range of technical and non-technical audiences
- Proficiency in one or more scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
- Strong mathematical, troubleshooting, written, and verbal communication skills
Even Better:
- Active Top Secret Clearance
- Demonstrated ownership of complex research, development, and engineering efforts
- Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline
- Experience with HF propagation modes and an understanding of the underlying physics, end-to-end signal processing chain
- Ability to apply novel, innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to challenging engineering problems
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $139,000 - $170,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
See All 16 Research Assistant Professor Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find JobsResearch Assistant Professor Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Professor Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant professor jobs across District of Columbia.
- Earned doctoral degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited institution
- Active or pending affiliation with a District of Columbia university or research center
- Demonstrated peer-reviewed publication record in a recognized academic journal
- Experience securing extramural grant funding from federal agencies such as NIH or NSF
- Ability to mentor graduate students and contribute to departmental research programs
- Strong collaborative record with interdisciplinary teams or government research partners
Research Assistant Professor Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research assistant professor in District of Columbia?
Becoming a research assistant professor in District of Columbia typically requires a completed doctoral degree and a postdoctoral research appointment or equivalent scholarly output. Unlike licensed clinical roles, no D.C.-specific state license governs this academic position. Candidates generally build a publication and grant record, then apply directly to university departments or federally affiliated research institutes. Institutions in the district often prioritize applicants with experience engaging federal agencies or think tanks.
Which companies hire research assistant professors in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia research assistant professor roles are posted by STR, Egon Zehnder, and Howard University and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The district's concentration of research universities and policy-focused institutions means openings appear across a wider range of employer types than in most other markets.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most research assistant professor jobs?
Washington and Foggy Bottom account for the most research assistant professor openings in District of Columbia. Washington, D.C. dominates the distribution because it is home to the district's flagship research universities and a cluster of federally funded think tanks and policy institutes that regularly appoint research faculty.
Are there remote research assistant professor jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they're relatively uncommon. About 22% of research assistant professor openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on lab access, seminar obligations, and institutional collaboration that most appointments require. Roles focused on computational research, data analysis, or policy modeling are the most likely to offer flexible or remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a research assistant professor in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a postdoctoral fellowship at a D.C.-area institution such as Georgetown University Medical Center, George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, or Howard University. These programs build the publication record and grant experience departments require before making a research faculty appointment. Candidates with strong master's-level research output and prior federal agency internships also have a credible path into junior research roles that feed into assistant professor appointments.
Where can I find and apply to research assistant professor jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to research assistant professor jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the district. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and research focus, and apply directly to each position.
See All 16 Research Assistant Professor Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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