Research Assistant Professor Jobs in Washington, DC
Research Assistant Professor jobs in Washington are concentrated across Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, and Capitol Hill, with strong demand in policy research, biomedical science, and social sciences. Universities, federal research institutes, and think tanks drive most hiring, including STR, Egon Zehnder, and Howard University. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 15+ 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.
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- Healthcare & Medical Services
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Research Assistant Professor Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research assistant professor job in Washington?
Washington's research assistant professor market centers on its dense cluster of universities, federally funded research centers, and policy-focused think tanks. Candidates with peer-reviewed publications, federal grant experience, or policy-relevant research agendas have a clear edge here. Targeting institutions in Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, and the medical corridor near Capitol Hill, and networking through D.C.-area academic conferences, substantially improves your chances in this competitive, credential-heavy market.
Which companies hire research assistant professors in Washington?
Companies currently hiring research assistant professors in Washington include STR, Egon Zehnder, and Howard University, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Washington's employer mix is distinctive, combining research universities with federal contractors, independent research institutes, and nonprofit policy organizations that maintain academic-style faculty appointments.
Are there remote research assistant professor jobs in Washington?
Yes, though remote availability is limited for this role since lab work, student supervision, and institutional meetings typically require on-site presence. About 22% of research assistant professor openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with flexibility most common in computational research, policy analysis, and grant-writing intensive positions. Biomedical and clinical research roles in Washington remain predominantly on-site.
How can I get a research assistant professor job in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Washington is a postdoctoral fellowship at a local university or federally affiliated research institute, which many D.C. institutions use as a direct pipeline into research assistant professor roles. Targeting positions at policy schools or interdisciplinary research centers, where teaching loads are lighter and research output is primary, gives early-career candidates a foothold. Building collaborations with D.C.-area faculty and presenting at regional symposia also accelerates recognition in this tight-knit academic community.
Which industries hire the most research assistant professors in Washington?
Most research assistant professor openings in Washington sit in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Consulting & Professional Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Washington's status as a federal policy hub means research roles frequently intersect with government priorities in health, defense, and public policy, sustaining demand across those sectors even outside traditional academic cycles.
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