Research Associate Jobs in Virginia
Research Associate jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, with the state's dense concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and research universities driving consistent openings at every level from entry-level laboratory or policy analyst positions through senior investigator roles. The largest hiring metros are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads area, where established employers such as MITRE Corporation, Leidos, and George Mason University maintain substantial research operations. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia include biomedical research, national security and policy analysis, and clinical research coordination. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Department of Biology at the University of Virginia invites applicants for a postdoctoral Research Associate position in Dr. Harris Kaplan’s lab. The Kaplan Laboratory uses molecular and neurophysiological techniques to study infant brain function and behavior, such as sleep and parent-infant interactions, using mice as a model system. The research associate will work on a project to rigorously define infant sleep behaviors in infant mice and identify subcortical cell types that regulate infant mouse sleep. The core of this work will involve the use of electrophysiological tools to measure brain state in head-fixed infant mice cycling between sleep and wake. Associated projects involve dissecting small brainstem and hypothalamic regions for single-nucleus RNA-sequencing to identify cell types that may underlie sleep state.
The selected candidate will work directly with Dr. Kaplan to support research initiatives, as well as mentor students in the lab in research projects. The candidate will be expected to complete some planned work on the project, as well as develop new ideas and approaches in the lab to take the project in new directions.
Required Qualifications:
- A PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field by the start date
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated expertise in electrophysiology in head-fixed infant rodents.
- Experience in defining sleep states in rodents, especially infants.
- Demonstrated technical experience including brain histology, rodent husbandry, and behavior, and/or standard molecular biology techniques.
- Strong ability in experimental design, data analysis, and data management.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by publications, conferences, or other forms of scientific communication.
- Ability to develop and learn new technical skills and approaches.
- Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- Experience and ability in mentorship of junior lab members.
- Ability to show initiative and leadership within and beyond the lab.
Application Procedure: Apply online https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0086275. Attach a cover letter outlining your fit with the qualifications and motivation for pursuing the position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters.
Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on August 31, 2026. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Anticipated start date for this position is December 1, 2026, but the start date is flexible.
The anticipated hiring range is $61,000–$64,000, commensurate with education and experience.
This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
For questions about the position, please contact Harris Kaplan, Assistant Professor, at mvr2qk@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.
For information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
The Department of Biology at the University of Virginia invites applicants for a postdoctoral Research Associate position in Dr. Harris Kaplan’s lab. The Kaplan Laboratory uses molecular and neurophysiological techniques to study infant brain function and behavior, such as sleep and parent-infant interactions, using mice as a model system. The research associate will work on a project to rigorously define infant sleep behaviors in infant mice and identify subcortical cell types that regulate infant mouse sleep. The core of this work will involve the use of electrophysiological tools to measure brain state in head-fixed infant mice cycling between sleep and wake. Associated projects involve dissecting small brainstem and hypothalamic regions for single-nucleus RNA-sequencing to identify cell types that may underlie sleep state.
The selected candidate will work directly with Dr. Kaplan to support research initiatives, as well as mentor students in the lab in research projects. The candidate will be expected to complete some planned work on the project, as well as develop new ideas and approaches in the lab to take the project in new directions.
Required Qualifications:
- A PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field by the start date
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated expertise in electrophysiology in head-fixed infant rodents.
- Experience in defining sleep states in rodents, especially infants.
- Demonstrated technical experience including brain histology, rodent husbandry, and behavior, and/or standard molecular biology techniques.
- Strong ability in experimental design, data analysis, and data management.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by publications, conferences, or other forms of scientific communication.
- Ability to develop and learn new technical skills and approaches.
- Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- Experience and ability in mentorship of junior lab members.
- Ability to show initiative and leadership within and beyond the lab.
Application Procedure: Apply online https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0086275. Attach a cover letter outlining your fit with the qualifications and motivation for pursuing the position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters.
Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on August 31, 2026. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Anticipated start date for this position is December 1, 2026, but the start date is flexible.
The anticipated hiring range is $61,000–$64,000, commensurate with education and experience.
This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
For questions about the position, please contact Harris Kaplan, Assistant Professor, at mvr2qk@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.
For information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
See All 62 Research Associate Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Virginia37
- Virginia Tech6
- Old Dominion University4
- Virginia Commonwealth University4
- ICF2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education28
- Investment & Asset Management21
- Healthcare & Medical Services20
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Science & Research1
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or technical field required
- Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis tools
- Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Python for data processing
- Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance for defense or government research roles
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, manuscripts, and grant documentation
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and research compliance standards for human subjects research
Research Associate Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research associate in Virginia?
Most research associate roles in Virginia require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, public health, social sciences, or engineering, with many positions preferring a master's degree. Virginia does not issue a general state license for research associates, but roles in clinical research commonly require certification through bodies such as the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Positions tied to federal contracts or national security work typically require the ability to obtain a security clearance.
Which companies hire research associates in Virginia?
Employers hiring research associates in Virginia right now include University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Old Dominion University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's high concentration of federal contractors, research universities, and healthcare systems means openings appear consistently across both the private and public sectors throughout the year.
Which Virginia cities have the most research associate jobs?
Charlottesville, Virginia, and Norfolk have the most research associate openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's density of federal agencies and defense contractors drives the largest share of listings, while Richmond's presence of major health systems and Virginia Commonwealth University sustains steady demand, and Hampton Roads benefits from Navy and Department of Defense research activity anchored in the region.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Virginia?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the specialty. About 42% of research associate openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the mix of desk-based policy and data analysis roles, which lend themselves well to remote work, alongside laboratory and clinical research positions that require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a research associate in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research assistant or coordinator position at a Virginia university or hospital system, where new graduates can build hands-on experience. Institutions such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Inova Health System regularly hire entry-level research staff and post-baccalaureate research positions. Lateral moves from roles like data analyst, laboratory technician, or program coordinator are common, and earning a certification in clinical research or data analysis gives candidates a measurable edge in competitive applicant pools.
Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to research associate jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, and other parts of the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 62 Research Associate Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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