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Biologist Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on NIH-funded translational science projects exploring how biological ... Supervise student trainees in data management and quality assurance. Assist research study staff ...

New

The department is a major teaching site, training 271 trainees across Medicine specialties every ... The incumbent will be expected to actively participate in all activities of the Division of Biology ...

... Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) Trainers to support the Defense Threat Reduction ... Provide expert guidance and mentorship to trainees. * Stay current with the latest CBRNE techniques ...

... Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) Trainers to support the Defense Threat Reduction ... Provide expert guidance and mentorship to trainees. * Stay current with the latest CBRNE techniques ...

Showing results 21-40

Biologist Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$36.7K

$88.6K

$136.8K

How much do biologist trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for biologist trainee in Virginia is $88,637.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biologist trainee?

Biologist Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist experienced biologists in conducting research, experiments, and data analysis related to living organisms. They typically work in laboratories, environmental agencies, or field research settings, learning essential scientific techniques and methodologies. Their tasks may include collecting samples, maintaining equipment, recording data, and supporting ongoing scientific studies. This position is often intended for recent graduates or individuals seeking practical experience before advancing to more specialized roles. Biologist Trainees gain valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for a career in biological sciences.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a biologist trainee expect during their first year on the job?

As a Biologist Trainee, you’ll typically support senior biologists with both fieldwork and laboratory tasks. Your responsibilities may include collecting samples, assisting with surveys of plants or animals, compiling and analyzing data, and maintaining records. You’ll often work as part of a team, collaborating with scientists, technicians, and sometimes government agencies or conservation groups. This role provides hands-on experience and exposure to a variety of biological research methods, laying the groundwork for future specialization and career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biologist trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biologist Trainee, you need a strong background in biological sciences, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with lab equipment, scientific software (such as R or Excel), and adherence to safety protocols are important technical requirements. Attention to detail, curiosity, and strong teamwork and communication skills help trainees excel in research and collaborative environments. These abilities ensure accurate data collection, effective research contributions, and professional growth within scientific settings.

What is the difference between Biologist Trainee vs Research Assistant?

AspectBiologist TraineeResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in biology or related field; some positions may require coursework or certificationsUsually a bachelor's degree in biology, life sciences, or related field; some roles may prefer or require additional certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sites, research facilities, educational institutionsLaboratories, research centers, universities, fieldwork settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, environmental agencies, biotech companiesAcademic labs, government agencies, private research firms

The main difference between a Biologist Trainee and a Research Assistant lies in experience level and responsibilities. A Biologist Trainee is often an entry-level position for individuals gaining practical experience, while a Research Assistant typically supports ongoing research projects with more defined responsibilities. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common in research-focused environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biologist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Biologist jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Biologist Trainee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,637 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Co-Program Leader, Cancer Biology Research Program- School of Medicine

TQC Ltd

Richmond, VA • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the programmatic growth and cohesiveness of the Cancer Biology program and identify opportunities for strategic growth and development.

  • Lead the program members with common scientific interests to collaborate towards achieving the program aims and reduce cancer burden.

  • Organize mentorship activities for junior faculty, promote intra- and inter-programmatic collaboration, and participate in strategic planning and recruitment.


Job description

Advertising Summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is amajor, urban public research university and is classified asCarnegie Level 1 research institution. As a preeminent national,urban, public research university and academic health center,Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to an environmentwhere all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. The MasseyComprehensive Cancer Center is an NCI-designated cancer center thathosts 1000-plus researchers conducting basic, population,translational and clinical cancer research. Massey is part of VCUMedical Center. one of the nation’s leading academic medicalcenters, which provides state-of-the-art treatments and patientcare, while educating workforce and advancing research.


Unit: School of Medicine
Department Summary

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center(Massey) is working toward a future without cancer – onerevolutionary idea, one promising therapy and one life saved at atime. Through innovative research, patient care, education andcommunity engagement, Massey is discovering, developing, deliveringand teaching effective means to prevent, detect, treat and curecancer and to making these advancements equally available to all.Founded in 1974, Massey was among the earliest cancer centersdesignated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is the onlycancer center in the Richmond metropolitan region and one of onlytwo NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the state,placing it among the top 4 percent of cancer centers in thecountry.


Purpose of the Position

As a member of the Massey senior leadership team, the position willprovide leadership and direction with other members of the seniorleadership in the furtherance of the mission to reduce the statecancer burden for all Virginians by addressing the confluencebetween biological, social, and policy drivers through high-impact,cutting-edge research; person-centered care across the continuum,from prevention through survivorship; community integration; andtraining the next generation of community-centric researchers andhealth care professionals. The Co-Program Leader will oversee the programmatic growth andcohesiveness of the Cancer Biology program and identifyopportunities for strategic growth and development to facilitateinterdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary cancer researchcollaborations. The over-arching responsibilities for this positioninclude articulating the vision and formulating the overall aims ofthe program, governing the program by leading its members withcommon scientific interests to collaborate towards reducing topractice the program aims, mentoring junior faculty members, andparticipating in strategic planning and recruitment activities forMassey.


Duties & Responsibilities

  • Conceiving and formulating the overall theme and specific aimsof the CCSG program based on leading edge areas of cancerresearch.

  • Governing the program by leading its members with commonscientific interests to collaborate towards reducing to practicethe different program aims.

  • Organizing new member orientation and mentorship of juniorfaculty members, suggesting senior member mentors, and steering newmembers to pilot project and other funding mechanisms to assureviability as independent researchers.

  • Participating in strategic planning and recruitment activitiesfor Massey through Executive and Governance Committees.

  • Promoting and coordinating initiatives to foster and facilitateintra and inter-programmatic collaboration, especially acrossdisciplines.

  • Promoting research educational activities that include suchactivities as Center-wide symposia, retreats, poster sessions,training programs, and standard and special courses in the variousschools of the institution.

  • Reviewing and interviewing potential program members tounderstand their area of cancer research and identify potentialcollaborations, as part of the application process for CancerCenter membership.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Academic appointment with tenure, or tenure-track position at the level of Associate or full Professor

  • PhD, MD, or MD/PhD (or equivalent)

  • Extensive cancer relevant research experience

  • Proven extramural funding track record, with active NCI funding(or equivalent)

  • Extensive publication experience

  • Proven trainee and faculty mentorship skills

  • Experience in, and coordination of, collaborative grants andmanaging trans-disciplinary research

  • Experience with MPI, P01 and/or SPORE grant applications

  • Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment ofrespect, professionalism, and civility with a population offaculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences,or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU


Salary Range

Commensurate


Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible forVCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive healthbenefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits,retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity andcash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources,abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, andmore.


FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt


ORP Eligible

Yes


Restricted Position

No


Flexible Work Arrangement

Other


Rank

Open


Tenure

Open


Months

12 months


Contact Information

Contact Name: Trey Ashman


Contact Email: ashmang@vcu.edu

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