ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Biology Lab Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Assistant I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$14.71/hr

Lab Assistant I - Chantilly, VA, Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM Department: Clinical ... Required to handle biological samples and potentially hazardous chemicals. * Must demonstrate the ...

UVA Health

Clinical Lab Assistant III

Manassas, VA · On-site

Clinical Lab Assistant III Job Code: LA3454 Schedule: Shifts are 8 hours per day, Monday through ... JOB SUMMARY Performs a variety of tasks related to the pre-analytical processing of biological ...

UVA Health

Clinical Lab Assistant II

Culpeper, VA · On-site

Clinical Lab Assistant II Job Code: LA3450 Full Time Days with some evenings and nights ABOUT US We ... JOB SUMMARY Performs a variety of tasks related to the pre-analytical processing of biological ...

Amherst College

Research Assistant (Biology)

Amherst, VA · On-site

$20.87 - $22/hr

The Research Assistant will also assist with lab management on a limited basis. Takes appropriate ... Molecular Biology - 1 to 3 years of related experience - Equivalent work experience in lieu of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBiology Lab JobsBiology Lab Assistant JobsBiology Lab Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Biology Lab Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do biology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for biology lab assistant in Virginia is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges biology lab assistants face when supporting multiple research projects simultaneously?

Biology Lab Assistants often juggle tasks for several ongoing experiments, which can make time management and organization challenging. Prioritizing tasks, maintaining accurate records, and coordinating with different researchers are essential to ensure all projects progress smoothly. Adapting quickly to shifting priorities and effectively communicating with team members helps prevent errors and keeps the lab running efficiently. Building strong organizational habits and seeking clarification when needed are key strategies for success in this role.

What is the difference between Biology Lab Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiology Lab AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; some roles may require certificationAssociate degree or bachelor's in biology, chemistry, or related field; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, research labs, hospitalsResearch labs, healthcare facilities, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, research institutionsBiotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both roles support laboratory work in biological settings, Biology Lab Assistants typically work in educational or research environments with less emphasis on technical procedures. Laboratory Technicians often have more advanced training and perform more complex testing and analysis, making them suitable for industrial or clinical settings.

What does a biology lab assistant do?

A biology lab assistant supports laboratory activities by preparing specimens, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting with experiments and data collection. They often follow safety protocols, work under supervision, and may need knowledge of laboratory techniques and tools such as microscopes and pipettes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biology lab assistant?

To thrive as a Biology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of biological concepts, laboratory safety procedures, and basic lab techniques, often gained through relevant coursework or a degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, data collection tools, and software like Microsoft Excel or laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure accurate experimental results, maintain a safe lab environment, and support smooth research operations.

How much does a biology lab assistant get paid?

The average salary for a biology lab assistant typically ranges from $25,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Part-time roles often pay hourly, around $12 to $20 per hour.
What are the most commonly searched types of Biology Lab jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Biology Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Biology Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Biology Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Biology Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Biology Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Biology Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Biology Lab Assistant job openings:
Biology Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biology Lab Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,752 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Lab Assistant I

Quest Diagnostics

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$14.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description


Lab Assistant I - Chantilly, VA, Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Department: Clinical Laboratory - Serology IFA
Entry level role; Performs various routine laboratory functions in a precise and accurate fashion to assist the laboratory professional staff and to facilitate production.
Pay range: $17.20+ per hour
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!

Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Organizes specimens and reagents prior to the day technologists' arrival.
  • Identifies missing specimens to Specimen Processing.
  • Stores and prepares order for reagent and materials delivered by the warehouse.
  • Responsible for informing supervisory personnel of suspected problems.
  • Perform specimen receiving, labeling, handling and preparation.
  • Assist with pre-analytical preparation of specimens (e.g., printing labels, uncap/cap specimen tubes, aliquot specimens, prepare racks, worklists, enter/scan specimens).
  • Record digital temperature; notify license-qualified personnel if the temperature is out of range.
  • Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment, under direct and constant supervision. Activity must be signed-off by license-qualified personnel.
  • Assist in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
  • Clean, organize and maintain work area, glassware and laboratory equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers and supply cabinets, as needed).
  • Assist with monitoring the department pending and overdue lists, which includes, searching, locating, following up and filing appropriate documentation.
  • Perform other departmental tasks such as filing, archiving and retrieving slides/blocks, reports, requisitions/other paperwork and answering the telephone.
  • Dispose of biohazardous material.
  • Perform QA/QC duties as assigned.
  • Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
  • Comply with all health and safety policies, procedures and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Qualifications
Education Required:
  • High School Graduate or equivalent required.

Work Experience:
  • Previous laboratory experience and/or training preferred

Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
  • Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
  • Frequent walking and/or standing.
  • May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Extreme willingness to work in a cooperative manner.
  • Required to handle biological samples and potentially hazardous chemicals.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or errors on an ongoing basis and retain the information once learned.
  • Must be detail-oriented, able to work independently, establish work priorities and handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
  • Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and, Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.

About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

What ExamOne employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply