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Biology Research Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Howard University

Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Kidane Lab at Howard University College of Medicine is seeking a full-time Research Assistant/Lab Manager to study DNA repair, tumor immunology, and cancer biology. The position is available ...

Howard

Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Kidane Lab at Howard University College of Medicine is seeking a full-time Research Assistant/Lab Manager to study DNA repair, tumor immunology, and cancer biology. The position is available ...

University of Maryland

Research Asistant

College Park, MD · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

The Research Assistant supports ongoing research projects by performing literature reviews ... Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related fields of study related ...

Guidehouse

Structural Biology Research Scientist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Structural Biology Research Scientist to support the National Institute of Allergy ... Technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life.

Umd

Research Asistant

College Park, MD

$45K - $55K/yr

The Research Assistant supports ongoing research projects by performing literature reviews ... Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related fields of study related ...

Guidehouse

Structural Biology Research Scientist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Structural Biology Research Scientist to supportthe National Institute of Allergy ... Technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life.

Howard University

Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: * Assist in the design and execution of research experiments, surveys ... Biology, Chemistry, Public Health, Computer Science, or related discipline) * Minimum GPA of 3.0 ...

Cape Fox Corporation

Biological Scientist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$32 - $53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life - Plan and administer biological research programs - Study basic principles of plant and animal ...

Cape Fox SS

Biological Scientist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$32 - $53/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Provide technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life - Plan and administer biological research programs ...

CRDF Global

Biosecurity Expertise

Arlington, VA · On-site

Provide cybersecurity training and incident response planning tailored to biological facilities. Assist partners with institutionalizing research oversight mechanisms and integrating them into ...

Guidehouse

Bioassay Researcher

Silver Spring, MD

$85K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... research support to establish, characterize, optimize, and validate bioassays for biological ... laboratory standards. * Assist with laboratory inventory management, procurement, equipment ...

Guidehouse

Bioassay Researcher

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... research support to establish, characterize, optimize, and validate bioassays for biological ... laboratory standards. * Assist with laboratory inventory management, procurement, equipment ...

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All JobsBiology Research JobsBiology Research Assistant JobsBiology Research Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Biology Research Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$28

$54

How much do biology research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for biology research assistant in Reston, VA is $28.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $41.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a biology research assistant do?

A biology research assistant helps researchers as they perform biological studies. Your job responsibilities in this career could take you to a lab setting or out in the field to collect samples. Your exact duties as a research assistant depend on the needs of your employer. You may test samples or collect and collate data from an experiment. You may also analyze the results of a study or test and then organize them into a report for the lead biologists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biology research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biology Research Assistant, you need a solid background in biological sciences, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and safety protocols is commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong organizational skills help you excel in collaborative research environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, maintaining lab integrity, and supporting successful scientific outcomes.

What does a biology research assistant do?

A Biology Research Assistant helps scientists and researchers conduct experiments and collect data in biological studies. Their tasks often include setting up laboratory equipment, preparing samples, recording observations, and analyzing results. They may also assist with literature reviews, maintain lab records, and ensure compliance with safety protocols. This role is crucial for supporting research projects in areas such as genetics, ecology, or microbiology.

What are some common challenges faced by biology research assistants when working on laboratory experiments?

Biology Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected experimental results, maintaining meticulous records, and ensuring proper use and calibration of lab equipment. They must also adapt to evolving research protocols and occasionally manage multiple projects or deadlines simultaneously. Strong attention to detail and effective communication with principal investigators and team members can help address these challenges and contribute to successful research outcomes.

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

AspectBiology Research AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology or related field; some roles may require research experienceAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory techniques; relevant technical training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companiesClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in research projects, academic careersTechnical lab work, supporting laboratory operations

In summary, Biology Research Assistants typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on supporting research projects in academic or biotech settings. Laboratory Technicians often have technical certifications and perform routine lab procedures in clinical or industrial labs. Both roles are essential in scientific environments but differ mainly in educational requirements and job focus.

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For Biology Research Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Biology Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Biology Research Assistant job openings:

Biology Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biology Research Assistant job openings in Reston, VA 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 $58,258 per year, or $28 per hour.

NIST PREP Research Associate in AI for Engineering Biology

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title: AI Researcher: Engineering Biology
The work will entail: Plan and conduct research to advance measurement capabilities to aid in the predictive engineering of biological systems, such as proteins, as part of the NIST Engineering Biology Program. Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning analysis pipelines to support automation and protocol development for wetlab procedures, as well as development of platforms for new, quantitative measurements and validated methods for evaluating the functional performance of engineered biological parts and systems. Develop automation workflows for bottleneck processes in biosecurity screening and synthetic biology. Support NIST's mission through service as a subject matter expert in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to measurement innovation in synthetic biology. Engage stakeholders and identify opportunities for standards development.
US Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Perform measurement analysis using artificial intelligence and/or machine learning
  • Generate and maintain analysis software, along with documentation
  • Conduct analysis and assist staff in conducting analysis
  • Maintain and administer hardware solutions for project and group compute tasks
  • Advise Division and NIST management as a subject matter expert
  • Organize, conduct, and attend relevant meetings, and provide written summaries or other documentation to NIST management and stakeholders
  • Obtain and provide relevant information to inform NIST management and stakeholders
  • Maintain deep technical knowledge of advances in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to measurement challenges in synthetic biology, such as those relevant to biosafety and biosecurity
  • Demonstrate attention to detail
  • Execute novel technical research
  • Support sequence to function research for protein engineering
  • Develop and apply infrastructure for data analysis
  • Establish and document standard operating procedures for analysis pipelines

Qualifications
  • A PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
  • 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Familiarity with DevOps and CICD pipelines.
  • Ability to work with real-time event data at scale.
  • Familiarity with multiple scripting languages.
  • Ability to develop prototypes of tools needed to analyze data.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004155

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