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Biotechnology Lab Technician Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Biotechnology Lab Technician information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do biotechnology lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for biotechnology lab technician in Virginia is $22.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a biotechnology lab technician do?

A Biotechnology Lab Technician supports scientific research and development by preparing and analyzing biological samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and recording experimental data. They often assist scientists in experiments related to genetics, pharmaceuticals, or environmental science. Their responsibilities may also include sterilizing equipment, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Biotechnology Lab Technicians play a vital role in advancing scientific discoveries and products in healthcare, agriculture, and other industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biotechnology lab technician?

To thrive as a Biotechnology Lab Technician, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, usually supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), PCR machines, spectrophotometers, and relevant safety certifications are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate experimental results, maintaining laboratory safety, and supporting effective research outcomes.

What opportunities for career advancement are available to biotechnology lab technicians?

Biotechnology Lab Technicians often have several pathways for career growth within the industry. With experience and further education, technicians can advance to roles such as Senior Lab Technician, Lab Manager, or Research Associate. Many organizations also offer professional development programs that encourage skill-building in specialized techniques or quality assurance. Additionally, cross-functional collaboration with scientists and engineers can open doors to project management or specialized research positions. Networking within the organization and staying current with industry trends can further enhance advancement prospects.

What is the difference between Biotechnology Lab Technician vs Microbiologist?

AspectBiotechnology Lab TechnicianMicrobiologist
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Biotechnology, Biology, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Microbiology, Biology, or related field; often a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on biotech research, product development, or quality controlResearch labs, healthcare settings, or environmental testing labs
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, research institutionsHealthcare, research institutions, government agencies, biotech firms

While both roles work in laboratory settings and require biology-related credentials, Biotechnology Lab Technicians primarily support biotech research and product development, whereas Microbiologists focus on studying microorganisms, often in healthcare or environmental contexts. The roles differ in specialization and scope but share foundational lab skills and industry usage.

How to become a biotechnology lab technician?

To become a biotechnology lab technician, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by an associate degree in biotechnology, biology, or a related field. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions and developing skills in laboratory techniques, such as pipetting and microscopy, are important. Certification programs are also available to enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Biotechnology Lab Technician jobs in Virginia?

For Biotechnology Lab Technician jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biotechnology Lab Technician jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Biotechnology Lab Technician jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Biotechnology Lab Technician job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,462 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Lab Technician or Specialist, Dolatshahi Lab - Biomedical Engineering

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

212th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Dolatshahi laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia is seeking a Laboratory Technician or Specialist to perform cellular and molecular biology experiments, coordinate clinical research, provide technical lab support, and manage collaborations. Our systems immunology lab investigates fundamental mechanisms of immune regulation and dysregulation, with an ultimate objective of identifying strategies to design and improve immunotherapies and vaccines. Motivated entry-level or experienced researchers are invited to apply. The successful candidate will participate as part of a collaborative research team which combines experimental and computational methods to study neonatal-maternal immunity and cancer . For a description of the lab's overall research interests, visit https://engineering.virginia.edu/faculty/sepideh-dolatshahi and https://dolatshahilab.com/ .
Responsibilities include:
  • Perform laboratory experiments such as performing cell culture, collecting and processing patient samples, primary cell isolation, biochemical and molecular biology experiments.
  • Evaluate experiment results using statistical analyses. Maintain digital reports of the results.
  • Provide routine, technical, logistical and administrative support to research projects; Order supplies and equipment for the lab, maintain an organized system of operation, prepare culture media and reagents, facilitate collaborations with other labs
  • Help develop protocols and IRB submissions.
  • Participate in weekly group meetings and assist in evaluating research methods and procedures based on established objectives. Assist Principal Investigator and lab members in developing new strategies and techniques for experimentation.
  • Consent patients, collect, screen, and verify data relating to human subject's research.
  • Perform library and literature research.
  • Assist with data management, visualization and analysis
  • May help author material for publications. May participate in presentations with Principal Investigators (PIs) at meetings or conferences.
  • In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties related to the smooth day-to-day lab function may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Associate's degree and 2 years of experience, or, Bachelor's degree in biomedical or chemical engineering, biology, immunology, biotechnology or a related field plus 1 year of experience strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to follow instructions.
  • Excellent communication skills, including with diverse audiences for recruitment and participant management efforts.
  • The ability to understand research processes and knowledge of general research procedures.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
  • Demonstrate expertise in troubleshooting problems and recommending solutions.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $19.23 - $26.44/hour ($40-55k annually), commensurate with education and experience.
This is a restricted position, continuation will be subject to the continued availability of funding and satisfactory performance.
This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is a full-time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.
Physical Demands: This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other benchwork and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.
Application Process:
Please apply online , and search for R0084885. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application online with the following documents:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration. This position is open until filled.
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.
For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.
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 .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819