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Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

We are seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to provide independent laboratory support for the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Infectious Diseases ...

We are seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to provide independent laboratory support for the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Infectious Diseases ...

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Clinical Laboratory Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$44.2K

$98.2K

$159.2K

How much do clinical laboratory scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical laboratory scientist in Reston, VA is $98,230.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,400.00 and $123,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical laboratory scientist?

Clinical laboratory scientists, also known as medical laboratory scientists or medical technologists, are healthcare professionals who perform laboratory tests on patient samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue. Their work helps diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases by providing accurate and timely test results to physicians. They are trained in various laboratory techniques, quality control, and the use of sophisticated equipment. Clinical laboratory scientists play a vital role in patient care by ensuring reliable laboratory data for medical decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical laboratory scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you need a strong background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory science, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field and professional certification (such as ASCP). Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), advanced diagnostic equipment, and quality control protocols is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring accurate test results, patient safety, and efficient clinical workflows in healthcare environments.

What are some common challenges clinical laboratory scientists face when working with rapidly evolving diagnostic technologies?

Clinical Laboratory Scientists often encounter the challenge of continuously adapting to new diagnostic instruments, software, and testing methodologies. Staying current requires regular training and a willingness to learn, as labs frequently implement new equipment and protocols to improve accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, integrating these technologies into existing workflows while maintaining high standards of quality control can be demanding. Collaborating closely with technical support teams and participating in ongoing education helps Clinical Laboratory Scientists remain effective and confident in their roles.

What is the difference between Clinical Laboratory Scientist vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Laboratory ScientistMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in medical technology or related field, certification (e.g., ASCP)Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology, certification (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilitiesHospitals, clinics, smaller labs
Job RolePerform complex lab tests, analyze results, oversee testing proceduresPrepare specimens, perform routine tests, assist CLS

Clinical Laboratory Scientists and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but CLSs typically have higher education requirements and perform more complex testing and analysis. MLTs support CLSs by handling routine tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much money does a clinical laboratory scientist make?

A clinical laboratory scientist typically earns a median annual salary of around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand areas or healthcare settings with higher pay scales.

Is becoming a clinical laboratory scientist worth it?

A clinical laboratory scientist performs diagnostic testing in healthcare settings, requiring a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field and certification. The role offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization, making it a valuable career choice for those interested in healthcare and laboratory work.

Is it hard to become a clinical laboratory scientist?

Becoming a clinical laboratory scientist typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, followed by certification or licensing depending on the region. The process involves acquiring technical skills, passing exams, and gaining laboratory experience, which can take several years of education and training.

What do you do as a clinical laboratory scientist?

A clinical laboratory scientist performs laboratory tests on blood, tissue, and other specimens to help diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases. They operate complex equipment, analyze test results, and ensure quality control, often working in hospital or diagnostic lab settings and requiring certification or licensure. Their work supports healthcare providers in making accurate medical decisions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Laboratory Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,230 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: This position is located within the A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center, in a Clinical Laboratory setting. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating the full range of clinical laboratory services.
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist:
A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts and proof of program completion.)
OR
B. At least a full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor's certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
C. A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university that included 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology and Urinalysis/Body Fluids. This combination of education and experience must have provided knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of medical technology equivalent to that provided by the full 4-year course of study described in A or B above. All science and mathematics courses must have been acceptable for credit toward meeting the requirements for a science major at an accredited college or university. Acceptable experience is responsible professional or technician experience in a hospital laboratory, health agency, industrial medical laboratory, or pharmaceutical house; or teaching, test development, or medical research program experience that provided an understanding of the methods and techniques applied in performing professional clinical laboratory work. Certification/licensure as a medical technologist (generalist) obtained through written examination by a nationally recognized credentialing agency or State licensing body is a good indication that the quality of experience is acceptable. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
Evaluation of Education and Experience: The four major areas of clinical laboratory science are microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and immunohematology (blood banking). Qualifying course work in these areas includes bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, tissue culture, virology, parasitology, endocrinology, enzymology, toxicology, urinalysis, coagulation, hemostasis, cell morphology, immunology, serology, immunoserology, immuno-deficiency, hemolysis, histocompatibility, cyto-genetics, and similar disciplines or areas of laboratory practice.
Related fields include physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, cell biology, embryology, pathology, genetics, pharmacology, histology, cytology, nuclear medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, infection control, physics, statistics, and similar areas of science where the work is directly related to the position to be filled.
Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0644 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience which includes establishing quality control methods and/or ranges; performing highly technical blood banking procedures; identifying and resolving inconsistent tests results; and analyzing lab test systems to ensure quality control. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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