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Cytology Lab Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Biologist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$74K - $124K/yr

... lab members. * Assist with experimental work and lead independent research projects aligned with ... ddPCR, flow cytometry and/or animal research techniques. * Ability to work independently and ...

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Cytology Lab Assistant information

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How much do cytology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cytology lab assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cytology lab assistant do?

A Cytology Lab Assistant supports cytotechnologists and pathologists by preparing and processing biological samples, such as cells from body fluids, for microscopic examination. They are responsible for labeling specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that all samples are handled and stored properly. Additionally, they may assist with record keeping, data entry, and maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment. This role is essential for helping pathologists diagnose diseases like cancer by providing high-quality samples for analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by cytology lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Cytology Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy while handling high specimen volumes and adhering to strict turnaround times. Managing these challenges involves staying organized, double-checking specimen labeling, and following established laboratory protocols meticulously. Effective communication with cytotechnologists and pathologists is also essential to ensure that any discrepancies or urgent cases are addressed promptly. Continuous learning about new laboratory technologies and procedures can further enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

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

To thrive as a Cytology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and a high school diploma or associate’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), microscopes, and specimen staining techniques is typically expected. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate sample processing, minimize errors, and support efficient lab operations crucial for reliable diagnostic results.

What is the difference between Cytology Lab Assistant vs Histology Lab Technician?

AspectCytology Lab AssistantHistology Lab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification preferredHigh school diploma; additional histology certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings focused on cell analysis, often in hospitals or clinicsLaboratories performing tissue processing and slide preparation, typically in hospitals or research labs
Job DutiesAssist in preparing cytology specimens, label slides, and maintain lab equipmentProcess tissue samples, embed, section, and prepare slides for microscopic examination

Both roles support laboratory operations in healthcare settings, with Cytology Lab Assistants focusing on cell samples and Histology Lab Technicians handling tissue specimens. While their tasks differ, they share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related roles in pathology labs.

What are popular job titles related to Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Cytology Lab Assistant job openings:

$74K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Guidehouse rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Job Family:
Scientist
Travel Required:
None
Clearance Required:
Ability to Obtain Public Trust
What You Will Do:
We are currently searching for specialized scientific services to support and manage the laboratory's mouse colonies and mouse models of disease for the NIH. This is a full-time role in Bethesda, MD.
  • Support and manage the laboratory's mouse colonies and mouse models of disease for all lab members.
  • Assist with experimental work and lead independent research projects aligned with the NIH labs research goals.
  • Maintain and manage the laboratory's mouse colonies and animal work while supporting team members (and sometimes collaborators) during animal experiments in ongoing projects.
  • Perform the genotyping of the entire mouse colony used by the laboratory.
  • Set up and oversee maintenance breeding of all mouse strains.
  • Generate and maintain needed new mouse lines through crossbreeding.
  • Prepare animals for experimentation, including generation of bone-marrow chimeras, infection with LCMV or IAV, etc.
  • Assist with animal studies, including blood collection, tissue processing, pathology support, and preclinical analysis.
  • Perform a wide array of immunology and molecular biological techniques with animal and human cells/tissues.
  • Assist in keeping the Animal Protocol up to date.
  • Acquire new skills related to animal models to help the laboratory perform cutting-edge disease-relevant work.
  • Support collaborations with investigators, staff scientists, and partner laboratories.
  • Contribute to projects and publications.
  • Prepare PowerPoint slides and other items valuable for presentation of laboratory accomplishments.
  • Develop work products and documents related to analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting scientific data to prepare papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals and, when indicated, present findings at seminars and/or scientific meetings.
  • Maintain a lab-accessible database of the laboratory's mouse colonies and ongoing animal experiments.

What You Will Need:
  • B.A. or B.S. degree in a scientific discipline and at least THREE (3) years of research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or related biomedical research OR a Master's degree in a scientific discipline and at least ONE (1) year of relevant experience.
  • Deep experience in managing and maintaining large mouse colonies, mouse genotyping, and the generation, execution, and interpretation of mouse experimental models, as well as experience with cell culture, PCR/qPCR/ddPCR, flow cytometry and/or animal research techniques.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • Outstanding interpersonal and time management skills.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate in a fast-paced translational research environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in staff training and mentoring.

The annual salary range for this position is $74,000.00-$124,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Care.com annual membership
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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