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Embryology Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Embryology information

See Reston, VA salary details

$46.8K

$87.4K

$144.6K

How much do embryology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for embryology in Reston, VA is $87,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,700.00 and $97,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for an embryologist?

The highest salaries for embryologists can reach around $80,000 to $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or in managerial roles. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise, with some senior embryologists earning higher compensation in specialized clinics or research institutions.

What does a typical day look like for an embryologist working in an IVF clinic?

A typical day for an embryologist in an IVF clinic involves preparing laboratory equipment, handling and evaluating eggs and sperm, performing procedures such as fertilization and embryo culture, and meticulously monitoring embryo development. Embryologists also record and analyze data, work closely with reproductive endocrinologists, and communicate progress with nursing staff and patients. The work is highly detail-oriented and often requires early mornings or weekend shifts to accommodate patient treatment cycles. Collaboration and precision are essential, as embryologists play a key role in supporting patients’ fertility journeys.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Embryology position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Embryology, you need a background in biological sciences, meticulous laboratory skills, and specialized training in human reproductive biology, often supported by a relevant degree and clinical certifications. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as microscopes, incubators, and specialized IVF software systems is crucial in this field. Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and clear communication are key soft skills that help you excel as part of a clinical team. These qualities are vital for ensuring high-quality results, patient safety, and successful outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies.

What are the career options in embryology?

Embryology offers career options such as embryologist, reproductive biologist, and fertility specialist, often requiring advanced degrees like a master's or Ph.D. in biology, reproductive science, or related fields. Professionals typically work in fertility clinics, research laboratories, or academic institutions, utilizing skills in microscopy, cell culture, and laboratory techniques.

Is embryology a good career?

Embryology is a specialized field within reproductive biology that involves studying early human development and assisting with fertility treatments. It offers opportunities in research, clinical laboratories, and reproductive clinics, often requiring advanced education and certification. The career can be rewarding for those interested in science and healthcare, with job stability and growth potential in reproductive medicine.

What does an embryologist do?

An embryologist is a specialist in reproductive biology who works primarily in fertility clinics, research labs, or hospitals. They handle and study embryos, perform in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, assess embryo viability, and assist with reproductive treatments. Their work is crucial for couples facing fertility challenges, as they help create, monitor, and select healthy embryos for implantation. Additionally, embryologists may conduct research on embryo development and preservation techniques to improve fertility treatments.

What work does an embryologist do?

An embryologist is a laboratory scientist who specializes in handling and studying human embryos, often in fertility clinics. They perform procedures such as fertilization, embryo culture, and cryopreservation, using microscopes and laboratory techniques to assist with reproductive treatments. Embryologists also analyze embryo development and maintain strict laboratory standards and certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Embryology jobs in Reston, VA? For Embryology jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embryology jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Embryology jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Embryology jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Embryology job openings:
Embryology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embryology job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,406 per year, or $42 per hour.

hESC Associate Scientist_Scientist levels I or II

Workforce Genetics

Germantown, MD

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Embryonic Stem Cell Associate Scientist/Scientist I/II


Our client is seeking a highly skilled Associate Scientist/Scientist to contribute to their efforts in embryonic stem cell biology and early development processes. This role involves hands-on work with human pluripotent stem cells, development of differentiation protocols and stem cell-based solutions, and application of advanced analytical methods to study lineage specification and embryogenesis. The successful candidate will design, execute, and optimize experiments, interpret complex datasets, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to advance our scientific and translational objectives, deepen our understanding of embryonic stem cell development, facilitate next-generation therapeutic platforms, and help drive high-quality, reproducible science in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.


Education:

  • BS/MS in Stem Cell Biology, Developmental/Cell Biology, Embryology, Molecular/Cell Biology, Reproductive Biology, or related fields. A master’s degree is preferred. Ph.D.’s with requisite experience will also be considered for this position.
  • 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Prior experience in biotech, GMP, or regulated lab environments is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in applied research, translational projects, process development, and a strong product‑oriented approach.
  • Certification as a stem cell professional (CSCP) is optional but not a requirement.


Responsibilities:

  • Expand and maintain human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) under feeder-free and feeder-based conditions, including media optimization and validation.
  • Develop 2D and 3D (organoid) cell cultures.
  • Ensure stable pluripotency, perform routine passaging, and prevent spontaneous differentiation.
  • Execute and optimize differentiation protocols into specific lineages (endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm).
  • Perform colony picking, clonal expansion, and establish new and stable hESC lines.
  • Scale up hESC cultures from research grade to clinical grade production (suspension, bioreactors, automation-ready systems).
  • Apply knowledge of early embryo development (cleavage to blastocyst), germ layer formation, and lineage specification.
  • Characterize stem cells using flow cytometry for pluripotency and lineage markers. Potency assay development. Immunostaining assays. qPCR, and gene expression profiling. Protein assays (Western blotting and ELISA). Fluorescence or confocal microscopy and live-cell imaging. Single-cell RNA-Seq and other omics platforms.
  • Assess genomic stability through karyotyping and related assays.
  • Analyze experimental data using appropriate software and statistical tools (e.g., FlowJo, ImageJ, GraphPad Prism, etc.).
  • Design, express, and troubleshoot mRNA constructs; perform transfections for transient gene expression, optimize delivery methods for high efficiency, isolate clones, and express and validate encoded proteins in hESCs.
  • Create and maintain master and working cell banks.
  • Conduct QC assays for viability, identity, sterility, and contamination control (e.g., bacteria, mycoplasma).
  • Optional: Optimize culture system, differentiation protocols under defined conditions, and assay workflows.
  • Work within GLP/GMP guidelines for stem cells and their derived products when applicable.
  • Ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements for hESC research.
  • Design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments independently.
  • Maintain accurate lab notebooks and documentation, and follow SOPs and quality systems.
  • Present data clearly in meetings, reports, and cross-functional reviews.
  • Lead independent research projects and contribute to scientific strategy.
  • Support white paper/manuscript preparations and conference presentations as needed.

Technical expertise:

  • Experience with translational research or clinical trials involving embryonic stem cells and developmental embryology.
  • Proficient in the isolation and derivation of hESC lines, characterization using analytical and molecular assays, and karyotyping/genomic stability analysis.
  • Familiarity with key signaling pathways, including Wnt, BMP, FGF, TGF-b.
  • Knowledgeable in clonal isolation, screening, and validation; transfection and transduction methods; and cryopreservation, thawing, stability testing, and recovery of hESCs.
  • Strong understanding of ethical guidelines overseeing hESC research.
  • Familiarity with Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes and institutional compliance requirements.
  • Knowledge of national and international stem cell regulations (NIH and FDA guidelines) and regulatory expectations for clinical grade ESC/iPSC products (identity, purity, potency assays).
  • Experienced in contributing to IND-supporting studies and ethical compliance in human and animal research.
  • Understanding of FDA regulatory frameworks, CMC and batch records, and SOP development, optimization, and documentation.
  • Strong collaboration skills with various teams and clear, effective scientific communication, including data presentation and detailed reporting.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving ability and expertise in troubleshooting complex experimental workflows.
  • Experience mentoring junior scientists or technicians.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, essential for embryonic stem cell workflows.
  • Ability to present research outcomes and contribute to white papers/manuscripts.
  • Demonstrate project management capabilities and work within timelines and budgets.
  • Proficient in aseptic techniques and experienced working in BSL-2 environments.
  • Competence in experimental design and data analysis.