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Entry Level Biochemist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Biochemist information

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$13

$28

$47

How much do entry level biochemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level biochemist in Virginia is $28.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $32.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level biochemist do?

An entry-level biochemist studies or performs research on the chemical and biological functions of living things. Biochemistry is, as the name implies, the confluence of biology and chemistry, and involves the study of compounds on a molecular level, meaning your duties often include working in a laboratory setting where you perform analysis with microscopes and specialized equipment. Biochemistry careers exist in a wide variety of sectors: industrial, commercial, and academic. Entry-level biochemists working in academia do so most often in universities, where your responsibilities are to support the research of a senior biochemist, gathering and collating data, performing minor experiments, and providing supplementary research to aid the larger project. You can also find work in the research and development or quality control departments of pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturers, food producers, or government agencies.

What are some typical projects an entry level biochemist might work on during their first year?

As an entry level biochemist, you can expect to support research and development initiatives by conducting experiments, preparing samples, and analyzing data under the guidance of senior scientists. Common projects include assisting with protein purification, running assays to measure enzyme activity, and maintaining cell cultures. You'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists and lab technicians, to ensure experiments run smoothly and results are accurately recorded. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing technical skills and building a strong foundation for future advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level biochemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Biochemist, you need a fundamental understanding of biochemistry, molecular biology, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments (such as spectrophotometers and chromatography systems), and software for data analysis is common, along with safety certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, maintain safety standards, and foster productive collaboration in research or industrial laboratory environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Biochemist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level BiochemistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch and development, academia, biotech industryQuality control, testing labs, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Biochemists typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on research and experimental work in labs, while Laboratory Technicians often have an associate's degree and perform routine testing and sample analysis. Both roles are essential in scientific settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Entry Level Biochemist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Biochemist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Biochemist jobs in Virginia are:

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For Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Biochemist job openings:

Entry Level Biochemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Biochemist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,091 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Reagent and Standards Administrator

FAREVA

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Key responsibilities

  • Manage ordering, inventory, processing, and reconciliation of laboratory reference standards and reagents.

  • Oversee full sample life cycle, including collection, logging, labeling, delivery, and disposal of QC samples.

  • Perform physical and analytical testing on production samples, record results, and assist in investigations.

Job description

Job Title: Reagent and Standards Administrator

Company: Fareva Richmond

Reports To: QC Supervisor or QC Manager

Date Updated: July 2026

Position Summary

The Reagent and Standards Administrator manages the ordering, inventory, processing, and reconciliation of laboratory reference standards and reagents. This position oversees the full chain of custody for Quality Control (QC) samples—including raw materials, finished products, in-process bulks, retain, investigation, complaint, and validation samples—from collection and logging through disposal. Additionally, the incumbent performs physical and analytical testing, maintains accurate electronic records within LIMS and database systems, and ensures strict adherence to cGMPs, Fareva specifications, and laboratory SOPs. This entry-level position operates under regular, daily supervision.

Key Responsibilities

  • Reagents & Reference Standards (70%)
    • Manage ordering, inventory levels, processing, and reconciliation of laboratory reference standards and reagents based on site usage and special requests.
    • Verify MSDS information; log, receive, label, and store materials in designated safety locations under specified storage conditions.
    • Use LIMS and physical logbooks to track, manage, and audit inventory continuous availability.
  • Sample Management & Chain of Custody (10%)
    • Oversee full sample life cycle (collection, logging, labeling, delivery, and disposal) for finished products, raw materials, bulks, retain, validation, and complaint samples.
    • Receive/collect samples from manufacturing operations and outside sources in compliance with environmental and site safety standards.
  • Assays & Analytical Testing (10%)
    • Perform physical and analytical testing on production intermediate, bulk, finished product, and process/cleaning validation samples.
    • Calculate results, interpret data, record observations, and conduct peer reviews of test data.
    • Identify basic technical issues, out-of-specification (OOS) results, and instrument malfunctions, escalating and assisting in investigations as needed.
  • Record Keeping & Documentation (5%)
    • Maintain accurate, cGMP-compliant electronic records in LIMS and database systems.
    • Perform administrative duties including shipping, receiving, and material ordering.
    • Identify atypical findings and participate in root-cause investigations under management direction.
  • SOPs & Continuous Improvement (5%)
    • Maintain up-to-date individual training records and adhere strictly to all lab SOPs.
    • Assist in writing and revising site SOPs as procedural updates occur.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Education & Experience:
    • Bachelor’s (BS) or Master’s (MS) degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a relevant science discipline.
    • 0–1 years of Quality Control/Quality Assurance experience, preferably in a bio/pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
  • Technical & Professional Skills:
    • Basic knowledge of fundamental quality concepts, cGMP guidelines, and laboratory safety practices.
    • Working knowledge or practical application of standard analytical techniques (e.g., pH, viscosity, analytical balance, UV/Vis, FTIR).
    • Proficiency in using electronic laboratory data systems (LIMS) and database tracking tools.
    • Solid organization skills with the ability to manage daily tasks, document work accurately, and work effectively in a team environment.
  • Physical Requirements:
    • Work involves light lifting, sitting, standing, and walking across laboratory and facility environments.

Apply