2

Entry Level Biochemist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Biochemist information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$28

$47

How much do entry level biochemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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 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 does an entry level biochemist do?

An entry level biochemist typically assists in laboratory experiments and research projects related to the chemical processes within living organisms. Their duties often include preparing samples, running assays, maintaining lab equipment, recording data, and analyzing results under the supervision of senior scientists. Entry level biochemists may work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, or academia. This role provides foundational experience and training for more advanced biochemistry positions.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biochemist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Biochemist jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Biochemist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Biochemist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Biochemist job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Locum Tenens, 15% As Needed, 19% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 24% Temporary, and 16% Nights. Highlights an 21% Physical, and 79% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,091 per year, or $28.9 per hour.
Lab Technician or Specialist, Dolatshahi Lab - Biomedical Engineering

Lab Technician or Specialist, Dolatshahi Lab - Biomedical Engineering

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 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

204th of 611 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 .

What University Of Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Virginia logo

About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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