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How much do entry level biochemist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level biochemist in Reston, VA is $30.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $33.75 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Biochemist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Biochemist job openings:
Entry Level Biochemist jobs near you

NIST PREP Mechanical Engineer in 3D Sensor Testing

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Position Description:The Intelligent Systems Division at NIST is investigating the performance of 3D vision systems for various manufacturing and automation applications. The research will focus on conducting experiments and analyzing data to understand these systems' performance. This will support the development of performance metrics for these systems for various industrial applications.
Duties:The duties will be tailored to fit the applicant's qualifications, and the applicant will be trained on the use of certain systems needed for the following possible duties:
  • Conduct experiments to realize several existing and novel test methods for 3D vision systems.
  • Research the effects of various physical properties of an object and sensor settings on the test metrics.
  • Program collaborative robot arms for conducting various automation tasks.
  • Use metrology systems (e.g., laser trackers, CMMs, etc.) for establishing reference measurements.
  • Use analysis software (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Spatial Analyzer, Polyworks, Excel, etc.) to interpret results and produce visualizations.
  • Write reports and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
  • Work with commercial bin-picking systems.
  • Assist in the development of demonstrations for trade shows and conferences.
  • Write reports and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
  • Work schedule: On-campus (Gaithersburg, MD), Full-time (40hrs/week)

Qualifications:Not all the qualifications below are required.
  • Education: Engineering majors with bachelor's/master's degree, or in final or penultimate years of bachelor's/master's degree.
  • Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks
  • Experience using MATLAB and Python.
  • Programming experience in one or more of the following computer languages: C++, Java
  • Experience using 3D printers.
  • Basic understanding of robot control theory (DH parameters, kinematics, etc.)
  • Basic understanding of 3D sensors such as LiDAR or RGBD cameras
  • Basic understanding of the Unix/Linux operating systems
  • Working knowledge of 3D point cloud data processing techniques using Point Cloud Library (PCL - http://pointclouds.org), CloudCompare, or other similar tools

What is PREP?This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration. A candidate hired for this position will be through the university that is associated with the NIST PREP program and will be an employee of that University.
Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0003381

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