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Entry Level Biochemist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Biochemist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$33

$55

How much do entry level biochemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level biochemist in Seattle, WA is $33.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.12 and $36.97 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.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Biochemist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,015 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

$56K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Biomedical Engineer will serve as the medical technology consultant and facility medical and hospital equipment planner for the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) program at the VA Puget Sound Medical Center, a large, 1A complexity, medical center providing primary, secondary and tertiary services.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. [Be] a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with [VA Handbook 5005, Part II,] chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3.g.)
Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement:
  • (1) Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Engineering. To be creditable, the curriculum must be from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), as a professional engineering curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering degrees include: Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time. OR,
  • (2) Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed in item 3.b.(1) above.

Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
English Language Proficiency.Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above, the following education and experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
Biomedical Engineer GS-7 (Entry Level)
  • Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree or CCE certification with at least a bachelor's degree not listed in paragraph 3.b.(1).
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: None beyond the basic requirements.
Biomedical Engineer GS-9 (Developmental Level 1)
  • Experience: At least [one] year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level. OR,
  • Education: Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, OR, 5 ii. Bachelor's degree, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1), plus two full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, that demonstrates the KSAs for the GS-9 level assignment.
AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession.
    • Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs.
    • Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system.
    • Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends, for presentation to other technical staff and mid-level hospital management, and the ability to keep abreast of changes in technology.
Biomedical Engineer GS-11 (Developmental Level 2)
  • Experience: At least [one] year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, [and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.] OR,
  • Education: Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, OR, Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study.
AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements.
    • Ability to develop material for a continuing education program for clinical or research staff, that address the principles and application of medical technology, and/or biomedical theory used in healthcare.
    • Ability to advise staff on emerging medical technology, or research procedures, while keeping abreast of changes in such technology, and utilizing the information to solve biomedical engineering problems.
    • Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation.
See Additional Information for the GS-12 Full Performance Level.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-12.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER