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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

Hoodguyz

Entry Level Technician

Baltimore, MD

$600/wk

Position: Entry Level Technician I Location: Baltimore, MD Company : HoodGuyz Overview: As a full‑time Entry Level Technician at our Baltimore location, you'll play a vital role in our daily ...

Mercy Medical Center

LAB ASSISTANT II

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$32.16/hr

Summary Join Our Team at Mercy Medical Center - Now Hiring a Lab Assistant II. Mercy Medical Center ... Good communication skills, entry level computer knowledge and typing skills necessary Min USD $19 ...

Mercy Medical Center

LAB ASSISTANT II

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$32.16/hr

Summary Join Our Team at Mercy Medical Center - Now Hiring a Lab Assistant II. Mercy Medical Center ... Good communication skills, entry level computer knowledge and typing skills necessary Min USD $19 ...

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All JobsLab JobsEntry Level Lab JobsEntry Level Lab Jobs in Columbia, MD

Entry Level Lab information

See Columbia, MD salary details

$13

$24

$50

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Columbia, MD is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab?

An entry level lab job typically refers to a position in a laboratory setting that requires minimal prior experience or specialized education beyond a high school diploma or associate degree. Employees in these roles assist with basic laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, performing routine tests, maintaining equipment, and recording data under the supervision of more experienced staff. These positions are often a starting point for a career in science, healthcare, or research, providing valuable hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory protocols and safety procedures.

Is it hard to get a job in an entry level lab?

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a high school diploma or an associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills. Candidates with certifications, familiarity with lab equipment, and strong attention to detail tend to have better chances of employment.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Starting in an entry-level lab position can lead to careers such as laboratory technician, research associate, quality control analyst, or laboratory supervisor. These roles often serve as stepping stones to specialized fields like biomedical research, clinical laboratory science, or quality assurance, and may require certifications or further education in science or technology.

How do I start working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or an associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; applying for internships or entry-level positions through job boards is also common.

What are common challenges faced by entry level lab technicians, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level lab technicians often face challenges such as adjusting to strict safety protocols, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and becoming familiar with laboratory equipment and procedures. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to actively participate in training sessions, ask questions when unsure, and maintain a well-organized workspace. Building strong communication with senior technicians and supervisors can also help in gaining confidence and improving technical skills over time.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level lab technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically an associate degree or relevant certification in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data entry systems, and software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

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

AspectEntry Level LabLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degreeAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentEducational, research, or clinical labsMedical, industrial, or research labs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research facilitiesHospitals, biotech companies, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician

Entry Level Lab roles typically require basic education and involve assisting in lab tasks within educational or research settings. Laboratory Technicians often have similar credentials but may perform more specialized or technical duties in medical or industrial labs. Both roles serve as foundational positions in laboratory environments, with Laboratory Technicians generally having more hands-on responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Columbia, MD?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, MD?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Columbia, MD are:

What cities near Columbia, MD are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MD with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Columbia, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,238 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Research Specialist (Oncology)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

We are seeking a Research Specialist who will perform a range of assays and experiments specific to an area of research, requiring a good understanding of the work of the laboratory. Makes contributions to various aspects of research efforts. Performs routine troubleshooting and helps with training and orientation of others working in the laboratory.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Plan and run experiments after discussion with investigators. Work may include making protocol modifications within the parameters set by investigator.
  • Utilize specialized knowledge to interpret results, e.g. read controls, and evaluate results.
  • Use scientific knowledge and lab experience to evaluate whether component parts of experiments are working as expected.
  • Train/orient learners and new staff in the laboratory.
  • Assist in development of new techniques and instruments.
  • Become familiar with published research methods related to current experimental work by investigating published protocols and discussing them with more senior laboratory staff and/or faculty investigators.
  • Process analyzed data into figures for scientific publications.
  • May order equipment and supplies, and interface with vendors.
  • May facilitate problem solving for entry-level lab members with research assays.
  • May participate in protocol development, efficiency, and productivity.
  • May contribute to writing manuscripts and grants by writing methodology sections.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field.
  • One year of laboratory experience performing relevant techniques.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Classified Title: Research Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MA
Starting Salary Range: $17.54 - $30.65 HRLY ($50,120 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Mon/Fri - 8:30a-5p
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Onc Cancer Immunology/GI Clinical Re
Personnel area: School of Medicine

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876

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