2

Entry Level Lab Jobs in Richmond, VA (NOW HIRING)

Chemist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

... lab staff, troubleshoots analytical instruments and keeps detailed records of test data. We highly encourage entry level candidates to apply. Duties include but are not limited to Performs chemical ...

Hands-on training: simulation lab, in-home & in-office support * Recognition for achievements (we ... What they have in common is a desire to care for others. * Entry-level openings available * We'll ...

CNA/PCA Caregiver

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Hands-on training: simulation lab, in-home & in-office support * Recognition for achievements (we ... What they have in common is a desire to care for others. * Entry-level openings available * We'll ...

Medical Assistant (31490)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

... obtaining lab/X-ray reports, hospital notes, referral information, etc.; completing forms ... Requirements for Level I Status: * Entry level (1-4 years experience) and/or meet the basic ...

CNA/PCA Caregiver

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Hands-on training: simulation lab, in-home & in-office support * Recognition for achievements (we ... What they have in common is a desire to care for others. * Entry-level openings available * We'll ...

Medical Assistant (30907)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

... obtaining lab/X-ray reports, hospital notes, referral information, etc.; completing forms ... Requirements for Level I Status: * Entry level (1-4 years experience) and/or meet the basic ...

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Richmond, VA · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using virtual lab environments, hardware identification practice, and practice examinations to support aspiring IT professionals preparing for entry-level CompTIA A+ certification.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Lab information

See Richmond, VA salary details

$13

$23

$50

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Richmond, VA is $23.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $25.82 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.

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 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 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.

How to get started working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; some positions may also require background checks and on-the-job training.

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

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, but having relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills and certifications like OSHA training, can improve chances. Entry level lab jobs often require attention to detail, familiarity with lab equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols, making some positions more accessible to new applicants than others.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Entry level lab positions often serve as stepping stones to careers in scientific research, quality control, laboratory management, or specialized fields such as microbiology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences. Gaining experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and certifications like OSHA or CLIA can help advance to technician, research associate, or laboratory supervisor roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Richmond, VA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Richmond, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Richmond, VA?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Richmond, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Richmond, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Richmond, VA are:

What cities near Richmond, VA are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Richmond, VA with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Richmond, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,530 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Assistant Scientist - Entry Level - Vaccines - Dry Lab/Data Review

Richmond, VA • On-site


Thermo Fisher Scientific
Biotechnology Research and Development • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 428 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

175th of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
This is a fully onsite role based at our BioAnalyticalin Richmond, VA. We welcome applicants from all locations within the US. Please note that relocation assistance is not provided for this position, and any relocation costs will be the responsibility of the candidate.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.
The shift for this role is Monday - Friday from ~8AM-5PM.
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life - enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on - now and in the future.
Location/Division Specific Information
Our PPD® Laboratory Services team has a direct impact on improving patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought-leaders and therapeutic authorities. As the world leader in serving science, our laboratory professionals bring their commitment to accuracy and quality to deliver groundbreaking innovations.
Richmond BioAnalytical Labs Overview:
https://www.ppd.com/our-solutions/ppd-laboratories/bioanalytical-lab/
PPD Laboratory Services LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/ppd-laboratories/?feedView=videos
As an Assistant Scientist your role will be to oversee the operations of clinical laboratory testing, ensure the accuracy and reliability of results, manage and mentor lab staff, and uphold the highest standards of quality and compliance in all laboratory practices.
What You'll Do:
• Perform lab work in accordance with client protocols, methods and requirements.
• Prepare study protocols, project status reports, final study reports and other project-related technical documentation.
• Design experimental study and participates in technical troubleshooting.
• Review, interpret and analyze data for technical quality and compliance to protocols, methods and SOPs. Review laboratory investigations and deviation.
• Organize, schedule and supervise laboratory resources for group's project activities and updates project status.
• Respond to client questions and needs, coordinate client communication and records meeting minutes.
• Assist group leaders in their responsibilities.
• Assist in preparation and implementation of PPD/client SOPs and company operational policies. Ensure adherence to SOPs, safety standards and company policies.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification
• Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 0 to 1 years).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of routine operation, maintenance and theory of analytical instrumentation, SOPs and regulatory guidelines
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory authority, compendia and ICH guidelines
• Excellent manual dexterity skills
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Time management and project management skills
• Proven problem solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Ability to cross-train on sample preparation techniques with another laboratory group
• Ability to work in a collaborative work environment with a team
Working Conditions and Environment:
• Work is performed in a laboratory and/or a clinical environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
• Occasional drives to site locations, occasional domestic travel.
• Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.
• Rare exposure to skin and lung irritants, radiation, toxic materials and hazardous waste.
• Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves.
• Exposure to fluctuating and/or extreme temperatures on rare occasions.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to work in an upright and /or stationary position for 6-8 hours per day.
• Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists to operate lab equipment.
• Occasional mobility needed.
• Occasional crouching, stooping, with frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck.
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying (or otherwise moves) objects including luggage and laptop computer with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs.
• Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Frequently interacts with others to obtain or relate information to diverse groups.
• Works independently with little guidance or reliance on oral or written instructions and plans work schedules to meet goals. Requires multiple periods of intense concentration.
• Performs a wide range of variable tasks as dictated by variable demands and changing conditions with little predictability as to the occurrence. Ability to perform under stress. Ability to multi-task.
• Regular and consistent attendance.
Why Join Us?
When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You'll work in an environment where collaboration and development are part of the everyday experience - and where your contributions truly make a difference.
Apply today to help us deliver tomorrow's breakthrough.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in Virginia is $21.00-$21.63.
This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
  • A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
  • Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
  • At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
  • Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
  • Employees' Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards


What Thermo Fisher Scientific employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom