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Entry Level Laboratory Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Operates designated laboratory equipment as directed. -Uses equipment effectively, skillfully and ... Position is entry level and requires 0-3 years experience. Phlebotomy experience is required.

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Gaithersburg, MD Job Type: Part-time, Entry Level About Us: AmpSeq is a dynamic and innovative next ... Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment, ensuring all safety protocols are followed.

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Gaithersburg, MD Job Type: Part-time, Entry Level About Us: AmpSeq is a dynamic and innovative next ... Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment, ensuring all safety protocols are followed.

Operates designated laboratory equipment as directed. -Uses equipment effectively, skillfully and ... Position is entry level and requires 0-3 years experience. Phlebotomy experience is required.

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Laboratory information

See Reston, VA salary details

$13

$25

$52

How much do entry level laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level laboratory in Reston, VA is $25.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I start working in an entry level laboratory?

To start working in an entry-level laboratory, obtain a relevant high school diploma or associate degree in a science field such as biology or chemistry. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and certifications like OSHA or safety training can improve your chances; internships or volunteer work can also provide valuable experience.

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

AspectEntry Level LaboratoryLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degreeHigh school diploma or associate's degree, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentEducational labs, research facilities, healthcare settingsClinical, research, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research labs, healthcareHospitals, biotech companies, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Laboratory and a Laboratory Technician lies in experience and job scope. Entry Level Laboratory roles are typically for individuals starting their careers with minimal experience, focusing on basic lab tasks. Laboratory Technicians often have similar credentials but may have more hands-on responsibilities and specialized skills. Both roles are essential in various industries like healthcare, research, and manufacturing, and often overlap in entry-level positions.

What is an entry level laboratory job?

Entry level laboratory jobs are positions in scientific labs that require minimal prior experience and often serve as the starting point for careers in laboratory sciences. These roles typically involve tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, operating laboratory equipment, recording data, and maintaining a clean work environment. Entry level lab jobs are found in various industries, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and research institutions. They often require at least a high school diploma or associate degree, though some may prefer or require a bachelor's degree in a science-related field. These jobs provide valuable hands-on experience and can lead to more advanced positions with additional training and education.

What does an entry level laboratory technician do?

In an entry-level laboratory role, your daily tasks often include preparing and labeling samples, conducting routine tests under supervision, maintaining lab equipment, and accurately recording data. You may also be responsible for cleaning and organizing workspaces, as well as adhering to safety protocols. Collaboration with senior technicians and scientists is common, providing valuable opportunities to learn and gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques.

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

Entry level laboratory positions are generally accessible to candidates with basic science knowledge, a high school diploma or equivalent, and some familiarity with laboratory tools and safety protocols. Competition can vary depending on location and industry demand, but gaining relevant certifications or laboratory experience can improve chances of employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level laboratory technician?

To succeed as an Entry Level Laboratory Technician, you need attention to detail, foundational knowledge of laboratory procedures, and at least a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with common lab equipment, safety protocols, and basic data entry or laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and teamwork in the lab. These skills are crucial for maintaining precise results, supporting scientific research, and upholding safety and quality standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Laboratory jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Laboratory jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Laboratory jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Laboratory job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Laboratory job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,069 per year, or $25 per hour.

Optical Engineer / EO/IR & LiDAR Research Engineer with Security Clearance

Alaire Technologies, Inc

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Research Engineer / Engineering Physicist –
Sensors, Optics & Experimental Systems
Location: Alexandria, VA / Washington, DC Employment Type: Full-Time Experience Level: Entry-Level through Senior (BS, MS, or PhD) Salary: $80,000–$150,000 DOE Security Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required. Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.
Active Secret Clearance preferred. Join Alaire Technologies
Alaire Technologies develops advanced sensing, imaging, and signal processing technologies
that support the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. We are seeking motivated Research Engineers and
Engineering Physicists to help develop, prototype, test, and validate next-generation sensing
systems used in national defense. This position offers opportunities for both recent graduates and experienced engineers or
scientists interested in experimental research, instrumentation, optics, electronics, and advanced
sensor development. Position Overview
The successful candidate will work on multidisciplinary teams developing advanced electro-
optical, infrared, laser, and sensor technologies supporting ISR, remote sensing, and defense
applications. Responsibilities include laboratory experimentation, prototype development, data acquisition,
instrumentation, signal processing, and system integration from concept through testing and
validation. This position is well suited for candidates with backgrounds in experimental physics,
engineering physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, photonics, instrumentation, or
applied research. ,Key Responsibilities • Design, build, and test laboratory experiments and prototype hardware. • Develop and integrate data acquisition, instrumentation, and control systems. • Support development of electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), laser, and advanced sensing technologies. • Perform experimental testing, system characterization, calibration, and validation. • Collect, process, and analyze experimental data using statistical and computational methods. • Develop software tools for automation, instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis. • Support sensor integration, hardware troubleshooting, and laboratory operations. • Collaborate with physicists, engineers, software developers, and government customers. • Document experimental procedures, technical findings, engineering analyses, and test results. • Participate in laboratory demonstrations, field testing, and technology transition efforts. Required Qualifications • BS, MS, or PhD in: o Physics o Engineering Physics o Applied Physics o Electrical Engineering o Optical Engineering o Mechanical Engineering o Aerospace Engineering o Photonics o or a closely related STEM discipline. • Strong laboratory, research, or engineering experience through industry, government, or academic research. • Hands-on experience assembling, testing, troubleshooting, or integrating experimental systems. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • U.S. Citizenship. • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance. Preferred Qualifications
Experience with one or more of the following: , • Electro-optics (EO) • Infrared (IR) • EO/IR sensors • Optical systems • Laser systems • Photonics • Instrumentation • Laboratory automation • Data acquisition systems • National Instruments • LabVIEW • Oscilloscopes • Spectrum analyzers • Signal generators • Embedded electronics • PCB integration • Sensors • Remote sensing • Signal processing • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) • Image processing • Computer vision • Control systems • Robotics • Experimental physics • Prototype development • Systems integration • Hardware validation • Verification and validation (V&V) Programming experience with one or more of: • Python • MATLAB • C • C++ • LabVIEW Ideal Candidate Background
We welcome candidates from: , • University research laboratories • National laboratories • Defense contractors • Government research organizations • Applied research organizations • Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) • Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) • MIT Lincoln Laboratory • Draper • AFRL • NASA • DOE National Laboratories Clearance Requirements • U.S. Citizenship required. • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance. • Active Secret Clearance preferred. • Active Top Secret or SCI clearance is a plus. Why Join Alaire?
At Alaire Technologies, you'll work on advanced technologies that directly support the U.S.
Navy and national defense. Whether you're an early-career engineer looking to build hands-on
experience or a senior researcher leading cutting-edge development, you'll have the opportunity
to contribute to meaningful, technically challenging programs alongside a highly collaborative
team.