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Food Lab Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Sr Technician Specialist

Columbia, MD · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

... food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future ... This role will report to the Sr. Lab Supervisor and is based on-site in Columbia, MD.

WIC - Center Manager

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$68 - $76/hr

Prescribes appropriate food packages following State guidelines and the applicant's dietary/health ... Accurately obtains and documents anthropometric and lab data as necessary * Utilizes correct method ...

New

WIC - Center Manager

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$68K - $76K/yr

Prescribes standard and non-standard food packages when necessary. KEY FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES ... Assures that staff accurately obtains and documents anthropometric and lab data. Performs the ...

Barista

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We are searching for an engaging, courteous barista who is passionate about food and beverage preparation and education. The barista will greet customers, answer their questions, take orders and ...

Barista

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

We are searching for an engaging, courteous barista who is passionate about food and beverage preparation and education. The barista will greet customers, answer their questions, take orders and ...

The Laboratory for MicroTechnologies and the Neurobiology Lab at the University of Maryland are ... food and perfume industries, and public safety. The research is being performed collaboratively at ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Lab information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$28

$51

How much do food lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab in Washington, DC is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food lab?

A food lab is a specialized facility where food products are tested, analyzed, and developed to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. Food labs conduct a variety of tests, such as checking for contaminants, nutritional content, shelf life, and sensory qualities. They play a crucial role in supporting food manufacturers, researchers, and regulatory agencies to maintain food safety standards and innovate new products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Lab Technician, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or microbiology, often supported by a relevant degree or laboratory certification. Familiarity with lab equipment, quality control systems, and safety regulations such as HACCP or ISO standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring food safety, maintaining product quality, and supporting regulatory compliance in food production environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a food lab, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in a food lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety and sanitation standards, managing tight deadlines for product testing, and adapting to rapidly changing regulatory requirements. Collaboration across departments—such as quality assurance, research and development, and production—is essential to ensure accurate results and product safety. Staying organized, communicating clearly with team members, and keeping up-to-date with current food safety protocols can help mitigate these challenges and support a productive work environment.

What is the difference between Food Lab vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood LabFood Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related fieldRequires a degree in food science, chemistry, or related field; often advanced degrees for research roles
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, food production facilities, testing centersResearch labs, food manufacturing companies, academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, testing labs, quality assuranceFood industry R&D, academia, government agencies

Food Lab roles focus on testing, quality control, and product development in practical settings, while Food Scientists often engage in research, product innovation, and scientific analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Lab jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Food Lab jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Lab jobs in Washington, DC?

For Food Lab jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Food Lab job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,480 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Sr Technician Specialist

W. R. Grace & Co.

Columbia, MD • On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Annual Wage Range: $66,744.00  - $91,773.00 
Other Compensation:  Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses 
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

The Sr Technician Specialist will support the Materials Technologies business in various Research and Development (R&D) projects. This role involves performing laboratory work on Grace Silica products which are used in a wide range of applications including coatings, electronics, renewable diesel, edible oil, renewable diesel, oil and gas, catalysis, metal processing, and many more. This role will report to the Sr. Lab Supervisor and is based on-site in Columbia, MD.

Responsibilities
  • Manages day-to-day tasks and operations across multiple laboratories.
  • Assists engineers and scientists with a variety of laboratory tasks.
  • Performs chemical and/or physical analyses or scientific tests using both routine and special techniques in compliance with all safety standards.
  • Collects, analyzes, and processes laboratory samples.
  • Records results of tests, organizes data, performs basic computations, and prepares reports and analyses using standard procedures and guidelines.
  • Provides technical support to Sales, Marketing, Technical Service and Manufacturing organizations as needed.
  • Actively participates in required local safety program, along with the ability to work safely and maintain a clean and orderly lab environment. 
  • Installs, operates, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs laboratory test equipment, apparatus, systems and supplies.
  • Travel less than 10%
Physical Requirements and Environment
  • Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and climb stairs.
  • Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to laboratory gloves, lab coat, protective eyewear, hard hat, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator.
  • Ability to work in a high hazard environment, including elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and noisy surroundings.
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a laboratory environment with highly hazardous materials.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related technical field
  • Or Associates Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related technical field and 2+ years related technical experience will also be considered.
  • Knowledge of basic chemical and engineering principles. 
  • Familiarity with computer programs such as MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
  • Experience with edible oils, catalysis, design and operation of lab-scale catalytic reactors.
  • Proficient with operation of typical computer-controlled laboratory instrumentation.
  • Diligent at keeping written and/or electronic records.
  • Some prior knowledge of inorganic chemistry.
  • Good manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude.
  • Strong knowledge of basic wet-chemistry laboratory techniques.
  • Ability to work well in a team setting.
  • Good interpersonal skills and exceptional oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision.
  • Ability to communicate with other functions, including sales and marketing on regular basis.
  • English language proficiency.
  • Commitment to maintaining a safe and organized laboratory environment.

#LI-SK1

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Grace Wellness Program
  • Flexible Workplace with maximum overlap with the core hours
  • Retirement Plans 
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company Donation Match Program

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.