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Graduate Lab Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Assistant I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$14.71/hr

Lab Assistant I - Chantilly, VA, Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM Department: Clinical Lab ... High School Graduate or equivalent required. Work Experience: * Previous laboratory experience and ...

Inova Health System

Manager Cath Lab

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Develop cost-saving strategies for individual labs and assist the department in maintaining ... RCIS, RCES, RTRCV, RTRVI, RTRC and graduate of an accredited School of Cardiovascular Technology or ...

HonorVet Technologies

RN - Cardiac Cath Lab

Washington, DC · On-site

$2.8K - $3.8K/wk

... Key Responsibilities: * Assist physicians during diagnostic and interventional cardiac ... Graduate of an accredited or NLN-approved Registered Nurse (RN) program . * Minimum 2+ years of ...

Matrix Providers

Certified Medical Assistant

Quantico, VA · On-site

$23.23 - $24.45/hr

Certificate; Graduate from a medical assistant training program accredited by Commission on ... Complete lab and x-ray requisitions in accordance with clinic policies. * Enter demographic data ...

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Graduate Lab Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do graduate lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate lab assistant in Reston, VA is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate lab assistant?

Graduate lab assistants are graduate students who support professors and researchers in academic or research laboratories. Their responsibilities typically include preparing laboratory materials, assisting with experiments, maintaining equipment, and sometimes helping undergraduate students with lab work. They may also collect and analyze data, keep detailed records, and ensure that safety protocols are followed. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in scientific research and laboratory management, which is beneficial for their academic and career development.

What does a graduate lab assistant do?

As a Graduate Lab Assistant, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on and organizational tasks each day. These often include preparing materials and equipment for experiments, assisting with data collection and analysis, maintaining laboratory cleanliness and safety standards, and supporting researchers or instructors with ongoing projects. You may also be responsible for inventory management and occasionally training new students on laboratory protocols. The role offers valuable exposure to advanced lab techniques and fosters close collaboration with faculty and research teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate lab assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Lab Assistant, you need a solid background in laboratory techniques, scientific research methods, and relevant coursework in your field of study. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data analysis software such as Excel or specialized scientific tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, maintain lab safety, and support successful research outcomes.

What is the difference between Graduate Lab Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectGraduate Lab AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, relevant courseworkUndergraduate or graduate student, relevant field of study
Work EnvironmentUniversity labs, academic settingsResearch institutions, labs, or university departments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research projectsResearch organizations, academic or industry research
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Graduate Lab Assistant and a Research Intern lies in their educational status and scope of work. Graduate Lab Assistants are typically enrolled graduate students working within university labs, focusing on supporting ongoing research. Research Interns may be undergraduate or graduate students gaining practical experience in research settings, often for a limited period. Both roles involve assisting with experiments and data collection but differ mainly in their educational level and specific responsibilities.

Can you get a graduate lab assistant job with no experience?

Graduate lab assistant positions often do not require extensive prior experience, as they typically provide on-the-job training. However, having relevant coursework, basic laboratory skills, or familiarity with scientific tools can improve chances of hiring. Employers may also look for strong organizational skills and the ability to follow safety protocols.

What qualifications do I need to be a graduate lab assistant?

To become a graduate lab assistant, candidates typically need to be enrolled in a relevant graduate program and have a strong background in the subject area, such as biology, chemistry, or engineering. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with lab equipment; some positions may also require prior research experience or certifications in safety procedures. Educational requirements usually include maintaining a minimum GPA and meeting any specific program prerequisites.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Graduate Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Graduate Lab Assistant job openings:

Graduate Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Lab Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,813 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Lab Assistant I

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Quest Diagnostics
See more jobs at Quest Diagnosticsexternal

$14.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 121 rated laboratories

Job description


Lab Assistant I - Chantilly, VA, Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Department: Clinical Lab - Immunology - Main
Performs various routine laboratory functions in a precise and accurate fashion to assist the laboratory professional staff and to facilitate production.
Pay range: $17.20 - $22.81 / hour
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!

Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Organizes specimens and reagents prior to the day technologists' arrival.
  • Identifies missing specimens to Specimen Processing.
  • Stores and prepares order for reagent and materials delivered by the warehouse.
  • Responsible for informing supervisory personnel of suspected problems.
  • Perform specimen receiving, labeling, handling and preparation.
  • Assist with pre-analytical preparation of specimens (e.g., printing labels, uncap/cap specimen tubes, aliquot specimens, prepare racks, worklists, enter/scan specimens).
  • Record digital temperature; notify license-qualified personnel if the temperature is out of range.
  • Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment, under direct and constant supervision. Activity must be signed-off by license-qualified personnel.
  • Assist in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
  • Clean, organize and maintain work area, glassware and laboratory equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers and supply cabinets, as needed).
  • Assist with monitoring the department pending and overdue lists, which includes, searching, locating, following up and filing appropriate documentation.
  • Perform other departmental tasks such as filing, archiving and retrieving slides/blocks, reports, requisitions/other paperwork and answering the telephone.
  • Dispose of biohazardous material.
  • Perform QA/QC duties as assigned.
  • Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
  • Comply with all health and safety policies, procedures and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Qualifications
Education Preferred:
  • High School Graduate or equivalent required.

Work Experience:
  • Previous laboratory experience and/or training preferred

Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
  • Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
  • Frequent walking and/or standing.
  • May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Extreme willingness to work in a cooperative manner.
  • Required to handle biological samples and potentially hazardous chemicals.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or errors on an ongoing basis and retain the information once learned.
  • Must be detail-oriented, able to work independently, establish work priorities and handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
  • Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and, Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.

About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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