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

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Graduate Lab Assistant information

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$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:

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.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Rockville, MD

Patient First
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

$19.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Locate patients, obtain vital signs, assess medical condition, and prepare patients for exams and treatments.

  • Assist Nurses and Physicians with patient treatment and care, and handle related requests.

  • Maintain cleanliness, sterilize instruments, restock supplies, and operate medical and office equipment.


Patient First rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Locating patients, obtaining accurate vital signs by visual and auditory measures, triaging patients, assessing patients' medical condition and preparing patients for physicals and medical treatment by Physicians and Nurses;
  • Electronically ordering lab, x-ray, and medical supplies as directed;
  • Notifying the Nurse and/or Physician when patient is ready for exam while communicating symptoms and relaying questions about lab or x-ray needs;
  • Assisting Nurses and Physicians with various forms of patient treatment and care;
  • Handling Physician and Nurse requests with respect and in a timely manner;
  • Sterilizing and setting up instruments;
  • Washing, drying, folding, and restocking laundry. Maintaining the cleanliness of the washing machine and dryer lint trap;
  • Receiving and storing supplies; restocking treatment rooms as needed;
  • Reporting to Charge Nurse before leaving at the end of the shift;
  • Following ancillary guidelines as deemed necessary by the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, Director of Medical Support (DMS), and Physician;
  • Adhering to established policies and procedures;
  • Maintaining cleanliness of the treatment area and completing biological cleanup in accordance with OSHA guidelines and other maintenance assignments as directed;
  • Participating in maintenance assignments as necessary and as directed;
  • Understanding and using the electronic medical record system;
  • Attending staff meetings as scheduled by the Nurse Supervisor or DMS;
  • Operating, using, and maintaining medical and office equipment as trained;
  • Completing assigned checklists and Policy Manager tasks within the assigned shift;
  • Being available to assist as needed (breaks and mealtimes may be interrupted at any time to provide necessary patient care or to maintain center operations);
  • Fostering teamwork and ensuring a positive and professional atmosphere;
  • Providing positive, warm, and friendly service in all interactions;
  • Understanding and performing all duties as assigned.

Minimum education and professional requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Employee must be 18 years of age or older;
  • Minimum typing experience;
  • High school graduate or equivalent;
  • Minimum of one year of clinical experience in a hospital or physician's office preferred;
  • Ability to hear pages, bells, and phone system;
  • Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time (possibly 4-7 hours at a time);
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds;
  • Ability to attend scheduled CPR classes and code drills;
  • Ability to prioritize and deal with numerous tasks at one time;
  • Willingness to work at any center due to a staffing or center emergency or reduction of work;
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Salary Range: $19.50 - $23.00, depending on experience.

Benefits and Other Compensation:

Health, Dental and Vision insurance for employees and dependents

Disability, Life and Long Term care insurance

Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending accounts, 401(k) Retirement Plan (with employer match)

Paid Annual Leave, Volunteer Time Off Pay, Bereavement Leave, Emergency Leave Bank

Overtime Pay, Holiday Pay, Double time compensation for all holidays worked

Discounted medical treatment at any Patient First location for employees and immediate family

Bonuses include:

- Recruitment bonus

- Patient Care Performance bonus (center employees only)

- Weekend bonus (center employees only)


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