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Lab Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Histology Assistant 1

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Histology Assistant Inova Central Lab is looking for a dedicated Histology Assistant to join their team! This position has Fulltime and Part-time and several shifts available: FT/ Mon-Fri, 5am-1:30pm ...

Inova Primary Care

Histology Assistant 1

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Histology Assistant Inova Central Lab is looking for a dedicated Histology Assistant to join their team! This position has Fulltime and Part-time and several shifts available: FT/ Mon-Fri, 5am-1:30pm ...

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Associate I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$18.39/hr

Trainer for the department Lab Assistants and completes training/competency checklists as appropriate. * Resolves pending list in coordination with Lab Assistants and Medical Lab Scientists.

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Associate I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$18.39/hr

Trainer for the department Lab Assistants and completes training/competency checklists as appropriate. * Resolves pending list in coordination with Lab Assistants and Medical Lab Scientists.

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Lab Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 are some common challenges faced by Lab Assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and ensuring the accuracy of data collection. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate proactively with supervisors and colleagues, and remain attentive to details when handling samples or preparing equipment. Many labs offer training on safety and procedures, so taking advantage of these resources can help new hires adapt quickly and perform confidently in their roles.

What are lab assistants?

Lab assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, or instructors by preparing laboratory equipment, conducting routine experiments, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. They may also be responsible for recording data, managing supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. Lab assistants work in various settings, including educational institutions, research facilities, hospitals, and private laboratories.

What Is a Lab Assistant?

As a laboratory assistant or lab technician, you are responsible for helping scientists conduct experiments in a laboratory environment. You may be asked to prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment and log readings and results. Your responsibilities may also include performing basic analyses of samples and recording results accurately. Your responsibilities will vary based on the type of lab you work in, but compliance with protocols and commitment to safety and accuracy are critical in any lab.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced lab assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and often an associate degree or relevant coursework in science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and proper sample handling techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain lab safety standards, and support smooth laboratory operations.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or certifications in laboratory procedures or safety. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Some roles may also require familiarity with specific tools or software used in labs.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing experiments, maintaining equipment, recording data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under supervision, use tools like microscopes and lab instruments, and may need basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety standards.

Which lab job pays the most?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Managers or Principal Investigators tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Positions requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills, or extensive experience generally offer higher pay compared to entry-level lab assistant roles.

What is the difference between Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with sample collection, prepare specimens, maintain lab equipmentPerform complex tests, analyze samples, report results
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and research settingsPrimarily in medical diagnostics and healthcare

While both roles support laboratory operations, Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more advanced testing and require specialized education. Lab Assistants typically handle basic tasks and support lab staff, making them entry-level positions in healthcare labs.

More about Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Research Assistant Professor - The Khleif Lab, Jeannie and Tony Loop Center of Immuno-Oncology

Research Assistant Professor - The Khleif Lab, Jeannie and Tony Loop Center of Immuno-Oncology

Georgetown University

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Georgetown University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

248th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Khleif Lab at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is currently looking for a talented scientist for the position of an Assistant Professor (Research Track) in the field of T cell immunology, Cancer Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy. The suitable person will have extensive experience in the field of immunology with a special focus on cancer biology, demonstrated by publications in high impact journals. The person would be well versed with various techniques used in the field of cancer immunology as well as having the ability to plan, execute and troubleshoot the experiments. The applicant would be conducting research and publishing papers in high-impact academic journals. One of the key aspects would also be to recruit, train and supervise a team of postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students and other junior members of the lab. The individual would be collaborating with other faculty members as well as lab members helping them in their experiments, acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data. Another requirement would be the ability to write reports, make presentations and contribute to writing the grant proposals.
Job description and expectations: Candidates should have a Ph.D. / MD in Immunology or a closely related field with at least 5 years of post-doctoral experience. This position will involve supervising studies that involve in vitro assays and in vivo mouse tumor models to understand mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance, exploration of pathways involved in signal transduction in different T cell subsets and establishment of mechanisms of action for various immune therapeutics. The candidate must be proficient in oral and written English, be able to work independently and collaboratively in a matrixed environment, have excellent organizational skills, and be able to analyze, interpret and communicate data in a logical and timely manner. The candidate is also expected to supervise a team of researchers at various levels.
About the Lab: The Khleif Laboratory offers a highly competitive, stimulating and dynamic working environment within an exceptional scientific setting in an international, young, enthusiastic, motivated team. The laboratory is basic science/translational immunology, immuno-oncology and immunotherapy based. The major emphasis is on immune therapy mechanism of action, immune resistance and T cell plasticity and reprograming. The laboratory is part of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center (LCCC), a multidisciplinary research center focusing on cancer, genetics, metabolism and immune-therapy. LCCC offers many Core facilities including: Imaging, Molecular Biology, Metabolomics, Histology and mouse facility, etc. Technical support is granted within the lab. Georgetown University Medical School is an equal opportunity employer and all eligible candidates irrespective of their social background are welcome to apply.
The projected base salary range for this position is $80,000 - $92,000. Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University's business needs and external factors.

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About Georgetown University

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Georgetown University, located in Washington, DC, US, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the higher education industry. As a private research university, Georgetown offers a wide range of programs and services in various academic disciplines. The institution was founded in 1789 by John Carroll, America's first Catholic bishop, and carries a rich history ingrained in Jesuit values like cura personalis (care for the whole person) and men and women for others. The mission of Georgetown University is to shape individuals who seek to better the world and its diverse cultures, thus creating a positive impact on societies. It is recognized for its fruitful legacy in academics, commitment to social justice, and fostering of global awareness and understanding among its students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1789

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