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Lab Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technologist

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Associate degree in related field or equivalent * Minimum of two years laboratory experience or ... As a Lab Technologist, you will: * Perform a wide variety of tests and analyses for investigation ...

Lab Technologist

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Associate degree in related field or equivalent * Minimum of two years laboratory experience or ... As a Lab Technologist, you will: * Perform a wide variety of tests and analyses for investigation ...

Showing results 41-60

Lab Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Virginia is $22.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab associate?

Lab Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of laboratories by performing tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They typically work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and help ensure that laboratory procedures are followed safely and accurately. Lab Associates play a crucial role in supporting research and development, quality control, or diagnostic testing in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the specific lab setting and industry.

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

To thrive as a Lab Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and efficient support for scientific research or clinical testing.

What are some typical challenges a lab associate might face during day-to-day work, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring precise documentation, and maintaining equipment. Staying organized by keeping detailed lab notes and using lab management software can help streamline workflow. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is vital to address any issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment. Regularly scheduled equipment checks and proactive troubleshooting also contribute to smoother operations.

What is the difference between Lab Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications varyAssociate degree or relevant certification; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, data entry, basic testingPerforming tests, maintaining equipment, recording results
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, research, biotechMedical, industrial, research sectors

Both Lab Associates and Laboratory Technicians work in similar environments and often share educational requirements. The main difference lies in specific job duties, with Laboratory Technicians typically performing more complex tests and equipment maintenance. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Lab Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Lab Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,127 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Lab Technician or Specialist, Witt Lab - Surgery

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

University of Virginia
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Department of Surgery at the University of Virginia's (UVA) School of Medicine, seeks a Lab Technician or Specialist to work in the lab of Dr. Russell Witt. The incumbent will participate in the planning, design, execution, and management of research projects in Dr. Russell Witt's foundational biological/health science research laboratory at the Comprehensive Cancer Center, focusing on melanoma cancer research. Dr. Witt's lab studies the interactions between obesity, sex hormones, and melanoma treatment responses. For more information regarding the lab, please see: https://wittlab.squarespace.com/ .
Essential Duties Breakdown:
35% In Vivo Research and Mouse Colony Management
  • Performs mouse experiments for cancer research, including tumor implantation, drug administration, tumor measurements, animal monitoring, and collection of tissues and blood.
  • Maintains breeding colonies, including breeding setup, weaning, genotyping, colony tracking, and recordkeeping.
  • Performs necropsies, euthanasia, and tissue harvesting in accordance with approved protocols.
  • Monitors animal health and experimental endpoints and communicates concerns promptly to the principal investigator and veterinary staff.
  • Maintains accurate animal-use records and ensures compliance with institutional animal care and use protocols.
  • Assists with the development, optimization, and implementation of new mouse models and in vivo experimental techniques.

35% Research Project Planning and Execution
  • Participates in the planning, design, execution, and management of cancer research projects.
  • Designs and performs laboratory experiments using molecular, cellular, biochemical, and histologic techniques.
  • Collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents experimental data.
  • Establishes appropriate experimental controls, quality standards, and reproducibility measures.
  • Reviews relevant scientific literature and incorporates emerging methods into ongoing projects.
  • Troubleshoots experiments and recommends modifications to experimental designs and analytical approaches.

15% Research Documentation and Dissemination
  • Maintains complete and accurate experimental records, protocols, datasets, and laboratory documentation.
  • Assists with preparation of research manuscripts, abstracts, figures, presentations, and reports.
  • Assists the principal investigator with preliminary data, experimental plans, and other materials for new or renewed extramural funding applications.

15% Laboratory Operations and Compliance
  • Provides regular updates to the principal investigator regarding research progress, experimental results, and operational needs.
  • Coordinates laboratory supplies, inventory, ordering, and organization.
  • Oversees routine maintenance, calibration, and testing of laboratory equipment.
  • Helps maintain compliance with institutional biosafety, animal-use, and laboratory safety requirements.
  • Performs additional duties consistent with the position as assigned.

Minimum requirements:
Lab Technician:
  • Education: Associate's degree required; may accept equivalent combination of experience, education, certification in lieu of degree.
  • Experience: 2+ years of lab experience which may include student experience.

Lab Specialist:
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Experience: 1-3+ of experience in a lab setting.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Ability to translate, adapt, and apply academic and/or practical knowledge in conducting biological/health science research
  • Experience in a biological/health science research capacity

Anticipated Hiring Range: $20 - $23/hour commensurate with education and experience.
This position WILL consider sponsor applicants already in the US for work visas. This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.
This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is a full-time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed health screen is required for this position.
Physical Demands: This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other benchwork and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.
Application Process:
Please apply online , and search for R0085877. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application online with the following documents:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration.
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.
For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819