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Lab Research Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Research / Scientific The DiFeliceantonio (DONNUT) Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech is seeking an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Associate. Led by Dr. DiFeliceantonio, the ...

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$12

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How much do lab research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab research 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.

Do research lab assistants get paid?

Research lab assistants are typically paid employees who receive wages or stipends for their work, which can vary based on experience, education, and the employer. Many positions are part-time or full-time, and some may require specific skills or certifications such as laboratory techniques or safety training.

What does a Lab Research Associate do?

A Lab Research Associate supports scientific research by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often assist senior researchers in designing studies, collecting samples, and performing routine tests. Their role is crucial in ensuring that experiments are conducted accurately and efficiently, following safety protocols and documentation standards. Lab Research Associates work in various settings, including universities, hospitals, and private research facilities.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a lab research associate, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or related sciences. Laboratory experience, familiarity with lab equipment, and strong attention to detail are also important qualifications. Some positions may require specific certifications or training depending on the laboratory environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Research Associates when managing multiple experiments simultaneously?

Lab Research Associates often juggle several experiments at once, which can be challenging due to the need for precise timing, meticulous record-keeping, and coordination with other team members. Unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or reagent shortages, may require quick troubleshooting and adaptability. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential to ensure that data is accurately collected and experiments are completed within deadlines. Collaborating closely with principal investigators and fellow researchers also helps in prioritizing tasks and sharing resources efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Lab Research Associate, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or a related field, usually with a bachelor's or master's degree and experience in laboratory techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and protocols like PCR or chromatography is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These capabilities ensure accurate results, maintain safety standards, and contribute to successful research outcomes.

What is a research associate in a lab?

A research associate in a lab is a professional responsible for conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting research projects. They often work under the supervision of principal investigators and may use laboratory equipment and techniques such as pipetting, microscopy, or data management tools. This role typically requires a relevant degree and strong attention to detail.

What qualifications do I need to be a research associate?

To become a research associate, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or related sciences. Some positions may require a master's degree or higher, along with laboratory skills, familiarity with research methodologies, and proficiency with scientific tools and data analysis software.
What are popular job titles related to Lab Research Associate jobs in Virginia? For Lab Research Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Research Associate jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Research Associate jobs in Virginia are:
Lab Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Research Associate job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% 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.
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and apply computational methods for analyzing large-scale genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, single-cell, spatial, and multi-omic datasets relevant to vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease.

  • Build, benchmark, and maintain robust bioinformatics pipelines for data processing, quality control, integration, visualization, and reproducible analysis.

  • Work closely with lab members and international collaborators to harmonize datasets, refine analysis strategies, interpret findings, and present progress in meetings.

University Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

scholarship during the training period.
The Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Miller Lab and contribute to the Leducq COMET Network, an international collaborative effort focused on understanding the mechanisms of vascular calcification and related cardiovascular diseases.
This position is an outstanding opportunity for a computational scientist with strong training in bioinformatics, machine learning, and large-scale genomic data analysis to work at the interface of human genetics, single-cell and spatial multi-omics, cardiovascular biology, and translational medicine. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced computational approaches to identify disease-associated genes, pathways, cell states, and regulatory mechanisms involved in vascular calcification, atherosclerosis, and broader cardiovascular disease.
Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia is renowned for its commitment to advancing knowledge, educating leaders, and cultivating informed citizenship. The Department of Genome Sciences addresses fundamental questions in biology, public health, and medicine by developing and applying state-of-the-art genetic, genomic, computational, and multi-omic approaches to complex human diseases. The Miller Lab focuses on unraveling cardiovascular disease mechanisms by integrating large-scale human genetics, single-cell and spatial multi-omics, functional genomics, and data science approaches.
As part of the Leducq COMET Network, the successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative international environment involving data scientists, genomicists, statisticians, vascular biologists, cardiologists, and other clinical and translational experts. The candidate will contribute to the development of scalable computational pipelines, machine learning workflows, and integrative analyses that enable mechanistic discovery across diverse genomic and multi-omic datasets.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
  • Develop and apply computational methods for the analysis of large-scale genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, single-cell, spatial, and multi-omic datasets relevant to vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease.
  • Build, benchmark, and maintain robust bioinformatics pipelines for data processing, quality control, integration, visualization, and reproducible analysis.
  • Use machine learning and statistical approaches to identify disease-associated genes, pathways, regulatory programs, cell states, and molecular mechanisms.
  • Integrate human genetics, functional genomics, and multi-omic datasets to prioritize candidate genes and causal pathways involved in vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease.
  • Work closely with lab members and Leducq COMET Network collaborators to harmonize datasets, refine analysis strategies, and interpret findings in a biological and clinical context.
  • Present progress in weekly group meetings and monthly consortium meetings.
  • Draft manuscripts, contribute to grant applications, and support dissemination of findings through publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
  • Contribute to the training and mentorship of junior lab members, including graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and computational trainees.

Required qualifications:
  • PhD degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, genetics, biostatistics, statistics, computer science, biomedical engineering, systems biology, or a related quantitative discipline.
  • Strong programming skills in R and Python.
  • Experience working in Linux/Unix environments and using bash, high-performance computing systems, and reproducible computational workflows.
  • Experience analyzing large-scale genomic or multi-omic datasets.
  • Familiarity with workflow management systems such as Nextflow.
  • Strong understanding of statistical analysis, data visualization, and reproducible research practices.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with single-cell RNA-seq, single-cell ATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, or other high-dimensional omics datasets.
  • Familiarity with cardiovascular biology, vascular disease, vascular calcification, atherosclerosis, or related disease areas.
  • Experience with machine learning frameworks and workflows, including PyTorch, scikit-learn, and standard supervised and unsupervised learning approaches.
  • Experience developing, containerizing, and documenting reusable computational pipelines.
  • Familiarity with version control, package development, cloud or HPC deployment, and collaborative coding practices.
  • Prior experience contributing to manuscripts, grants, consortium projects, or large collaborative research efforts.

Ideal candidate profile:
The ideal candidate will be a rigorous and creative computational scientist who enjoys developing new analytical approaches while working closely with experimental, clinical, and quantitative collaborators. They will have a strong track record of programming, data
analysis, and problem-solving, along with the ability to communicate complex computational results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. A strong team-oriented mindset and enthusiasm for mentoring junior researchers are essential.
This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
Salary range : 50-70k yearly will be commensurate with education and experience
How to Apply
Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0083987. Complete an application with the following documents:
  • CV (required)
  • Cover letter (required)
  • Academic transcripts (optional)
  • Names of 3 references (required)

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.
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

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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

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