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Lab Trainee Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Associate I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$18.39/hr

Lab Associate I - Chantilly, VA 3rd shift: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM Department ... other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory. * Prepares and maintains complete and ...

UVA Health

Senior Medical Lab Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

Medical Lab Scientist Senior Job Code: LA3385 ABOUT US We are welcoming a new era in healthcare ... Trainees are supervised at all times during performance and reporting of laboratory results.

Umd

ARLIS RISC Internship

College Park, MD · On-site

Department VPR-Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security Worker Sub-Type Trainee/Intern (Fixed Term) (Trainee) Salary Range Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion ...

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How much do lab trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab trainee in Washington is $23.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Trainee, you need a solid background in biological or chemical sciences, attention to detail, and often at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, basic data analysis software, and adherence to safety protocols are typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and eagerness to learn help Lab Trainees excel and contribute positively to team dynamics. These skills ensure experiments are conducted accurately, safely, and efficiently, supporting reliable research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Trainees during their initial months, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, learning to use specialized equipment, and managing time efficiently amidst multiple tasks. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but proactively seeking guidance from experienced team members and regularly reviewing standard operating procedures can ease the transition. Open communication with supervisors and participating in hands-on training sessions also help build confidence and competence in the lab environment.

What are Lab Trainees?

Lab Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training in a laboratory setting to gain practical experience and develop essential skills in scientific research or testing. Their responsibilities often include assisting with experiments, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and learning laboratory safety protocols. Lab Trainees work under the supervision of experienced scientists or technicians and may be students, recent graduates, or new employees. This position provides foundational experience necessary for a career in science or laboratory technology.

What is the difference between Lab Trainee vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab TraineeLab Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education; no formal certification requiredUsually holds a diploma or certification in laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised, learning-focusedOperational laboratory environment, performing routine tests and procedures
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research labs, hospitals during trainingHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities

In summary, a Lab Trainee is primarily in a learning phase, gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while a Lab Technician is a trained professional responsible for conducting laboratory tests independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Trainee jobs in Washington? For Lab Trainee jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Trainee jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Trainee jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Lab Trainee jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Lab Trainee job openings:
Lab Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Trainee job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,823 per year, or $24 per hour.
Lab Associate I

Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$18.39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Job Description
Lab Associate I - Chantilly, VA
3rd shift: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM
Department: Clinical Laboratory - Microbio General
This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures.
Pay range: $18.39+ per hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
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:
  • Investigates and resolve missing samples in the department.
  • Respond to "code purple" and document findings.
  • 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.
  • Liaison for the department and technical support
  • Creates manual testing worksheets in the department.
  • Maintains files for department records.
  • Report problems/potential problems to the supervisor.
  • Special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.
  • Assist with the department Improvement Program.
  • Coordinates obtaining samples for Instrument Comparisons, reagent lot testing method comparisons, etc.
  • 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.
  • Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
  • Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
  • Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately.
  • Assists license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post- analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
  • Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
  • Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
  • Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing.
  • Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
  • Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
  • Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
  • Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
  • Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
  • Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
  • Complies 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.
  • 2-3 years of college courses preferred.

Work Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience preferred

Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
  • Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand.
  • Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
  • Have good eye and hand coordination.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Knowledge of medical terminology helpful.
  • Ability to work independently, employing research skills and flexibility.
  • Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
  • Broad knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures.
  • Ability to establish work priorities and to handle several tasks for maximum department efficiency.
  • Contact with clients will be required, good customer service skills important.
  • A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
  • An awareness of the factors that influence test results.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Strong typing skills desirable.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
  • Other automation skills helpful.

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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