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Laboratory Automation Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

MSD

Software Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

The Software Engineer is responsible for the design enhancement, integration, testing and life cycle support of MSD's advanced laboratory automation software products. The position involves ...

Meso Scale Discovery

Software Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site +1

$78K - $116K/yr

The Software Engineer is responsible for the design enhancement, integration, testing and life cycle support of MSD's advanced laboratory automation software products. The position involves ...

TAI

Automation and Controls Engineer

Harmans, MD · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

This Automation & Controls Engineer plays a hands-on role supporting and enhancing the automated ... Working within GMP manufacturing and laboratory environments, the position focuses on ...

GDIT

Scientific IT Service Desk Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Advanced familiarity with emerging scientific computing technologies, laboratory automation platforms, or instrument ecosystem integrations. * Proven ability to build longterm relationships with ...

GDIT

Scientific IT Service Desk Manager

Bethesda, MD

$131K - $178K/yr

Advanced familiarity with emerging scientific computing technologies, laboratory automation platforms, or instrument ecosystem integrations. * Proven ability to build longterm relationships with ...

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Laboratory Automation information

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$10

$28

$51

How much do laboratory automation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory automation in Washington is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in laboratory automation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Laboratory Automation, you need a solid background in laboratory sciences, automation technology, and process optimization, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), robotics, automated analyzers, and data analysis software is frequently required, and certifications like CLIA or specialized vendor training can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in dynamic lab settings and collaborate across teams. These skills ensure laboratory processes run efficiently, accurately, and safely, enabling high-throughput results critical for research and diagnostics.

What does a laboratory automation professional do?

A Laboratory Automation professional typically oversees the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated lab equipment and robotics. Daily tasks often include programming and calibrating instruments, ensuring data integrity, optimizing workflows, and supporting scientists and researchers with technical issues. Collaboration is key, as you’ll regularly coordinate with lab technicians, IT staff, and researchers to implement new automation solutions and improve laboratory efficiency. This role also involves routine documentation and reporting to maintain compliance with industry standards. Staying proactive and resourceful is crucial for identifying and resolving potential system bottlenecks and ensuring smooth laboratory operations.

What is a laboratory automation?

A Laboratory Automation job involves designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems to streamline laboratory workflows. Professionals in this field work with robotics, software, and instrumentation to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility in experiments. They collaborate with scientists, engineers, and IT specialists to develop solutions for high-throughput screening, data management, and sample processing. This role is essential in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics, where automation enhances research and testing capabilities.

What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Automation jobs in Washington? For Laboratory Automation jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Laboratory Automation jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Laboratory Automation jobs in Washington are:
Laboratory Automation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Automation job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,480 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

NIST PREP Research Scientist in Laboratory Automation for Cell-Based Assays

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title: Laboratory Automation for Cell-Based Assays (U.S. Citizens preferred)
The work will entail: The Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified persons (U.S. citizens preferred) to contribute to the development of advanced measurement infrastructure for biomanufacturing and the automation of biological assays. These activities underpin distributed manufacturing concepts made possible by the emergence of biofoundry networks and cloud laboratories. The selected candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team developing transferable cell expansion processes and assay performance specifications for automated systems to ensure reliability in next-generation platform manufacturing. The candidate will contribute to the unique measurement and tooling needs required to facilitate innovation in the U.S. bioeconomy.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Conduct innovative research in transferable manufacturing systems for living-cell reference materials.
  • Translate experimental designs into automated laboratory instrumentation programs.
  • Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and interpret results.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the institute.
  • Write and publish manuscripts for peer-reviewed and open-science mediums.

Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
  • Experience working with mammalian cell cultures, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
  • Experience writing and executing programs on large laboratory automation systems (e.g., liquid handlers, automated microscopes) for cellular measurements.
  • A track record in interdisciplinary research, particularly within automated laboratory frameworks.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to travel occasionally for collaborations.
  • Present findings at national conferences and institutional meetings.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004160

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