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Laboratory Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$62K/yr

Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist: A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry ...

$75K/yr

Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist: A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry ...

As a Sr. Laboratory Scientist, duties are to perform laboratory testing and interpret test results using scientific knowledge and principles of test procedures and disease processes; recommends ...

Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 Inova's Central Laboratory is looking for a dedicated Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 to join their team! This position will be PRN position (As Needed). Inova is ...

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Laboratory Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$42.1K

$93.6K

$151.7K

How much do laboratory scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory scientist in Virginia is $93,610.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory scientist?

Laboratory scientists, also known as medical laboratory scientists or clinical laboratory technologists, are professionals who perform complex tests and analyses on body fluids, tissues, and other specimens to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They work with sophisticated laboratory equipment and follow strict protocols to ensure accurate results. Laboratory scientists play a critical role in healthcare by providing essential data that doctors and other medical professionals rely on for patient care.

What are some common challenges laboratory scientists face when working on cross-functional research projects?

Laboratory Scientists often collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, such as engineers, clinicians, and data analysts. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across different areas of expertise, especially when translating scientific data into actionable insights for non-scientists. Balancing multiple priorities, adapting to rapidly changing project goals, and managing shared lab equipment or resources can also add complexity. However, these collaborations offer valuable opportunities for professional growth and innovation, as they expose scientists to new methodologies and broader perspectives.

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

To excel as a Laboratory Scientist, you need in-depth knowledge of biology or chemistry, a relevant science degree, and often certification such as ASCP or equivalent. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and quality control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong organizational and communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies ensure accurate test results, compliance with safety standards, and effective teamwork in a laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Laboratory Scientist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory ScientistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in science; often a master's or Ph.D. for advanced rolesAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, hospitals, pharmaceutical companiesClinical labs, research facilities, manufacturing
Job ResponsibilitiesDesign experiments, analyze data, interpret resultsPrepare samples, operate equipment, record data

Laboratory Scientists typically hold higher degrees and focus on research, analysis, and experimental design, while Laboratory Technicians support these activities by preparing samples and maintaining equipment. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings, but Laboratory Scientists usually have more advanced responsibilities and qualifications.

How much do laboratory scientists get paid?

Laboratory scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary widely based on specialization, certifications, and the work environment, with some roles paying over $80,000 for experienced professionals in high-demand areas.

Is laboratory scientist work a good career?

A career as a laboratory scientist offers opportunities in healthcare, research, and diagnostics, often requiring a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. The job involves analyzing samples, using specialized equipment, and adhering to safety protocols, with employment prospects generally stable due to ongoing scientific and medical advancements.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Laboratory Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Laboratory Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,610 per year, or $45 per hour.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist


U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

About the Position: This position is located in a hospital or clinic setting and is responsible for performing Professional clinical laboratory science work supporting detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
This is a Direct Hire SolicitationQualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirement for Clinical Laboratory Scientist:
A. A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
OR
B. At least a full 4-year course of study that included 12 months in a college or hospital-based medical technology program or medical technology school approved by a recognized accrediting organization. The professional medical technology curriculum may have consisted of a 1-year post- bachelor's certificate program or the last 1 or 2 years of a 4-year program of study culminating in a bachelor's in medical technology.
OR
C. A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college/university that included 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, microbiology, Immunology and Urinalysis/Body Fluids. This combination of education and experience must have provided knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of medical technology equivalent to that provided by the full 4-year course of study described in A or B above. All science and mathematics courses must have been acceptable for credit toward meeting the requirements for a science major at an accredited college or university. Acceptable experience is responsible professional or technician experience in a hospital laboratory, health agency, industrial medical laboratory, or pharmaceutical house; or teaching, test development, or medical research program experience that provided an understanding of the methods and techniques applied in performing professional clinical laboratory work. Certification/licensure as a medical technologist (generalist) obtained through written examination by a nationally recognized credentialing agency or State licensing body is a good indication that the quality of experience is acceptable.
Evaluation of Education and Experience: The four major areas of clinical laboratory science are microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and immunohematology (blood banking). Qualifying course work in these areas includes bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, tissue culture, virology, parasitology, endocrinology, enzymology, toxicology, urinalysis, coagulation, hemostasis, cell morphology, immunology, serology, immunoserology, immuno-deficiency, hemolysis, histocompatibility, cyto-genetics, and similar disciplines or areas of laboratory practice.
Related fields include physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, cell biology, embryology, pathology, genetics, pharmacology, histology, cytology, nuclear medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, infection control, physics, statistics, and similar areas of science where the work is directly related to the position to be filled.
Exemption: You are exempt from the basic requirements above if you are a current federal employee occupying a position in the 0644 occupational series and have been continuously employed in this occupational series since September 27, 2017 or before. Note: You will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the respective Human Resources Office to validate your status.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes performing routine testing in a clinical laboratory and calibrating or maintaining clinical laboratory instruments. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
This position has Selective Placement Factor which must be met prior to employment and for continued employment.
Certification: Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologist (AMT) or other board or registry deemed comparable by Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (OASD(HA)) or their designee as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Lab Scientist (MLS).Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER


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