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Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

... Lab and Center for Evaluating Modes of Influenza Transmission with additional support (30 ... as an Assistant Professor on the professional research track in the School of Public Health ...

Research Nurse

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$56/hr

Collaborate with PIs to interpret research data for protocol team. * Assist investigators and ... and lab personnel and PI, following subjects between visits) for human microbiome outpatient ...

Research Nurse

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$56/hr

Collaborate with PIs to interpret research data for protocol team. Assist investigators and medical ... and lab personnel and PI, following subjects between visits) for human microbiome outpatient ...

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Research Lab Assistant information

See Springfield, VA salary details

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How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Springfield, VA is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Research Lab Assistant, you need a background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and knowledge of standard lab procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data management systems such as LIMS is typically expected. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate experimental results, maintaining laboratory safety, and supporting research productivity.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; many positions prefer or require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or psychology. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with laboratory equipment or data analysis software are also important qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Lab Assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Research Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining accuracy in data collection, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on lab work can be demanding, especially during busy project phases. Effective time management, clear communication with the research team, and organization skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges. Proactively seeking clarification and regular training on lab procedures can also help minimize errors and improve efficiency.

Is it hard to get a job as a research assistant?

Securing a research lab assistant position can be competitive and often requires relevant coursework, strong organizational skills, and sometimes prior research experience. Candidates with good academic records, familiarity with laboratory tools, and the ability to follow protocols tend to have better chances of obtaining such roles.

What does a Research Lab Assistant do?

A Research Lab Assistant supports scientists and researchers by preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring the lab is clean and organized. They may also be responsible for documenting results, ordering supplies, and following safety protocols. Their role is essential for the smooth functioning of research projects and helps advance scientific studies efficiently.

What does a research assistant do in a lab?

A research lab assistant supports scientific experiments and data collection by preparing materials, maintaining equipment, and recording results. They often follow protocols, assist with analysis, and ensure the smooth operation of laboratory activities, typically requiring attention to detail and familiarity with lab tools and safety procedures.

What is the difference between Research Lab Assistant vs Research Technician?

AspectResearch Lab AssistantResearch Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationAssociate's degree or specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with experimentsLaboratory, often more hands-on with equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsResearch institutions, healthcare, biotech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesClarifying technical support roles in labs

The main difference between a Research Lab Assistant and a Research Technician lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Research Lab Assistants typically support experiments and perform basic lab tasks, often requiring an associate's degree. Research Technicians usually have more technical duties, including operating equipment and data collection, often with similar or additional certifications. Both roles are vital in research environments, but the Research Technician generally has more technical responsibilities.

Do research lab assistants get paid?

Research lab assistants typically receive compensation for their work, which can include hourly wages or stipends, depending on the institution or organization. Payment rates vary based on experience, education level, and the specific lab or project, and some positions may require prior training or certifications. Many research labs also offer opportunities for skill development and hands-on experience in scientific methods and equipment.
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Research Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Research Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in Springfield, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,988 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Assistant Research Professor

Umd

College Park, MD

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Description SummaryOrganizational Summary Statement:
The Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (EPIB) and Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health (GEOH) within the University of Maryland, School of Public Health (SPH) seek an outstanding, infectious disease epidemiologist and researcher with expertise and interest in influenza, airborne infection transmission, environmental and immunologic determinants of transmission, and non-pharmaceutical interventions. This Professional Track, Assistant Research Professor position will have a primary appointment as a member of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a secondary appointment in the Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health. The position will be supported primarily by research funds through the Public Health Aerobiology (PHAB) Lab and Center for Evaluating Modes of Influenza Transmission with additional support (30%) provided by EPIB for teaching infectious disease epidemiology and outbreak investigation at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The University of Maryland College Park is an internationally recognized leader in creating knowledge and innovative, workable solutions to address society's grand challenges including global pandemics of airborne respiratory diseases.
We are seeking a creative individual with the initiative to leverage our trans-disciplinary, cross-campus, national and international collaborations to build a collaborative research portfolio on the environmental determinants of infectious respiratory diseases focused on airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens and global pandemic prevention. The candidate will join a well-established and funded group bringing together faculty with expertise in aerobiology, engineering, indoor built environment, global and occupational health, biostatistics, and behavioral and community health. The new Professional Track faculty member will provide leadership in epidemiological study design including observational studies, clinical trials, developing research funding proposals, and building additional capacity with an emphasis on adding novel interdisciplinary partnerships and capacity (e.g., household and community studies, clinical trials, immunology, infectious disease modeling, causal machine learning methods). The new faculty member will augment a group of researchers who pursue innovative solutions to structure future resilient living, working, and public environments to maximize health equity, worker health and safety, and protect global health and economic productivity against the threat of future pandemics. The continued rapid emergence of new highly transmissible influenza and other respiratory viruses and proliferating vaccine hesitancy emphasize that epidemic and pandemic infection control and protection of front-line workers and vulnerable populations will not be achieved with pharmaceutical interventions alone.
The EPIB and GEOH Departments will move into a new building in 2027 including new clinical research and laboratory facilities specifically designed for infectious disease and airborne infection research. The EPIB and GEOH departments comprise a distinguished group of tenure- and professional-track faculty engaged in significant scholarship across multiple domains. Areas of expertise include airborne infectious disease transmission, climate change and health, water reuse, environmental justice, environmental health policy, air and dietary contaminants, community engagement, and global health. The UMD School of Public Health faculty, students and staff are committed to the just transformation of institutionalized structures of oppression and the development of an inclusive, equitable community.
EPIB currently offers 6 academic degree programs including 3 Masters tracks and 3 PhD programs. In addition, the Department offers two certificate programs. GEOH offers a BS in Global Health, an MPH concentration in Environmental Health Sciences and the MS and PhD in Environmental Health Sciences. GEOH also offers a BS in Environmental Justice in collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The successful candidate will teach courses on infectious disease offered primarily through the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
Qualifications: Applicants must possess qualifications meriting appointment as an Assistant Professor on the professional research track in the School of Public Health including a terminal degree in Epidemiology or closely related field. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding scholarship, relevant expertise and strong participation in externally funded research in influenza epidemiology, airborne infectious disease transmission and/or epidemic and pandemic respiratory disease prevention; have teaching experience using inclusive pedagogies, preferably at the graduate level; and demonstrate a commitment to working with a diverse body of students in a mentoring role. The successful candidate will be expected to provide epidemiologic study design and analysis, lead a collaborative, interdisciplinary research program integrated with other airborne infection researchers in an emerging Center for Evaluating Modes of Influenza Transmission and Airborne Infection Research, teach and mentor students, and provide service to the university and profession.
Academic Environment: The University of Maryland, School of Public Health, on the College Park campus, comprises the Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health, Family Science; Health Policy and Management; Kinesiology; and Behavioral and Community Health. The University of Maryland is a Research Extensive University. College Park is the flagship campus of the University of Maryland System with over 3,200 full-time faculty members, nearly 31,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students. The campus offers over 90 undergraduate majors and 190 graduate degrees from 12 colleges and schools. The campus is ideally situated on a metro line that serves the Washington, DC area, the soon to open Purple Line Light Rail system, and is in close proximity to many federal institutes/agencies and departments including EPA, DHHS (NIH, NCI, FDA, CDC NCHS), and USDA. For more details, please visit our websites at http://sph.umd.edu/epib and http://sph.umd.edu/geoh.Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: For full consideration, applicants should submit: 1) a current curriculum vitae; 2) a single letter of intent that a) describes their interest in the position, b) includes a research statement describing their previous experience and future research goals, c) describes their leadership, teaching and mentoring experience and future plans in these areas, and d) includes a statement that details their commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in their scholarship, teaching and mentoring activities; and 3) contact information for three references (who will be contacted at a later date). If you have any questions about the position, please email Dr. Donald Milton (dmilton@umd.edu).

Best Consideration Date: March 30, 2026

Posting Close Date: NA

Open Until Filled: yes

Financial Disclosure RequiredNo

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

DepartmentSPHL-Epidemiology & BiostatisticsWorker Sub-Type Faculty RegularSalary Range100,000 - 120,000
Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination NoticeResources
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