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Research Lab Volunteer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Collects, processes, stores and ships lab specimens; documents lab procedures, lab results and ... Other Perks - Commuter benefits, Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness plans, FSA/HSA and ...

Clinical Research Coordin

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$49K - $70K/yr

Collects, processes, stores and ships lab specimens; documents lab procedures, lab results and ... Other Perks - Commuter benefits, Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness plans, FSA/HSA and ...

Research Associate

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

... lab maintenance initiatives including but not limited to maintaining laboratory supplies and ... Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity ...

Research Associate

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

... lab maintenance initiatives including but not limited to maintaining laboratory supplies and ... Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity ...

Research Associate

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

... lab maintenance initiatives including but not limited to maintaining laboratory supplies and ... Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity ...

Research Associate

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

... lab maintenance initiatives including but not limited to maintaining laboratory supplies and ... Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity ...

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Research Lab Volunteer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$22

$43

How much do research lab volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab volunteer in Reston, VA is $22.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $28.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are research lab volunteers?

Research lab volunteers are individuals who assist in scientific or academic research projects, often without monetary compensation. They may help with tasks such as data collection, lab maintenance, experiment setup, or administrative work. Volunteers gain hands-on experience, learn about scientific methods, and contribute to the advancement of research. These positions are commonly held by students or individuals interested in pursuing a career in science or research. Volunteering in a lab can also be a valuable way to build professional networks and strengthen a resume.

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

To thrive as a Research Lab Volunteer, you typically need a background in science coursework, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn laboratory protocols. Familiarity with basic lab equipment, safety procedures, and possibly data entry systems like Excel or lab management software is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and a proactive attitude help you effectively support researchers and adapt to dynamic lab environments. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain safety standards, and contribute positively to the research team's objectives.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect as a Research Lab Volunteer?

As a Research Lab Volunteer, your typical tasks may include assisting with data collection, preparing laboratory materials, maintaining equipment, and supporting ongoing experiments under supervision. You might also help with administrative duties such as organizing samples, inputting data, or conducting literature reviews. The role offers hands-on experience in a collaborative setting, often working alongside researchers, technicians, and other students. This exposure can help you develop practical laboratory skills and gain a clearer understanding of the scientific research process.

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

AspectResearch Lab VolunteerResearch Assistant
CredentialsUsually no formal degree required; some background in science preferredTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory or research facility, often unpaid or volunteer basisLaboratory, research projects, often paid or with academic credit
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, non-profit organizationsUniversities, research institutions, government agencies

Research Lab Volunteers assist with basic tasks and support research projects without formal employment or advanced credentials. Research Assistants usually have relevant educational background and perform more specialized research duties. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but Research Assistants typically have more responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Volunteer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Volunteer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Research Lab Volunteer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Research Lab Volunteer job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Lab Volunteer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,664 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Research Associate 1

Research Associate 1

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Silver Spring, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Odyssey is seeking a Research Associate I at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Diarrheal Disease Research Branch (DDR) to provide support in the areas of Bioproduction and Biocharacterization research.

Responsibilities

Duties include, but not limited to:ย 

  • Conduct bench research on Shigella (or other enteric pathogens) to include large scale production of purified proteins and LPS.
  • Assist in the daily maintenance and operations of the lab to include media preparation, glassware and hazardous waste management, and administrative duties such as ordering supplies and periodic lab inventories.
  • Establish and/or develop laboratory procedures and analyze and/or evaluate research data; participate in a cooperative effort to accomplish goals of the laboratory; maintain proficiency and expertise in the field of research.
  • Utilize professional knowledge of theories, principles, methods, and techniques of cell biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, such as Liquid Chromatography (HPLC/FPLC); SDS-PAGE (Coomassie, Silver); Western blotting; Protein Quantitation assays (BCA, Bradford Lowry); centrifugation; bacterial cell homogenization and lysis as well as basic bacteriology techniques.
Qualifications

Minimum Required Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen or Green Card holder with residency in the U.S. for the past 3 out of 5 years.

Clearance: Ability to obtain NACI.

Education: BS in a biological or biochemical science (chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology).

Years of Experience: 1-3 years of post graduate experience.

Certifications: N/A.

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI.

Education: BS in a biological or biochemical science (chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology).

Years of experience: 3+years of post graduate experience.

Certifications: N/A.

Technical Skills

  • Familiarity with the following research equipment is preferred but not required: FPLC, HPLC, Mass Spectrometer, fermenters, lyophilizers.
  • Familiarity with the following typical procedures is preferred but not required: SDS-PAGE, protein assays, bacterial fermentation and protein purification.
  • Familiarity and understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP).
  • Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
  • Fluency with Windows operating system, Apple operating system and Microsoft Office software suite.

Interpersonal Skills

  • Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, energy, enthusiasm, multitasking

Additional Information

Location: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Travel: None

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite

#LI-JC1

Company Overview

Odyssey is a world-class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military's operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain-specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.

Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Please Note:

Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

This position is filled through continuous recruitment and will remain open until a sufficient pool of applications has been received.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Tricare supplement, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, learning and development benefit, paid time off, and holidays.Odyssey Benefits

Employment Type: FULL_TIME