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

Engineer IV, Manufacturing Research

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$116K - $177K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chemistry and BSL-1/BSL-2 lab environment; * Engineering prototype and production space ... Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity ...

Laboratory Technician

Bethesda, MD

$56K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... research and/or preparing reports and present data to supervisors, lab members, and collaborators ... Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance * Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible ...

Laboratory Technician

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$56K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... research and/or preparing reports and present data to supervisors, lab members, and collaborators ... Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance * Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible ...

Staff Scientist

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$98K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Track lab member training andprotocol requirements related tothe Laboratory's research. * Maintain ... Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance * Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible ...

Laboratory Technician

Rockville, MD

$49K - $81K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Perform fundamental proceduresrequiredfor research projects. * Order andmaintainlaboratory supplies ... Provide technical help andexpertiseto lab members. * Train new laboratory members in the correct ...

Management Analyst

Bethesda, MD

$56K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Research Analyst Travel Required: None Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You ... Support clinical and lab operations by coordinating production schedules, material availability ...

Management Analyst

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$56K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Research Analyst Travel Required: None Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You ... Support clinical and lab operations by coordinating production schedules, material availability ...

Biologist

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$56K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Prepares, organizes, and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment. * Analyze ... Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance * Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible ...

Biologist

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$56K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Prepares, organizes, and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment. * Analyze ... Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance * Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible ...

Computer Systems Analyst

Rockville, MD

$98K - $163K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Research Analyst Travel Required: None Clearance Required: Ability to Obtain Public Trust What You ... Administer scientific software platforms including PerkinElmer Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN ...

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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 Aug 15, 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 is a research lab volunteer?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,664 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Nanometer-Scale Planar Reference Materials

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD โ€ข On-site

$85K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Nanometer-Scale Planar Reference Materials (U.S. Citizens Preferred)
The work will entail: The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens preferred) to join a team of researchers within the NIST/CHIPS Nanometer-Scale Planar Reference Materials project working with advanced metrology methods to characterize local physical and chemical properties and map any variation in these properties of thin, nanometer-scale films deposited on Si (and SiC) wafers. The candidate will measure and analyze these wafers using X-ray and optical methods to determine, through hybrid metrology, structural maps for wafers with thin films of interest to the semiconductor community.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Plan and conduct research on advanced X-ray metrologies to determine structural (physical and chemical) properties of blanket (non-patterned) thin films on Si and SiC wafers
  • Use lab-based and synchrotron X-ray characterization methods, to determine the structural properties of thin film samples
  • Use open-source (python) fitting methods to constrain structural models, determine uncertainties, and combine these properties into a hybrid metrology digital wafer
  • Perform wafer dicing, cleaning, and packaging of samples for distribution as Research Grade Test Materials
  • Publish results in archival scientific journals and present results at topical meetings

Qualifications
  • PhD in physics, materials science, or another related field
  • Background in X-ray measurement technique(s) required, either:
    • X-ray reflectivity, X-ray fluorescence, or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
  • Background in programming and/or data modeling using python recommended.
  • Familiarity with thin film deposition and clean room access protocols, preferred
  • Strong oral and written communication skills

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. ยง 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. ยง 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 the 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. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.
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.
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