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Science Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... Laboratory Science program; or a Medical Laboratory Technician program.Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details. Licensure: Preferred certification as a CLA, MOA, or ASCP ...

... Laboratory Science program; or a Medical Laboratory Technician program.Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details. Licensure: Preferred certification as a CLA, MOA, or ASCP ...

Science Teacher

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

Conduct science demonstrations, experiments, and hands-on laboratory activities. * Provide ... Identify student learning needs and collaborate with staff to support academic success. * Assist ...

Showing results 21-40

Science Laboratory Assistant information

What is a science laboratory assistant?

Science Laboratory Assistants are professionals who support scientists, teachers, or researchers by preparing laboratory equipment, organizing materials, conducting basic experiments, and ensuring the lab environment is clean and safe. Their duties often include setting up experiments, maintaining inventory, and properly disposing of hazardous materials. They play a crucial role in the smooth operation of laboratories in educational, research, and industrial settings by facilitating accurate and efficient scientific work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science laboratory assistant?

To thrive as a Science Laboratory Assistant, you need a background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of safety protocols, often supported by a relevant diploma or degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, chemical handling procedures, and data management systems is essential. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you work efficiently and support researchers or educators. These skills ensure accurate experiment support, safe lab environments, and smooth daily operations.

What are some typical challenges a science laboratory assistant might face during a busy research period?

During peak research periods, Science Laboratory Assistants often manage multiple experiments simultaneously, which can make time management and organization crucial. They may also encounter challenges in maintaining the accuracy of results while handling repetitive tasks, and ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed under pressure. Collaborating effectively with scientists and other lab staff is essential, as miscommunication can lead to delays or errors. Being adaptable and detail-oriented helps assistants navigate these challenges and contribute to smooth lab operations.

What is the difference between Science Laboratory Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScience Laboratory AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification in lab proceduresPost-secondary education, often a diploma or associate degree in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, research labs, healthcare facilitiesResearch labs, healthcare, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, universities, research institutionsHospitals, biotech companies, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level lab roles in education and researchCompared for technical roles requiring specialized training

While both roles support laboratory operations, Science Laboratory Assistants typically have a high school diploma and assist with basic lab tasks in educational or research settings. Laboratory Technicians usually possess post-secondary training and perform more technical, specialized procedures. The roles overlap in work environment and employer types, but Laboratory Technicians often require more formal education and technical skills.

How much does a science laboratory assistant get paid?

The average salary for a science laboratory assistant varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $25,000 to $45,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries are often influenced by the work environment, educational background, and additional responsibilities.

What does a science laboratory assistant do?

A science laboratory assistant supports scientific research and experiments by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and maintaining lab cleanliness. They may also assist with data collection, safety procedures, and inventory management, often working under the supervision of scientists or lab managers.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Science Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Science Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Science Laboratory Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Medical Technician (Laboratory Support)

Richmond, VA • On-site

$37K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Join the Indian Health Service as a Medical Technician (Laboratory Support) and make an impact! Use your laboratory skills to deliver accurate,
life-saving results that support quality patient care in American Indian communities. Enjoy competitive benefits, professional growth, and a
mission-driven career that truly matters. Apply today!
A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).Qualifications:To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
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; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-4: Your resume must demonstrate the following: Six (6) months of general experience. General experience is any type of work that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided you with familiarity of the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the position to be filled.
AND
Six (6) months of specialized experience performing technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or technical support work in a closely related, field such as biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled.
OR
Completion of an associate degree program that included, during the second year, approximately one year of training in a certified laboratory assistant program approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
OR
One (1) year of study that included at least six (6) semester hours in chemistry and/or biological sciences, plus completion of a full-time medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) training program of approximately one year that included instruction in chemistry, hematology, blood banking, microbiology, and serology, along with supervised laboratory practice related to patient diagnosis and treatment.
OR
Two (2) years of study that included at least twelve (12) semester hours in chemistry and/or biological sciences directly related to the position to be filled.
OR
A combination of education and experience.
GS-05: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Performing CLIA-waived laboratory testing and documenting quality control activities; Collecting routine venipuncture and capillary specimens while verifying patient identity and documentation; Preparing, labeling, storing, and accessioning specimens into laboratory information systems; Maintaining laboratory supplies, equipment, and logs in compliance with biosafety and infection control procedures; Providing laboratory support by distributing reports, instructing patients on specimen collection, and assisting with routine cleaning and sanitizing of laboratory areas.
OR
Completion of a bachelor's degree program with a major or at least twenty-four (24) semester hours in subjects related to the position being filled.
OR
A combination of education and experience. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.
GS-06: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducting standardized clinical laboratory tests and procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, serology, immunology, and blood banking following established laboratory procedures; Evaluating test results, recognizing abnormal findings, and reporting abnormal results to supervisory or professional laboratory staff; Operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment, preparing reagents and solutions, and documenting quality control and equipment performance activities; Collecting and processing patient specimens, assessing specimen integrity, and preparing specimens for analysis or shipment; Maintaining laboratory documentation and quality assurance records while following accreditation, biosafety, and infection control requirements.
GS-07: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducting a variety of clinical laboratory tests and procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, immunology, serology, and blood banking, including adapting procedures for unusual specimens or situations; Evaluating test results, recognizing normal and abnormal findings, and troubleshooting or repeating procedures to ensure accurate laboratory results; Operating, calibrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment, preparing reagents, stains, and culture media, and monitoring quality control and equipment performance activities; Collecting and processing patient specimens, evaluating specimen acceptability, accessioning and tracking specimens in laboratory information systems, and preparing specimens for referral testing; Validating and documenting laboratory results, communicating laboratory information to healthcare providers, and supporting quality assurance, accreditation, and performance improvement activities in compliance with CAP, CLIA, and safety requirements.
OR
1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position.
OR
A combination of graduate education and experience. Only graduate education is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.
Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.Education:There are no education requirements; however, you may qualify with education at the GS-04, 05, and 07 grade levels. If you are substituting education for experience; you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER