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Undergraduate Lab Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Lab Technician (Ni Lab)

Blacksburg, VA

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

... assist with ongoing research activities. This role involves supporting projects that investigate ... undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of ...

Old Dominion University

LAB & RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

... the undergraduate and certificate medical laboratory science teaching laboratories including lab ... Assist in maintaining inventory of clerical and laboratory equipment, and coordinating with ...

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Lab Website: The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting research projects ... undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of ...

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Michael Halassa, the lab uses controlled behavioral tasks alongside physiological, genetic, and ... undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of ...

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Undergraduate Lab Assistant information

What is an undergraduate lab assistant?

Undergraduate lab assistants are college students who support laboratory operations in academic or research settings. Their duties typically include preparing materials, setting up equipment, assisting with experiments, cleaning up after labs, and sometimes helping instructors or researchers with data collection and analysis. These positions offer valuable hands-on experience for students interested in scientific fields, and they help students develop practical skills relevant to their coursework and future careers.

What are the typical responsibilities of an undergraduate lab assistant?

As an Undergraduate Lab Assistant, your weekly responsibilities typically include preparing materials and equipment for experiments, assisting students and faculty during laboratory sessions, and maintaining a clean and organized lab environment. You may also be tasked with conducting inventory checks, disposing of chemical waste properly, and helping with data entry or record-keeping. Collaboration with graduate students, lab supervisors, and other assistants is common, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and learn best practices in laboratory safety and procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an undergraduate lab assistant?

To excel as an Undergraduate Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and relevant coursework in the scientific field. Familiarity with lab equipment, data entry software, and occasionally inventory management tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and reliability help you stand out in supporting research or instructional activities. These skills are crucial for maintaining a safe, efficient lab environment and ensuring accurate experimental results.

What is the difference between Undergraduate Lab Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectUndergraduate Lab AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or current college student, some coursework in scienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research projects, university settingsClinical, industrial, or research laboratories in various industries
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily educational institutions and research labsHospitals, biotech firms, manufacturing, and research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research roles and internshipsCompared for technical roles requiring more experience and certification

The Undergraduate Lab Assistant typically supports research and lab activities in academic settings, often as a student role. In contrast, a Laboratory Technician usually has formal technical training or education, working in more specialized or industrial labs. While both roles involve lab work, the Technician role generally requires more credentials and offers broader career opportunities.

Can you get an undergraduate lab assistant job with no experience?

Undergraduate lab assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as training is typically provided on the job. However, having basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and relevant coursework can improve chances of hiring. Some roles may prefer or require familiarity with specific tools or techniques, but many are open to students with limited or no previous lab work experience.

How much does an undergraduate lab assistant get paid?

The pay for an undergraduate lab assistant typically ranges from minimum wage to around $12 to $15 per hour, depending on the institution, location, and level of experience. Some positions may offer additional benefits or stipends, especially if they involve specialized skills or research responsibilities.

What degree do you need for an undergraduate lab assistant?

An undergraduate lab assistant typically needs to be enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering. While specific degree requirements vary by institution, relevant coursework and basic laboratory skills are often preferred. Some positions may also require familiarity with lab equipment and safety protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Undergraduate Lab jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Undergraduate Lab jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Undergraduate Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia?

For Undergraduate Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Undergraduate Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Undergraduate Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Undergraduate Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Undergraduate Lab Assistant job openings:

Undergraduate Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Undergraduate Lab 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.

Research Technician - Rubin Lab

Ashburn, VA • On-site

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)external

$18.40 - $23.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147
Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.
Intro:
We are engaged in a multiyear project to determine the compositions and cellular locations of hundreds of evolutionarily conserved protein complexes used by neurons and glia. This project involves germline genetic engineering in Drosophila to add epitope tags to proteins. These tags allow determination of cellular locations by advanced imaging methods, and measure protein-protein interactions by affinity purification and mass spectrometry. To learn more about the Rubin lab, click here
About the role:
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician with a bachelor's degree in biology (or a related field of life sciences) to participate in all aspects of this project. This entry-level role is ideal for someone with prior undergraduate lab experience who is eager to learn and develop technical skills. The successful candidate will have some lab experience, work efficiently to accomplish tasks, and thrive in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, the ability to problem solve, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
What we provide:
  • An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment across interdisciplinary fields.
  • An intellectually compelling environment that encourages broad thinking and problem-solving.
  • A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
  • Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.
  • Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare, free gyms, available on-campus housing, social and dining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia from the Washington D.C. metro area.

What you'll do:
  • Perform routine lab tasks such as plasmid DNA purification and PCR reactions following established protocols
  • Assist with collecting fly samples and preparing/processing fly tissue for data collection and microscopy imaging and other basic experimental procedures
  • Accurately document experimental procedures and results
  • Support senior lab members with day-to-day research activities
  • Work efficiently to complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines
  • Collaborate effectively with lab members and contribute positively to a team-based environment

What you bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology (or related field of life sciences or chemistry) or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
  • Prior hands-on lab experience obtained through undergraduate research, internships, or employment.
  • Willingness to be trained and learn new techniques.
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to follow instructions carefully, and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Hiring Pay Range
Research Technician I (hourly): $18.40 - $23.03
Research Technician II (salary): $45,760.00 - $57,200.00
The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

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