1

Wet Lab Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Field Service Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$90K - $120K/yr

Basic wet lab skills (e.g. pipetting, making dilutions, etc) highly desired. * Knowledge of IQ/OQ/PQ a plus. * Excellent interpersonal and verbal communications skills. * Highly organized and able to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Wet Lab information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$25

$38

How much do wet lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for wet lab in Washington, DC is $25.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wet lab?

A Wet Lab job involves conducting experiments that require handling liquids, chemicals, biological samples, or other wet materials in a controlled lab environment. Wet lab scientists and technicians perform tasks such as sample preparation, chemical mixing, and data analysis to support research in fields like biology, chemistry, and medicine. These roles typically require knowledge of lab safety protocols, proper equipment usage, and scientific techniques.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a wet lab position?

In a Wet Lab position, your daily tasks may include preparing and running experiments, analyzing samples using specialized equipment, maintaining and calibrating instruments, and accurately recording data in lab notebooks or digital systems. You will also be responsible for keeping the lab clean and organized, adhering to safety protocols, and properly storing chemicals and biological materials. Collaboration is common, as you may work with other lab technicians, scientists, or research teams to support ongoing projects. This hands-on role is ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving and actively contributing to exciting scientific advancements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a wet lab position?

To thrive in a Wet Lab role, you need a solid understanding of laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and scientific methodology, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with instruments like pipettes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and lab management software is typically required, along with knowledge of compliance standards such as GLP or OSHA. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for managing experiments and collaborating with teammates. These qualities are essential to ensure accurate results, maintain a safe and organized lab environment, and contribute effectively to research objectives.

What are the wet lab tasks?

Wet lab tasks involve hands-on experimental work in a laboratory setting, including preparing solutions, handling biological samples, performing assays, and operating laboratory equipment such as pipettes, centrifuges, and microscopes. These tasks require attention to detail, proper safety procedures, and often involve data recording and analysis. Wet lab technicians may also assist with maintaining lab cleanliness and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Wet Lab jobs in Washington, DC?

For Wet Lab jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wet Lab jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Wet Lab jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Wet Lab job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,078 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Senior Metabolic & Biomanufacturing Process Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Laurel, MD • On-site

$105 - $290/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description

Do you marvel at the complexity of metabolism and seek to leverage natural metabolisms in creative ways to develop new technologies?

Do you want to apply your expertise in biomanufacturing process engineering to pressing National Security challenges?

Do you love contributing your microbial metabolic engineering and downstream processing subject matter expertise to an interdisciplinary team of scientists, focused on developing novel applications?

If you answered yes to these questions, we're looking for someone like you to join our team in the Biological Sciences Group, here at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.

We are seeking a highly motivated metabolic and bioprocess engineer to contribute to a team focused on engineering microbial metabolic pathways and optimizing biomanufacturing processes, including upstream and downstream processing. As part of the Biological Sciences Group, in the Research Exploratory Development Department, you will be at the forefront of APL's mission to provide impactful contributions to critical challenges. You will contribute to building outstanding expertise in molecular biology, in the pursuit of challenges in national security.

As a Senior Metabolic & Biomanufacturing Process Engineer
  • Design, implement, and characterize recombinant metabolic pathways in microbial organisms.
  • Design, implement, and optimize biomanufacturing processes.
  • Lead projects and teams for both internally funded and externally funded efforts in the research areas mentioned above.
  • Support new business development activities to expand program scope within the Research and Exploratory Development Department and other business areas across APL, including concept development, proposal writing, and project execution.
  • Work with a technical team providing leadership in the development of new opportunities and support internal initiatives, driving technical innovation and growth in areas relevant to APL sponsors.
  • Participate in the broader APL community by presenting data to interdisciplinary groups and to department management.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with external sponsors.
Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

  • Have a PhD in Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology or a similar field.
  • Have extensive wet lab experience manipulating the metabolism of microbes and in scaling metabolite synthesis and downstream processing.
  • Have 2+ years experience with analytical chemistry techniques and equipment including HPLC, GC/MS, or LC/MS.
  • Are proficient in molecular biology techniques, including DNA manipulation and plasmid construction, qPCR, protein analysis, plate-reader assay development, microscopy techniques, and microbial cell culture.
  • Have experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
  • Possess strong leadership skills, including excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through a combination of publication record, teaching, and professional experience.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.
You’ll go above and beyond
  • Have experience working with non-lab adapted or anaerobic microbes such as Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Have experience with yeast, plant, algae, or microbiome systems.
EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $290,000 Annually

#J-18808-Ljbffr