Chemist Jobs in Virginia
Chemist jobs in Virginia are consistently active, with demand concentrated in the defense, pharmaceutical, environmental, and federal government contracting sectors and openings at every level from entry-level lab technicians through senior research scientists. The largest hiring hubs are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads area, where established employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and DuPont have maintained long-term chemistry-related operations. Environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, and materials science are among the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Chemist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14+ Chemist jobs
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Assistant Chemist III
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:
- Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
- Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
- An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution
- Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
- A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
- A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
The Opportunity
This position works out of our Altavista, VA location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® – to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives.
Altavista, Va., is one of Abbott’s largest nutrition manufacturing plants equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient production. Working here will make you feel like you’re part of a family that works together to make a difference and help nourish millions of families around the world.
What You’ll Work On
- Observe all safety rules and regulations. Report incidents, near-misses, and chemical spills in the proper manner to supervisor or manager. Wear all required personal protective equipment, participate in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs, and forward any opportunities for improvement.
- Assist other chemists to troubleshoot and maintain analytical equipment and test methods.
- Train new chemists on all laboratory operations including methods, procedures, documentation, maintenance and safety, maintaining the effectiveness of the laboratory, and ensure their work and the work of the people they have trained follows plant, divisional, corporate, local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
- Perform assays in accordance with required methods; ensure test results meet specification limits and that appropriate quality actions are taken to achieve acceptable product status.
- Recognize and report method procedure problems and out-of-specification conditions.
- Identify and correct minor problems concerning test results and out-of-specification conditions using standard and advanced batch corrections; initiate investigations into root cause and quality concerns.
- Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and internal/external policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations.
- Identify and own area of expertise in lab improvement and drive goals efficiently.
You’ll be accountable for meeting our compliance standards including FDA, OSHA and Abbott policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent, plus 1 year of appropriate college science related studies and 1 year of college mathematics (algebra, geometry, or calculus), or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Some knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula and nutritionals.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, prepare simple reports, read and record gauge and display readings and use knowledge of chemistry acquired through formal education with moderate assistance from supervision.
- Mathematics knowledge to include: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, proportions, and basic keyboard skills; computer skills and statistical comprehension is desirable.
- Physical requirements for lifting and pushing 20-25 lbs. in addition to normal laboratory work.
- Ability to communicate well with other chemists, operators, and management with varying levels of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Science-related Bachelor's degree preferred, with 1 year of appropriate college lab studies and 1 year of college mathematics (algebra, geometry, or calculus).
- Minimum 3 years of laboratory experience at an Abbott Laboratories facility preferred.
Apply Now
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Military/Veteran friendly Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
The base pay for this position is $29.55 – $59.05 per hour. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Assistant Chemist III
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:
- Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
- Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
- An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution
- Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
- A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
- A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
The Opportunity
This position works out of our Altavista, VA location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® – to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives.
Altavista, Va., is one of Abbott’s largest nutrition manufacturing plants equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient production. Working here will make you feel like you’re part of a family that works together to make a difference and help nourish millions of families around the world.
What You’ll Work On
- Observe all safety rules and regulations. Report incidents, near-misses, and chemical spills in the proper manner to supervisor or manager. Wear all required personal protective equipment, participate in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs, and forward any opportunities for improvement.
- Assist other chemists to troubleshoot and maintain analytical equipment and test methods.
- Train new chemists on all laboratory operations including methods, procedures, documentation, maintenance and safety, maintaining the effectiveness of the laboratory, and ensure their work and the work of the people they have trained follows plant, divisional, corporate, local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
- Perform assays in accordance with required methods; ensure test results meet specification limits and that appropriate quality actions are taken to achieve acceptable product status.
- Recognize and report method procedure problems and out-of-specification conditions.
- Identify and correct minor problems concerning test results and out-of-specification conditions using standard and advanced batch corrections; initiate investigations into root cause and quality concerns.
- Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and internal/external policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations.
- Identify and own area of expertise in lab improvement and drive goals efficiently.
You’ll be accountable for meeting our compliance standards including FDA, OSHA and Abbott policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent, plus 1 year of appropriate college science related studies and 1 year of college mathematics (algebra, geometry, or calculus), or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Some knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula and nutritionals.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, prepare simple reports, read and record gauge and display readings and use knowledge of chemistry acquired through formal education with moderate assistance from supervision.
- Mathematics knowledge to include: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, proportions, and basic keyboard skills; computer skills and statistical comprehension is desirable.
- Physical requirements for lifting and pushing 20-25 lbs. in addition to normal laboratory work.
- Ability to communicate well with other chemists, operators, and management with varying levels of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Science-related Bachelor's degree preferred, with 1 year of appropriate college lab studies and 1 year of college mathematics (algebra, geometry, or calculus).
- Minimum 3 years of laboratory experience at an Abbott Laboratories facility preferred.
Apply Now
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Military/Veteran friendly Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
The base pay for this position is $29.55 – $59.05 per hour. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
See All 14 Chemist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemist JobsChemist Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chemist Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Medical Devices
- Chemicals & Materials
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chemist jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field
- Hands-on laboratory experience with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC-MS, or ICP-MS
- Familiarity with EPA, OSHA, or DOD safety and compliance standards relevant to Virginia operations
- Experience preparing technical reports, SOPs, and data documentation to regulatory standards
- Ability to obtain or maintain a federal security clearance for defense and government contract roles
- Professional certification such as the American Chemical Society's Chemist Certification preferred for senior roles
Chemist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chemist in Virginia?
Virginia does not require a state-issued license to work as a chemist, so the path runs through education and employer credentialing. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field from an accredited institution. Many Virginia employers, particularly in defense contracting and federal agency work, also require candidates to be eligible for a security clearance. Voluntary certification through the American Chemical Society strengthens applications at the professional level.
How much do chemists make in Virginia?
Chemists in Virginia earn a median of about $96,650 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $52,870 for the lowest 10% to over $166,230 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chemists in Virginia?
Employers hiring chemists in Virginia right now include MRIGlobal, Afton Chemical Corporation, and SGS, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal contractors, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and environmental testing firms means demand is distributed across multiple industry types rather than dominated by a single sector.
Which Virginia cities have the most chemist jobs?
The Virginia cities with the most chemist openings are Richmond, Hopewell, and Lynchburg. Northern Virginia leads due to its dense cluster of federal agencies and defense contractors, Richmond draws demand from pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, and Hampton Roads reflects the region's strong Navy and defense research presence, which regularly requires analytical and materials chemistry expertise.
How can I get hired as a chemist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or co-op with a Virginia defense contractor or environmental testing laboratory while completing a chemistry degree. Large Northern Virginia contractors and Richmond-area pharmaceutical firms regularly bring in new graduates for junior analyst and laboratory technician roles. Candidates who have completed relevant coursework in analytical chemistry and hold a laboratory safety certification gain a clear edge, as do those who can demonstrate eligibility for a federal security clearance from the outset.
Where can I find and apply to chemist jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to chemist jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings from employers actively hiring. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 14 Chemist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemist Jobs