Laboratory Jobs in District of Columbia
Laboratory jobs in District of Columbia are concentrated in federal government agencies, biomedical research institutions, and public health organizations, with demand at every level from entry-level technician to senior research scientist. Most hiring is centered in Washington, D.C., where institutions like the National Institutes of Health, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services consistently fill laboratory roles. Clinical laboratory science, molecular diagnostics, and environmental testing are among the most sought-after specialties in the district. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 9+ Laboratory jobs
Performs routine and specialized assays and provides technical advice and information in one or more of several clinical laboratory scientific specialties to provide data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Analyzes body fluids cells and products to identify abnormal and critical disorders associated with disease processes. Serves as a knowledge expert and technical consultant in the specialty area(s).
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Evaluates specimen adequacy for test performance; obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses.
- Performs routine and specialized testing in assigned area. Correlates laboratory findings with disease stage integrates and relates data from other laboratory specialty areas. Confirms abnormal results and specimen discrepancies and institutes correct follow-up procedures.
- Reviews/verifies test results recognizes and follows through on abnormal/unusual results and communicates same to appropriate personnel. Accurately completes all required documentation. Utilizes judgment and discretion in considering sample integrity process calibration reagent concentration and stability quality control prior to releasing testing results. relationship to unknown results evaluation of unexpected patient results and error identification.
- Performs and documents daily quality control and quality assurance measures to assure that tolerance limits are not exceeded. Advises supervisor of quality assurance/quality control problems. Evaluates CAP and other survey proficiency testing materials as required.
- Analyzes technical problems pertaining to collection of specimens and instrumentation. Determines cause and rectifies problems in accordance with guidelines and procedures. Maintains adequate reagents/supplies in the work area and/or on the instruments to avoid delay in sample processing.
- Maintains adequate reagents/supplies in the work area and/or on the instruments to avoid delay in sample processing. Keeps work area in a clean and organized manner at all times in keeping with the lean standards as designed. Decontaminates counter surfaces instruments computers telephones and general work area according to laboratory protocol.
- Ensures that turnaround time standards are met within lab section. Communicates any variances to supervisor in a timely manner.
- Participates in the education and training of students and new employees.
- Maintains individual competency as scheduled.
- Assists with department competency requirements such as performing training assessments or direct observations as delegated by the medical director.
- Provides technical advice and support to other laboratory personnel as required.
- Informs next shift of pertinent information to maintain efficient operation.
- Demonstrates simple/complex troubleshooting skills.
- Serves as a resource to leadership by reliably contributing in activities such as section safety representative; section instrument or assay specific performance monitoring and accountability; section inventory; Standard Operating Procedure review and modifications.
- Actively participates in cross-training activities including being cross trained according to department needs.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Physical Biological Clinical Laboratory Science or a related field required or
- 3-4 years of clinical laboratory training and/or experience required
- Certified Medical Lab Scientist-ASCP required or
- Certification is waived for applicants with a minimum of 7 years experience in a designated specialty.
Performs routine and specialized assays and provides technical advice and information in one or more of several clinical laboratory scientific specialties to provide data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Analyzes body fluids cells and products to identify abnormal and critical disorders associated with disease processes. Serves as a knowledge expert and technical consultant in the specialty area(s).
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Evaluates specimen adequacy for test performance; obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses.
- Performs routine and specialized testing in assigned area. Correlates laboratory findings with disease stage integrates and relates data from other laboratory specialty areas. Confirms abnormal results and specimen discrepancies and institutes correct follow-up procedures.
- Reviews/verifies test results recognizes and follows through on abnormal/unusual results and communicates same to appropriate personnel. Accurately completes all required documentation. Utilizes judgment and discretion in considering sample integrity process calibration reagent concentration and stability quality control prior to releasing testing results. relationship to unknown results evaluation of unexpected patient results and error identification.
- Performs and documents daily quality control and quality assurance measures to assure that tolerance limits are not exceeded. Advises supervisor of quality assurance/quality control problems. Evaluates CAP and other survey proficiency testing materials as required.
- Analyzes technical problems pertaining to collection of specimens and instrumentation. Determines cause and rectifies problems in accordance with guidelines and procedures. Maintains adequate reagents/supplies in the work area and/or on the instruments to avoid delay in sample processing.
- Maintains adequate reagents/supplies in the work area and/or on the instruments to avoid delay in sample processing. Keeps work area in a clean and organized manner at all times in keeping with the lean standards as designed. Decontaminates counter surfaces instruments computers telephones and general work area according to laboratory protocol.
- Ensures that turnaround time standards are met within lab section. Communicates any variances to supervisor in a timely manner.
- Participates in the education and training of students and new employees.
- Maintains individual competency as scheduled.
- Assists with department competency requirements such as performing training assessments or direct observations as delegated by the medical director.
- Provides technical advice and support to other laboratory personnel as required.
- Informs next shift of pertinent information to maintain efficient operation.
- Demonstrates simple/complex troubleshooting skills.
- Serves as a resource to leadership by reliably contributing in activities such as section safety representative; section instrument or assay specific performance monitoring and accountability; section inventory; Standard Operating Procedure review and modifications.
- Actively participates in cross-training activities including being cross trained according to department needs.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Physical Biological Clinical Laboratory Science or a related field required or
- 3-4 years of clinical laboratory training and/or experience required
- Certified Medical Lab Scientist-ASCP required or
- Certification is waived for applicants with a minimum of 7 years experience in a designated specialty.
See All 9 Laboratory Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find Laboratory JobsLaboratory Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory jobs across District of Columbia.
- Active District of Columbia clinical laboratory license or ASCP certification for regulated roles
- Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, or related field
- Proficiency with laboratory information systems and standard instrumentation
- Experience following CLIA, CAP, or federal biosafety compliance protocols
- Ability to obtain federal security clearance for government or defense-affiliated positions
- Strong documentation skills and familiarity with quality control procedures
Laboratory Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory in District of Columbia?
Clinical laboratory personnel in District of Columbia must hold a valid license issued by the D.C. Department of Health's Health Regulation and Licensing Administration. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a closely related discipline, along with a national certification such as ASCP or AMT. Federal laboratory roles may substitute or supplement these with agency-specific background checks and clearance requirements.
Which companies hire laboratorys in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring laboratorys in District of Columbia right now include MedStar Health, University of the District of Columbia, and Howard University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The district's dense concentration of federal agencies, military medical facilities, and nonprofit research organizations makes it one of the more stable laboratory hiring markets on the East Coast.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most laboratory jobs?
Washington account for the largest share of laboratory openings in District of Columbia. Washington, D.C. itself drives the majority of demand because the federal government, large academic medical centers, and public health agencies are headquartered there, while adjacent areas reflect overflow hiring from the same major institutions.
How can I get hired as a laboratory in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a laboratory technician or phlebotomy role at a D.C. hospital system such as MedStar Health or George Washington University Hospital, both of which hire new graduates and offer structured onboarding. An ASCP phlebotomy certification or a completed externship at a D.C. clinical site strengthens a first application considerably. Federal agencies also post lab aide positions that accept candidates still completing their degrees.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to laboratory jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the district. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 9 Laboratory Jobs in District of Columbia
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