Scientist Jobs in Virginia
Scientist jobs in Virginia are in strong and consistent demand, concentrated in defense research, life sciences, environmental consulting, and federal contracting, with openings at every level from entry-level research associate through principal scientist and research director. Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads corridor are the dominant hiring areas, anchored by employers like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The most sought-after specialties include environmental science, biological research, and data-driven physical sciences tied to government program support. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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$58,043.44 - $101,575.97 Annually
HEALTH DEPT LABORATORY, 10310 LAYTON HALL DRIVE, FAIRFAX (FJ15), VA
FT Hourly W BN
26-01299
Health Department
08/22/2026
9/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
S20
Open to General Public
Job Announcement
Are you looking for a position that offers you…
- Opportunity to make a difference by serving those most in need
- Work collaboratively with community partners to address public health priorities.
- A learning culture
- Work life balance
- Supportive team environment
- Amazing benefits
Under general supervision, this position performs Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulated clinical testing using approved methodologies to ensure quality control and compliance with regulatory standards. Performs moderate to high complexity testing in all areas of the FCHD laboratory. Assesses and verifies specimen integrity and suitability for laboratory testing. Operates laboratory instrumentation and testing systems to generate accurate and timely results for patient specimens, quality control, and proficiency testing samples. Conducts and documents quality control testing to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory authority, including CLIA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Reports data accurately and efficiently to healthcare providers/environmental health specialists utilizing laboratory information system (LIS). Demonstrates knowledge of operational procedures and regulatory standards. May perform on site testing at FCHD clinics in support of STI program. May assist in training and orientation of new staff of laboratory techniques and methods. Participates in professional growth opportunities to enhance personal and team development. This position requires active participation in one of the laboratory's internal Quality Assurance and Safety Committees. Participation in agency-wide committees is highly recommended.
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Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of basic principles of biology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry or organic chemistry methods and techniques in a clinical laboratory;
- Knowledge and application of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use and its limitations for duties assigned;
- Skill in the care and use of laboratory equipment including microscopes and accessory equipment;
- Ability to perform technical laboratory procedures in a precise and accurate manner;
- Ability to pay close attention to detail;
- Ability to work independently and part of a team;
- Ability to comprehend and follow written and oral instructions;
- Ability to communicate technical information to internal and external customers;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
- Ability to interpret and follow standard technical instructions;
- Knowledge of laboratory hazards and procedures;
LEVEL 2
- Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
- Knowledge of quality control, documentation, quality assurance, and professional and regulatory standards of laboratory practice in a certified laboratory;
- Ability to apply problem-solving skills to resolve issues such as troubleshooting instruments and testing failures;
- Ability to make analytical judgments;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- Ability to operate, maintain and properly read various laboratory instruments;
LEVEL 3
- Ability to prepare clear, concise technical documentation and maintain accurate records;
- Knowledge of policies, processes, and procedures related to corrective and preventive actions;
- Knowledge of policies, processes, and procedures related to identifying and collecting quality improvement indicators;
- Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding reportable diseases;
- Ability to keep abreast of current developments in the field.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in medical/clinical laboratory science, microbiology, or chemistry, or a degree in a directly related field of study; plus 1 year of recent relevant experience performing CLIA non-waived or environmental testing in a clinical or public health laboratory.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
- Valid driver's license.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (Required within 60 days).
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification (Required within 60 days).
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)
Additional Work Schedule Requirements: May be required to provide after-hours, weekend or holiday coverage. May be required to serve as health department emergency responder
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Self-motivated, results-oriented individual with more than one year of experience performing clinical testing in a clinical or public health laboratory setting.
- Bachelor's degree or higher degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology.
- At least one year of knowledge and experience working in a clinical lab setting in hematology, chemistry, immunology, and/or toxicology department, with a preference of more than one year of experience in hematology, immunology, and chemistry.
- Working knowledge of and experience in any of the following: Quality Control, OSHA Safety Regulations, Bloodborne Pathogen Standards, BioSafety Level 2 Protocols, BioSafety Level 3 Protocols, and/or Unidirectional workflow.
- Performed laboratory testing under laboratory regulatory authority, such as CLIA, CAP (College of American Pathologists), COLA (Commission on Laboratory Accreditation), EPA, etc.
- At least one of year of experience with a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
- Experience and ability to read, analyze, interpret and effectively communicate complex scientific, technical, administrative and educational materials.
- Ability to respond professionally and effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints from both internal and external clients.
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) board certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or equivalent.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Job is generally sedentary in nature, and requires walking, standing, sitting (for long periods of time), and kneeling, reaching, bending, climbing stairs; may be required to lift or carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally. Uses hands to grasp, handle, or feel. Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment and computer; Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments and delicate laboratory equipment. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor and laboratory equipment, and to closely examine specimens microscopically and distinguish fine gradation of color, bands, or structures. Position frequently communicates and must be able to exchange accurate information with others verbally and in writing. Generally, works in an office environment yet may occasionally be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office setting. Ability to drive a motor vehicle. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others. We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
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See All 169+ Scientist Jobs in Virginia
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Find Scientist JobsScientist Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Scientist Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Booz Allen Hamilton15

- Capital One9

- Guidehouse8

- Information Technology Senior Management Forum7
- Navy Federal Credit Union6

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in scientist jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field
- Experience with laboratory instrumentation, field data collection, or research study design
- Familiarity with federal or Virginia state environmental regulations and compliance standards
- Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. government security clearance as required by the position
- Proficiency with data analysis tools and scientific software such as R, Python, or ArcGIS
- Strong technical writing skills for reports, proposals, and peer-reviewed documentation
Scientist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a scientist in Virginia?
Most scientist roles in Virginia require at least a bachelor's degree in a natural or physical science, with many positions in defense and federal contracting favoring a master's degree or higher. Environmental scientists working on regulated projects may need to meet Virginia Department of Environmental Quality standards or hold certifications such as Professional Wetland Scientist or Certified Environmental Professional. For research roles with state or federal agencies, relevant field or laboratory experience carries significant weight alongside formal education.
Which companies hire scientists in Virginia?
Employers hiring scientists in Virginia right now include Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One, and Guidehouse, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal agencies and defense contractors means many scientist roles are tied to government-funded research programs, making established contractors and consulting firms among the most consistent sources of openings.
Which Virginia cities have the most scientist jobs?
McLean, Arlington, and Chantilly have the most scientist openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors drives the largest share of postings, while Richmond's life sciences sector and Hampton Roads' Navy and environmental research presence account for strong hiring in those areas as well.
Are there remote scientist jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. About 29% of scientist openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of the work requires lab access, field sampling, or classified facility presence. The subset most likely to allow remote or hybrid arrangements includes data analysis, scientific writing, and modeling roles where no physical sample work is involved.
How can I get hired as a scientist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research associate or lab technician role, which large Virginia employers like Leidos, SAIC, and ICF regularly post for candidates with a bachelor's degree and no professional experience. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey and EPA regional offices in Northern Virginia also run student volunteer and pathways programs. Building a portfolio of field or lab work through university research, state agency internships with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, or AmeriCorps environmental programs strengthens a first application meaningfully.
Where can I find and apply to scientist jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to scientist jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense, environmental, life sciences, and federal research sectors. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 169+ Scientist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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