CPT Laboratory Jobs
Laboratory CPT jobs let F-1 students apply hands-on research and analytical skills directly within their degree program. Your DSO must authorize each position before you start, and the work must tie to a specific course or program requirement. Roles span clinical labs, research institutions, biotech firms, and university core facilities.
Find CPT Laboratory JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Laboratory jobs
See all Laboratory Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Laboratory roles.
Get Access To All JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Student Laboratory Assistant_Level 1 (MBIOT co-op)
Huck Institute of the Life Sciences - CSL Behring Fermentation Facility
Position Overview:
Responsibilities in this position will include being involved in bioprocessing activities including fermentation, separation process (cell lysis, centrifugation, filtration), purification of bio-based products using FPLC, and performing analytical procedures. This position is only available to the students who are currently enrolled in MBIOT program.
Job Description and Requirements:
- Primary responsibilities will be to support the CSL Behring Fermentation Facility’s day-to-day activities such as routine maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, preparing buffers as well as microbial nutrient media and stock solution, and record keeping.
- Additionally, the student co-op will be trained on equipment, processes, techniques, and fundamental principles of microbial fermentation and bioprocessing.
- Work will primarily be performed under supervision and guidance by staff in the facility.
- Training will cover the use of equipment related to fermentation, processing of microbial biomass, purification and separation techniques. Typical equipment used would include bioreactors at various scales, biomass processing equipment, and tangential flow filtration and chromatography systems as well.
- Will be required to go through Penn State Laboratory safety training via PSU-EHS if this has not been previously completed.
Preferred Skills:
- Strong laboratory experience specifically with microbial fermentation, media preparation, aseptic conditions
- Use of biosafety cabinet for microbial culturing including familiarity at various scales from shake flasks to benchtop bioreactors.
- This position requires strong organizational and communication skills in clearly presenting experimental results and providing updates
- Use of basic computer software such as Microsoft Office for analysis of data
- Ability to follow protocols and record laboratory notes and data in an organized fashion.
- Available to work in the facility during the 2027 Spring semester between 30 to 40 hours/week.
Compensation:
The starting rate for this job is $15.00/HR.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Student Laboratory Assistant_Level 1 (MBIOT co-op)
Huck Institute of the Life Sciences - CSL Behring Fermentation Facility
Position Overview:
Responsibilities in this position will include being involved in bioprocessing activities including fermentation, separation process (cell lysis, centrifugation, filtration), purification of bio-based products using FPLC, and performing analytical procedures. This position is only available to the students who are currently enrolled in MBIOT program.
Job Description and Requirements:
- Primary responsibilities will be to support the CSL Behring Fermentation Facility’s day-to-day activities such as routine maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, preparing buffers as well as microbial nutrient media and stock solution, and record keeping.
- Additionally, the student co-op will be trained on equipment, processes, techniques, and fundamental principles of microbial fermentation and bioprocessing.
- Work will primarily be performed under supervision and guidance by staff in the facility.
- Training will cover the use of equipment related to fermentation, processing of microbial biomass, purification and separation techniques. Typical equipment used would include bioreactors at various scales, biomass processing equipment, and tangential flow filtration and chromatography systems as well.
- Will be required to go through Penn State Laboratory safety training via PSU-EHS if this has not been previously completed.
Preferred Skills:
- Strong laboratory experience specifically with microbial fermentation, media preparation, aseptic conditions
- Use of biosafety cabinet for microbial culturing including familiarity at various scales from shake flasks to benchtop bioreactors.
- This position requires strong organizational and communication skills in clearly presenting experimental results and providing updates
- Use of basic computer software such as Microsoft Office for analysis of data
- Ability to follow protocols and record laboratory notes and data in an organized fashion.
- Available to work in the facility during the 2027 Spring semester between 30 to 40 hours/week.
Compensation:
The starting rate for this job is $15.00/HR.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
See all CPT Laboratory Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Laboratory Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsLaboratory CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do laboratory CPT positions need to be paid to qualify?
CPT can be unpaid, but your school's policy may require paid positions or set minimum hour thresholds. Some research labs offer unpaid volunteer arrangements that qualify academically but don't meet CPT's integral-to-curriculum standard unless tied to course credit. Confirm with your DSO whether unpaid lab work at your institution qualifies before accepting.
Can I do CPT at a university research lab instead of a private employer?
Yes. University core facilities, campus research centers, and affiliated hospital labs all qualify as CPT employers as long as the position is separate from your own academic research assistantship and your DSO authorizes it. Some schools treat on-campus lab work differently, so verify your institution's internal CPT rules before assuming approval.
How do I find laboratory employers who understand CPT authorization?
Search Migrate Mate to identify lab employers with a documented history of hiring F-1 students. Employers already familiar with CPT typically have HR contacts who know how to handle I-20 updates, avoid unlawful start dates, and structure offer letters with the specific details your DSO requires for authorization.
Does full-time CPT in a laboratory affect my OPT eligibility?
Full-time CPT used for 12 months or more eliminates your post-completion OPT eligibility entirely. Part-time CPT, regardless of duration, does not affect OPT. If your lab position requires 20 or more hours per week, track your cumulative full-time CPT across all semesters carefully and discuss the OPT impact with your DSO before authorizing.
Can I switch laboratory employers mid-semester while on CPT?
CPT authorization is employer-specific. If you change labs or are reassigned to a different legal entity, your DSO must issue a new I-20 with the updated employer information before you begin work there. Starting work at a new lab without updated CPT authorization is a status violation, even if your original CPT dates are still valid.