CPT Laboratory Assistant Jobs
Laboratory Assistant jobs on CPT let F-1 students apply classroom science directly in research, clinical, or industrial lab settings. Your DSO must authorize CPT before your start date, and the work must connect to your enrolled degree program. Part-time CPT keeps your full-time OPT eligibility intact after graduation.
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Get Access To All JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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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 Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Laboratory Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsLaboratory Assistant CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Laboratory Assistant role qualify for CPT authorization?
Yes, if the lab work is an integral part of your enrolled curriculum. Roles involving specimen preparation, equipment operation, data recording, or research support in a field that matches your declared major typically qualify. Your DSO makes the final determination, so bring the job description and connect it explicitly to your coursework before they update your I-20.
Can I work in a clinical or hospital lab on CPT?
You can, but clinical lab positions may require additional credentialing steps beyond CPT authorization. Some hospitals require proof of immunization records, HIPAA training, or a background check before your start date. None of these affect your F-1 status, but they can delay onboarding, so ask HR for the full pre-employment checklist before accepting the offer.
How do I find Laboratory Assistant employers who accept CPT?
Search for Laboratory Assistant roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with F-1 hiring history. University research departments, pharmaceutical companies, environmental testing labs, and hospital systems are the most active CPT employers in this field. Filtering by work authorization type helps you avoid applying to positions that require existing H-1B visa or OPT status.
Does CPT for a Laboratory Assistant role affect my future OPT?
Part-time CPT, meaning 20 hours or fewer per week, has no effect on your OPT eligibility regardless of how long you work. Full-time CPT totaling 12 or more months eliminates your post-completion OPT entirely. If you're working in the lab more than 20 hours per week, track your cumulative full-time CPT hours carefully throughout your program.
Can I switch lab employers mid-semester while on CPT?
You can change employers, but each new employer requires a separate CPT authorization on an updated I-20. Your previous CPT authorization is tied to the specific employer listed by your DSO. Switching labs mid-semester means returning to your DSO, providing the new job offer letter, and waiting for an updated I-20 before you can begin work at the new location.