Green Card Lab Associate Jobs
Lab Associate roles at hospitals, biotech firms, and research institutions qualify for employment-based green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process. Employers file an I-140 petition under EB-2 for advanced-degree candidates or EB-3 for skilled professionals, putting you on a path to permanent U.S. residency.
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Lab Associate II
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Work Schedule: Wednesday to Sunday, 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Department: Microbiology
Pay range: $22.48 - $28.94 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits Information
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Annual incentive plans
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
- Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
- Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately. Demonstrates problem solving ability on service and production issues.
- Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance. Notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
- Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
- Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices. Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
- Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
- Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
- Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing platform/department.
- Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
- Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
- Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
- Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
- Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
- Assists a licensed person (e.g.: CLS) with performance of validation verifications and other Research and Development (R&D) activities, as applicable.
- Trains other Lab Associates. Supports Training Programs, where applicable.
- Takes initiative in making suggestions to improve efficiency and productivity and provides consistent feedback. Is a resource for process improvement.
- Demonstrates leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
- Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
- Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
- Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Qualifications
Required Work Experience:
For Lab Associates in the Histopathology or Cytology department, the following is required:
- 1 year of histopathology, cytology or other laboratory experience.
- 1 year of experience handling Protected Health Information (PHI) and other patient information using a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
Preferred Work Experience
- 2 - 3 years of laboratory experience preferred.
Physical And Mental Requirements
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand.
- Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
- Have good eye and hand coordination.
Knowledge
- A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
- An awareness of the factors that influence test results.
Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Strong typing skills desirable.
- Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
- Other automation skills helpful.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree Biological Science or Chemistry (other life science degree coursework will be evaluated) (Preferred).
- High School Diploma or Equivalent High School Diploma with a minimum of 2-3 years of laboratory experience Required.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
About The Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply. While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
Job Description
Lab Associate II
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Work Schedule: Wednesday to Sunday, 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Department: Microbiology
Pay range: $22.48 - $28.94 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits Information
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Annual incentive plans
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
- Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
- Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately. Demonstrates problem solving ability on service and production issues.
- Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance. Notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
- Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
- Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices. Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
- Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
- Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
- Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing platform/department.
- Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
- Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
- Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
- Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
- Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
- Assists a licensed person (e.g.: CLS) with performance of validation verifications and other Research and Development (R&D) activities, as applicable.
- Trains other Lab Associates. Supports Training Programs, where applicable.
- Takes initiative in making suggestions to improve efficiency and productivity and provides consistent feedback. Is a resource for process improvement.
- Demonstrates leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
- Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
- Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
- Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Qualifications
Required Work Experience:
For Lab Associates in the Histopathology or Cytology department, the following is required:
- 1 year of histopathology, cytology or other laboratory experience.
- 1 year of experience handling Protected Health Information (PHI) and other patient information using a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
Preferred Work Experience
- 2 - 3 years of laboratory experience preferred.
Physical And Mental Requirements
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand.
- Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
- Have good eye and hand coordination.
Knowledge
- A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
- An awareness of the factors that influence test results.
Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Strong typing skills desirable.
- Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
- Other automation skills helpful.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree Biological Science or Chemistry (other life science degree coursework will be evaluated) (Preferred).
- High School Diploma or Equivalent High School Diploma with a minimum of 2-3 years of laboratory experience Required.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
About The Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply. While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
See all 721+ Green Card Lab Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Lab Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Lab Associate
Document your laboratory credentials precisely
PERM requires your degree, transcripts, and any professional certifications to match the employer's minimum requirements exactly. A clinical lab science license or ASCP certification listed on your resume should appear identically on the PERM application to avoid DOL audits.
Target labs with active PERM filing history
Hospital networks, contract research organizations, and pharmaceutical manufacturers regularly sponsor Lab Associates through PERM. Searching DOL disclosure data by occupation code lets you identify which employers have filed for this role in the past two years.
Understand how EB-3 differs from H-1B for this role
EB-3 sponsorship has no annual lottery and leads to permanent residency, not a temporary status. The tradeoff is a longer timeline: PERM recruitment alone can take six to twelve months before USCIS even receives the I-140 petition.
Find green card sponsoring employers through Migrate Mate
Search Migrate Mate by job title and filter for employers with green card sponsorship history. This cuts research time significantly compared to manually reviewing OFLC disclosure files for Lab Associate PERM filings.
Confirm the prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
PERM locks your employer into paying at least the DOL prevailing wage for your county and experience level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to verify which wage level the employer intends to certify, since a Level I wage signals entry-level and can affect your petition's strength.
Clarify the employer's PERM sponsorship timeline upfront
Ask your prospective employer whether they plan to start PERM after your first year of employment or immediately. Some labs require you to complete a probationary period first, and that delay affects when your priority date is established with USCIS.
Green Card Lab Associate: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lab Associate roles typically qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Most Lab Associate positions qualify under EB-3 as skilled workers, since the role commonly requires a bachelor's degree in a life science or clinical laboratory science field. EB-2 applies if the position genuinely requires an advanced degree or if you qualify for a National Interest Waiver, which is uncommon for standard lab roles. Your employer's PERM application defines which category is used.
How is PERM green card sponsorship different from H-1B sponsorship for this role?
PERM sponsorship leads to permanent residency rather than a temporary work status, and EB-3 filings face no annual lottery. The process is slower: your employer must complete a supervised DOL recruitment campaign before filing, which typically adds six to twelve months before USCIS adjudicates the I-140. H-1B visa approval, by contrast, can authorize work within a few months but must be renewed and does not guarantee permanent status.
Where can I find Lab Associate jobs where the employer sponsors green cards?
Migrate Mate lets you search Lab Associate openings filtered by employers with documented green card sponsorship history. This is more targeted than a general job search because it surfaces employers who have completed PERM filings for similar roles, giving you a realistic picture of which labs and research organizations actively sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency.
What documents should I prepare before a Lab Associate employer starts the PERM process?
You'll need official transcripts, your degree certificate, and any professional certifications such as an ASCP credential or state laboratory license. Foreign credentials often require a credential evaluation to confirm U.S. equivalency, since PERM regulations require that your qualifications match the employer's stated minimum requirements exactly. Gather these early because DOL audits can request documentation at any stage of the process.
How long does the green card process typically take for a Lab Associate sponsored by a U.S. employer?
The PERM recruitment and certification phase alone usually takes six to twelve months, followed by I-140 adjudication by USCIS, which can take several additional months under standard processing. For most countries, EB-3 priority dates are current or near-current, meaning adjustment of status can begin relatively quickly after I-140 approval. Indian and Chinese nationals face longer backlogs due to per-country limits, so your timeline depends significantly on your nationality.