H-1B Visa Lab Associate Jobs
Lab Associate roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a directly related field. Pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic research employers file LCAs through DOL and sponsor H-1B workers in this occupation regularly.
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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 799+ H-1B Visa Lab Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Lab Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Lab Associate
Verify your degree field matches the role
USCIS requires your degree to align specifically with lab associate duties. A biochemistry or life sciences degree supports most petitions, but a general science degree without relevant coursework can trigger an RFE. Review the O*NET profile for this occupation before applying.
Target employers with active LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Lab Associate openings by employers who have filed LCAs for this occupation, so you're applying where H-1B sponsorship is already established practice rather than negotiating it from scratch.
Confirm the role meets specialty occupation standards
Not every lab associate posting qualifies as a specialty occupation. Ask the hiring manager whether the job description explicitly requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Postings listing a degree as preferred, not required, weaken the H-1B petition.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your job title and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up Level I and Level II wages for lab associate roles in your target city before you discuss compensation.
Start the LCA process early after your offer
DOL typically certifies LCAs within seven business days, but your employer needs that certification before filing I-129 with USCIS. Factor this into your start date negotiation so there's enough runway between your offer acceptance and your intended first day.
Document lab-specific skills tied to your degree
Build a credential file that links your coursework and lab techniques directly to the job duties. Employers filing H-1B petitions for lab roles often face RFEs asking for evidence that the position requires degree-specific knowledge, not just general scientific aptitude.
H-1B Visa Lab Associate: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lab Associate role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It depends on how the employer defines the position. If the job description requires a bachelor's degree or higher in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field as a minimum entry requirement, it generally qualifies. Roles where any science background is acceptable, or where the degree is listed as preferred rather than required, are more likely to face USCIS scrutiny during adjudication.
Which industries hire Lab Associates on H-1B sponsorship most consistently?
Pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract research organizations, biotechnology firms, hospital systems with clinical laboratories, and university research departments are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for lab associate roles. These employers have established immigration processes and file LCAs for this occupation on a recurring basis. You can browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate by filtering for Lab Associate openings with LCA filing history.
What happens to my H-1B status if I move from one lab to a different department within the same employer?
A lateral move within the same employer doesn't automatically require a new H-1B petition, but a material change in job duties, location, or wage level does. If your new department involves substantially different work from what USCIS approved, your employer needs to file an amended I-129. A new city or worksite also typically requires a new LCA before the transfer.
Can I negotiate my start date around the H-1B cap and lottery timeline?
If you're subject to the H-1B cap, your earliest possible start date is October 1 of the fiscal year for which you were selected. Registration opens in March and USCIS runs the lottery shortly after. Employers can file petitions starting April 1, and you can't begin work until October 1, so most cap-subject lab associate hires negotiate start dates that account for this six-month gap.
Does my employer need to be E-Verify enrolled to sponsor my H-1B?
E-Verify enrollment isn't a general requirement for H-1B sponsorship, but it is mandatory if your employer wants to hire you on STEM OPT before sponsoring the H-1B, and it's required for federal contractors. Many pharmaceutical and research employers are enrolled voluntarily. You can ask your HR contact whether the company is an E-Verify participant before accepting an offer.