H-1B Visa Laboratory Specialist Jobs
Laboratory Specialist jobs at H-1B visa-sponsoring employers typically qualify as specialty occupations, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related scientific field such as biology, chemistry, or clinical laboratory science. Sponsors file a Labor Condition Application with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, covering you for up to three years with extensions available.
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Get Access To All JobsOrganizational Summary:
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Florida is a diverse, research active community of scholars, teachers, creators, and learners who believe that ideas should live both in the classroom and in the world. We bring together the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to tackle real problems through learning that involves doing, including fieldwork on Florida’s coast, work in laboratories, data-focused projects, and storytelling across digital and traditional media. Our faculty are nationally recognized researchers and dedicated mentors who open doors to significant opportunities such as undergraduate research, internships, fellowships, and global experiences. We are especially proud of our vibrant humanities and social sciences, where students connect big questions to real careers through funded experiential learning and projects that engage the community. Rooted in Tampa Bay and connected to global conversations, we see our campus as a living laboratory for studying the environment, society, culture, and technology, and we invite colleagues who share this spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation focused on students to join us.
The Department of Chemistry represents one of the cornerstones of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the University as a whole. The Department of Chemistry is well-positioned in its centrality, demand, quality and sustainability to significantly contribute to the University vision of serving as a pre-eminent research university with state, national and global impact. The Department of Chemistry is dedicated to developing globally competitive undergraduate, graduate and professional programs as well as expanding its world-class interdisciplinary research ranging from drug discovery to materials science.
Position Summary:
The Teaching Laboratory Specialist is responsible for the preparation of reagents and the setting up of equipment for the use of students in the undergraduate teaching laboratories. Responsible for the daily disbursement and return of equipment used by the students in the teaching laboratories. Perform demonstrations of the instruments that are utilized by the students, and provide the necessary information for the teaching assistants in order for the laboratories to run in a smoothly and safely manner. This position may include working hours after 5 pm.
- Sets up laboratory equipment and instrumentation required for tests, analysis, or processes, weekly calibration and troubleshooting of lab equipment like: NMR, IR, GC, pH meters, and any other equipment necessary.
- Daily set up laboratory materials and equipment for the teaching laboratory experiment of the week.
- Dispense to students and TAs the chemicals, equipment, and any materials needed by the students during teaching periods.
- Maintains records of lost or damaged equipment by the students during the course of the teaching laboratories.
- Maintain proper hygiene of the lab workspace (stockroom area). This process will include but is not limited to washing glassware, cleaning benches, dusting surfaces, maintaining cleanliness of equipment, dispose in the proper location of any secondary shipping materials (paper, cardboard, foam, etc.). Assist with keeping supplies, materials, and equipment clean, organized and ready for use.
- Remove full waste containers from teaching labs. Transport waste to the approved accumulation area, record the waste with the proper label and report it on HITS for pick up and replace the waste container with an empty one.
- Notify and report to the lab manager and EHS any incident or near miss in the labs or stockroom.
- Prepare chemical solutions for use in the chemistry teaching labs following standardized formulas or experimental procedures (SOP).
- Refill chemicals in the teaching laboratories.
- Prepare and put away reagents, equipment, supplies or specimens for laboratory sessions.
- Test weekly the eye wash stations in all locations (stockroom and teaching labs), weekly refill dish soap and hand soap for all locations.
- Inspect and verify incoming materials against invoices or other documents, record shortages, request the purchase of chemicals. Store chemicals and equipment in the designated location.
- Provide clerical support for the laboratories, including the creation of Excel spreadsheets, labels, and other pertinent documents for the laboratories.
- Conduct and update inventories of equipment, supplies and reagents.
- Enforce the safety rules and regulation approved by the University; this will include a continue supervision of the assigned teaching laboratories.
- Communicate with the TA any anomaly or misbehavior of students and act in case that safety rules are not corrected.
- Report any case to lab manager and if necessary ask the student to leave the lab.
- Perform other duties related to the laboratories as assigned by the lab manager and chemistry department.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires high school diploma and two years or work experience in instructional or laboratory work. College coursework may be substituted for the required experience.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
- Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
- (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
- (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
- (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
- (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
- (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Organizational Summary:
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Florida is a diverse, research active community of scholars, teachers, creators, and learners who believe that ideas should live both in the classroom and in the world. We bring together the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to tackle real problems through learning that involves doing, including fieldwork on Florida’s coast, work in laboratories, data-focused projects, and storytelling across digital and traditional media. Our faculty are nationally recognized researchers and dedicated mentors who open doors to significant opportunities such as undergraduate research, internships, fellowships, and global experiences. We are especially proud of our vibrant humanities and social sciences, where students connect big questions to real careers through funded experiential learning and projects that engage the community. Rooted in Tampa Bay and connected to global conversations, we see our campus as a living laboratory for studying the environment, society, culture, and technology, and we invite colleagues who share this spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation focused on students to join us.
The Department of Chemistry represents one of the cornerstones of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the University as a whole. The Department of Chemistry is well-positioned in its centrality, demand, quality and sustainability to significantly contribute to the University vision of serving as a pre-eminent research university with state, national and global impact. The Department of Chemistry is dedicated to developing globally competitive undergraduate, graduate and professional programs as well as expanding its world-class interdisciplinary research ranging from drug discovery to materials science.
Position Summary:
The Teaching Laboratory Specialist is responsible for the preparation of reagents and the setting up of equipment for the use of students in the undergraduate teaching laboratories. Responsible for the daily disbursement and return of equipment used by the students in the teaching laboratories. Perform demonstrations of the instruments that are utilized by the students, and provide the necessary information for the teaching assistants in order for the laboratories to run in a smoothly and safely manner. This position may include working hours after 5 pm.
- Sets up laboratory equipment and instrumentation required for tests, analysis, or processes, weekly calibration and troubleshooting of lab equipment like: NMR, IR, GC, pH meters, and any other equipment necessary.
- Daily set up laboratory materials and equipment for the teaching laboratory experiment of the week.
- Dispense to students and TAs the chemicals, equipment, and any materials needed by the students during teaching periods.
- Maintains records of lost or damaged equipment by the students during the course of the teaching laboratories.
- Maintain proper hygiene of the lab workspace (stockroom area). This process will include but is not limited to washing glassware, cleaning benches, dusting surfaces, maintaining cleanliness of equipment, dispose in the proper location of any secondary shipping materials (paper, cardboard, foam, etc.). Assist with keeping supplies, materials, and equipment clean, organized and ready for use.
- Remove full waste containers from teaching labs. Transport waste to the approved accumulation area, record the waste with the proper label and report it on HITS for pick up and replace the waste container with an empty one.
- Notify and report to the lab manager and EHS any incident or near miss in the labs or stockroom.
- Prepare chemical solutions for use in the chemistry teaching labs following standardized formulas or experimental procedures (SOP).
- Refill chemicals in the teaching laboratories.
- Prepare and put away reagents, equipment, supplies or specimens for laboratory sessions.
- Test weekly the eye wash stations in all locations (stockroom and teaching labs), weekly refill dish soap and hand soap for all locations.
- Inspect and verify incoming materials against invoices or other documents, record shortages, request the purchase of chemicals. Store chemicals and equipment in the designated location.
- Provide clerical support for the laboratories, including the creation of Excel spreadsheets, labels, and other pertinent documents for the laboratories.
- Conduct and update inventories of equipment, supplies and reagents.
- Enforce the safety rules and regulation approved by the University; this will include a continue supervision of the assigned teaching laboratories.
- Communicate with the TA any anomaly or misbehavior of students and act in case that safety rules are not corrected.
- Report any case to lab manager and if necessary ask the student to leave the lab.
- Perform other duties related to the laboratories as assigned by the lab manager and chemistry department.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires high school diploma and two years or work experience in instructional or laboratory work. College coursework may be substituted for the required experience.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
- Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
- (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
- (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
- (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
- (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
- (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
See all 124+ H-1B Visa Laboratory Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Laboratory Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Laboratory Specialist
Align your degree to lab duties
USCIS evaluates specialty occupation based on whether your specific degree field directly relates to your lab duties. Document how your biology, chemistry, or clinical laboratory science degree maps to your core bench responsibilities before any employer files your I-129.
Verify prevailing wage before accepting offers
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage level for your SOC code and work location before negotiations. Each worksite requires its own certified LCA, so multi-site roles need separate filings at the correct prevailing wage for each location.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers with verified H-1B LCA sponsorship history for laboratory roles. Focusing on employers who have filed for lab positions before reduces the risk of an employer backing out when they learn what sponsorship involves.
Get your credentials evaluated early
If you completed your degree outside the U.S., obtain a credential evaluation from a NACES-member service before applying. USCIS often issues Requests for Evidence when foreign three-year science degrees lack a formal equivalency assessment, which delays petitions by months.
Clarify cap-exempt status with your employer
Hospitals, university research labs, and nonprofit research institutions may qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, bypassing the annual cap. Confirm whether your prospective employer meets USCIS cap-exemption criteria before the offer stage so your timeline isn't tied to the selection cycle.
Request premium processing when timelines are tight
If your OPT or current status expires soon after your start date, ask your employer to file with USCIS premium processing. This guarantees a decision within 15 business days and prevents gaps in authorization while standard adjudication queues remain unpredictable.
H-1B Visa Laboratory Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Laboratory Specialist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, Laboratory Specialist positions typically qualify as specialty occupations when the role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific scientific field such as clinical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Employers strengthen the petition by writing job descriptions that explicitly tie bench responsibilities to degree-level coursework. USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence if the degree requirement is listed as preferred rather than required, so the job posting and offer letter language matters.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Laboratory Specialist roles?
Academic medical centers, hospital networks, pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and government-affiliated research institutions are the most consistent sponsors for Laboratory Specialist positions. These organizations file LCAs regularly and have established immigration workflows. You can browse employers with verified H-1B sponsorship history for laboratory roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces DOL Labor Condition Application data by occupation and location.
How does the LCA process work for a Laboratory Specialist position?
Your employer submits a Labor Condition Application to DOL through the FLAG system before filing your I-129 petition with USCIS. The LCA certifies that your offered wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for your SOC code at your specific worksite. If your role involves multiple lab locations, each site needs its own certified LCA. DOL typically certifies LCAs within seven business days, and USCIS then adjudicates the I-129 under standard or premium processing.
What happens to my H-1B status if my laboratory position is eliminated or I want to change employers?
H-1B portability under AC21 allows you to start working for a new employer once they file an I-129 petition on your behalf, without waiting for USCIS approval, provided you have been in valid H-1B status for at least 180 days and the new role is in the same or a related occupational classification. If your position is eliminated, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new employer, transfer your status, or depart. Your H-1B status is tied to the sponsoring employer, not the occupation category alone.
Can a Laboratory Specialist pursue a green card while on H-1B status?
Yes. The H-1B visa allows dual intent, meaning holding or applying for a green card does not jeopardize your nonimmigrant status. Most laboratory professionals pursue an employment-based green card through the PERM labor certification process, which requires the employer to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role. EB-2 and EB-3 categories are both used for laboratory positions depending on the degree level and experience requirements in the job description.