J-1 Visa Laboratory Technician Jobs
Laboratory Technician roles in the U.S. are accessible to international exchange visitors through J-1 visa sponsorship, typically under the Trainee or Research Scholar program category. Your host laboratory partners with a State Department-designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019 and oversee your training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.
Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.
Job Description
As an Intern, under general supervision, performs laboratory tests to determine the performance, chemical, and/or physical composition of consumer products.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Performs routine laboratory testing, following the relevant company’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and methods. Validate performance on methods as required.
- This position conducts sample preparation, extractions, and digestion of various organic and inorganic substances for consumer product testing purposes.
- Perform extractions in order to prepare samples for instrumentation.
- Digests samples to support testing needs.
- Coordinates samples submitted for Chemistry testing by the Central Processing team.
- Confirms that the samples submitted are enough to perform the required/requested testing.
- Test to applicable standards (ASTM, CSPA, ISO, SSC, etc.) and customer-specific protocols.
- Determines the type of testing based on the appropriate guidelines and regulations.
- Demonstrates good and safe work habits and enforces a clean working environment.
- May be required to receive, sort, log client samples into the database, and prepare sample labels.
- May be required to archive, return, or dispose of client samples as per the established procedure.
- Perform daily, weekly, and monthly Quality Assurance/Quality Control checks on equipment.
- Assist in keeping inventory of laboratory chemicals and equipment necessary for the day to day functioning of the laboratory and in compiling a list of supplies to be ordered when needed.
- Assists in calibration/verification tasks and other ISO 17025 related activities.
- Ensure all personal protective equipment (PPE) relevant for tasks are worn at all times.
- Adheres to internal standards, policies, and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
- Associates Degree in Chemistry or related scientific disciplines preferred
- Working in a lab setting with experience following strict safety standards, or equivalent education and experience
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s Degree in related scientific disciplines
- Language Skills: English - Basic level required, Intermediate preferred
- Mathematical Skills: Basic level required, Intermediate preferred
- Reasoning Skills/Abilities: Intermediate level preferred
- Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, and Word) - Basic user proficiency required
- Ability to work independently under the direct supervision
- Ability to execute detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
- Ability to read and understand documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
- Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
- Ability to follow directions to ensure the end results are accurate and completed with the required timeframe
Compensation
The expected salary range for this position is $16.00 to $21.00 per hour. This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.
- Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
- Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment).
- Happiness:
- Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave
In compliance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, we provide clear and equitable compensation information for all applicants.
Position anticipated to close May 25, 2026.
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a callback. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
Company Description
SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.
Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.
Job Description
As an Intern, under general supervision, performs laboratory tests to determine the performance, chemical, and/or physical composition of consumer products.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Performs routine laboratory testing, following the relevant company’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and methods. Validate performance on methods as required.
- This position conducts sample preparation, extractions, and digestion of various organic and inorganic substances for consumer product testing purposes.
- Perform extractions in order to prepare samples for instrumentation.
- Digests samples to support testing needs.
- Coordinates samples submitted for Chemistry testing by the Central Processing team.
- Confirms that the samples submitted are enough to perform the required/requested testing.
- Test to applicable standards (ASTM, CSPA, ISO, SSC, etc.) and customer-specific protocols.
- Determines the type of testing based on the appropriate guidelines and regulations.
- Demonstrates good and safe work habits and enforces a clean working environment.
- May be required to receive, sort, log client samples into the database, and prepare sample labels.
- May be required to archive, return, or dispose of client samples as per the established procedure.
- Perform daily, weekly, and monthly Quality Assurance/Quality Control checks on equipment.
- Assist in keeping inventory of laboratory chemicals and equipment necessary for the day to day functioning of the laboratory and in compiling a list of supplies to be ordered when needed.
- Assists in calibration/verification tasks and other ISO 17025 related activities.
- Ensure all personal protective equipment (PPE) relevant for tasks are worn at all times.
- Adheres to internal standards, policies, and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
- Associates Degree in Chemistry or related scientific disciplines preferred
- Working in a lab setting with experience following strict safety standards, or equivalent education and experience
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s Degree in related scientific disciplines
- Language Skills: English - Basic level required, Intermediate preferred
- Mathematical Skills: Basic level required, Intermediate preferred
- Reasoning Skills/Abilities: Intermediate level preferred
- Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, and Word) - Basic user proficiency required
- Ability to work independently under the direct supervision
- Ability to execute detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
- Ability to read and understand documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
- Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
- Ability to follow directions to ensure the end results are accurate and completed with the required timeframe
Compensation
The expected salary range for this position is $16.00 to $21.00 per hour. This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.
- Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
- Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment).
- Happiness:
- Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave
In compliance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, we provide clear and equitable compensation information for all applicants.
Position anticipated to close May 25, 2026.
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a callback. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
See all 19+ Laboratory Technician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Laboratory Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Laboratory Technician
Match your credentials to the right J-1 category
If you're a current student or recent graduate, you qualify under the Intern category. Professionals with a degree and at least one year of related experience outside the U.S. qualify under Trainee. Applying under the wrong category is the most common reason DS-2019 requests get rejected.
Document your laboratory specialization before applying
Designated sponsors require a detailed Training Plan (Form DS-7002) that maps your lab skills, techniques, and equipment experience to specific U.S. training objectives. Prepare a concise technical resume listing instruments, assay types, and certifications before you approach any host employer.
Target host employers with established sponsor relationships
University research labs, hospital pathology departments, and federal research institutes regularly host J-1 trainees because they already have working relationships with designated sponsors like CIEE or Cultural Vistas. Prioritize these settings over private commercial labs, which rarely maintain active sponsor agreements.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned lab roles
Use Migrate Mate to identify Laboratory Technician positions at U.S. employers with a track record of hosting exchange visitors. Filtering by institution type and location helps you focus on host organizations that have already navigated the DS-2019 process.
Verify prevailing wage compliance before accepting an offer
Your host employer must pay the prevailing wage for your occupation and work location. Cross-check the offered rate against the OFLC Wage Search before signing any agreement. Underpayment is a compliance violation that can jeopardize your J-1 status mid-program.
Clarify the two-year home residency requirement upfront
Many government-funded and skills-shortage laboratory roles trigger the two-year home country physical presence requirement under INA Section 212(e). Ask your designated sponsor whether your specific program and funding source carry this requirement before accepting the position.
Laboratory Technician jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Laboratory Technician JobsLaboratory Technician J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Laboratory Technician roles?
It depends on your career stage. Current students completing a degree in a life science, chemistry, or clinical field typically qualify under the Intern category. Graduates and working professionals with at least one year of post-degree laboratory experience qualify under the Trainee category. Research-focused positions at universities or federal labs may fall under the Research Scholar category instead, which has separate eligibility criteria.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a laboratory technician position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or AIPT, not your laboratory employer. Your host lab agrees to take you on as an exchange visitor, but the designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form, approves your Training Plan, and monitors your program compliance. Confusing the host employer with the visa sponsor is a common misunderstanding that can delay your application.
Does a Laboratory Technician role trigger the two-year home residency requirement?
It can. The two-year home country physical presence requirement applies when your exchange program is funded directly or indirectly by your home government or the U.S. government, or when your occupation appears on the State Department's Exchange Visitor Skills List for your country. Laboratory and medical technician roles frequently appear on these lists. Confirm with your designated sponsor before accepting any offer, since this requirement affects your ability to change to H-1B or get a green card afterward.
How do I find U.S. laboratory employers who accept J-1 exchange visitors?
Search Migrate Mate to identify Laboratory Technician openings at U.S. employers with a history of hosting international exchange visitors. University hospitals, academic research centers, and federal facilities are the most productive targets because they routinely work with designated sponsors on J-1 training plans. Filtering by institution type narrows your search to hosts that already understand the DS-2019 process.
What does the DS-7002 Training Plan require for a laboratory technician?
The DS-7002 must describe your training in phase-by-phase detail, including the specific laboratory techniques, equipment, and skills you will learn at the host site, estimated hours per phase, and the supervising staff member responsible for your training. Generic descriptions like 'laboratory work' are not accepted. Your designated sponsor reviews and must approve the Training Plan before issuing the DS-2019, and your host employer is legally bound to follow it during your program.
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