Lab Associate Jobs for OPT Students
Lab Associate jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related STEM field. Most positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience in a U.S. laboratory setting.
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Get Access To All JobsWho we are at Osmo:
Osmo is a digital olfaction company, on a mission to give computers a sense of smell to improve the health and wellbeing of human life. Why? Our sense of smell both enriches and saves lives, and has a deep and direct connection to our emotions and memory.
Olfactory Intelligence has applications across industries including fragrance, manufacturing, security, medicine, and more. We believe in the power of automation and thoughtfully applied AI/ML to solve problems beyond the reach of human intuition alone. Osmo is headquartered in New York, NY, with a new facility in New Jersey, and offices in Somerville, MA.
Osmo is seeking a Lab Associate (Contract) to support our lab operations, working closely with our team to keep experiments running smoothly and the lab well-organized. This is a 6-month on-site contract role based in NYC through mid-April, then transitioning to our NJ facility. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable following SOPs in a fast-paced lab environment. We will also consider contract extension of full time conversion based on performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and organize samples for sensory panel evaluations following established SOPs.
- Pipet samples accurately per protocols for various experimental workflows.
- Operate and maintain liquid handling instruments (Tecan, OpenTrons).
- Maintain lab organization — stock supplies, label and store materials properly, keep workspaces clean and audit-ready.
- Assist with packing and shipping of lab samples and materials.
- Follow strict safety protocols in the handling, storage, and disposal of chemical compounds.
- Support day-to-day lab operations and ad hoc tasks as needed.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or related fields.
- 1+ years of hands-on experience working in a laboratory setting.
- Strong understanding of chemical safety protocols and lab SOPs.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work on-site 5 days a week (NYC until mid-April, then NJ).
- Able to lift up to 40lbs.
- Experienced with Spreadsheets.
Ways to Stand Out
- Experience operating liquid handling robots (Tecan, OpenTrons, or similar).
- Familiarity with sensory panel preparation or fragrance sample workflows.
- Experience with inventory management systems or lab databases.
- Background in chemistry or a related scientific field.
Hourly Range: $25-$35/hour
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more.
If this role inspires you we’d encourage you to apply. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining an incredible team optimized for a diversity of thought, background, and approaches.
For all Full-Time Employees, compensation is just one component of Osmo’s total rewards approach, which is designed to support the well-being, growth, and long-term success of our team members. Depending on the role, this may include base salary or contract-based pay, along with access to health, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match; flexible paid time off and company holidays; and equity or incentive compensation for eligible roles. Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, internal equity, and other relevant business considerations. Osmo regularly reviews pay ranges and compensation structures to ensure they remain competitive, equitable, and aligned with current market data.
All employment decisions and responsibilities are determined based on current ability and your ability to grow, without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Osmo does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Osmo or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Osmo Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Osmo and Osmo will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Who we are at Osmo:
Osmo is a digital olfaction company, on a mission to give computers a sense of smell to improve the health and wellbeing of human life. Why? Our sense of smell both enriches and saves lives, and has a deep and direct connection to our emotions and memory.
Olfactory Intelligence has applications across industries including fragrance, manufacturing, security, medicine, and more. We believe in the power of automation and thoughtfully applied AI/ML to solve problems beyond the reach of human intuition alone. Osmo is headquartered in New York, NY, with a new facility in New Jersey, and offices in Somerville, MA.
Osmo is seeking a Lab Associate (Contract) to support our lab operations, working closely with our team to keep experiments running smoothly and the lab well-organized. This is a 6-month on-site contract role based in NYC through mid-April, then transitioning to our NJ facility. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable following SOPs in a fast-paced lab environment. We will also consider contract extension of full time conversion based on performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and organize samples for sensory panel evaluations following established SOPs.
- Pipet samples accurately per protocols for various experimental workflows.
- Operate and maintain liquid handling instruments (Tecan, OpenTrons).
- Maintain lab organization — stock supplies, label and store materials properly, keep workspaces clean and audit-ready.
- Assist with packing and shipping of lab samples and materials.
- Follow strict safety protocols in the handling, storage, and disposal of chemical compounds.
- Support day-to-day lab operations and ad hoc tasks as needed.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or related fields.
- 1+ years of hands-on experience working in a laboratory setting.
- Strong understanding of chemical safety protocols and lab SOPs.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work on-site 5 days a week (NYC until mid-April, then NJ).
- Able to lift up to 40lbs.
- Experienced with Spreadsheets.
Ways to Stand Out
- Experience operating liquid handling robots (Tecan, OpenTrons, or similar).
- Familiarity with sensory panel preparation or fragrance sample workflows.
- Experience with inventory management systems or lab databases.
- Background in chemistry or a related scientific field.
Hourly Range: $25-$35/hour
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more.
If this role inspires you we’d encourage you to apply. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining an incredible team optimized for a diversity of thought, background, and approaches.
For all Full-Time Employees, compensation is just one component of Osmo’s total rewards approach, which is designed to support the well-being, growth, and long-term success of our team members. Depending on the role, this may include base salary or contract-based pay, along with access to health, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match; flexible paid time off and company holidays; and equity or incentive compensation for eligible roles. Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, internal equity, and other relevant business considerations. Osmo regularly reviews pay ranges and compensation structures to ensure they remain competitive, equitable, and aligned with current market data.
All employment decisions and responsibilities are determined based on current ability and your ability to grow, without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Osmo does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Osmo or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Osmo Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Osmo and Osmo will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Lab Associate
Lead with your degree field, not just your title
Hiring managers assess OPT eligibility by your CIP code, not your job title. Clarify upfront that your degree is in a qualifying STEM field, biology, chemistry, or biochemistry, so employers can confirm STEM OPT extension eligibility without guesswork.
Address the 24-month STEM extension early
Many lab employers are unfamiliar with OPT timelines. Mention in your cover letter that your STEM degree qualifies you for up to three years of OPT work authorization. This reassures hiring teams that you're not a short-term hire.
Target E-Verify registered employers
The STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Research this before applying. Pharmaceutical companies, university labs, and large biotech firms like Thermo Fisher and Labcorp are almost always already enrolled.
Highlight hands-on lab skills in concrete terms
Generic resumes get filtered out fast. List specific techniques you've performed: PCR, ELISA, cell culture, HPLC, or microscopy. Lab managers hire on technical fit, and specificity signals real bench experience rather than classroom familiarity.
Prepare your DSO to issue an updated I-20 quickly
Some employers want to see your I-20 before extending an offer. Coordinate with your Designated School Official in advance so they can issue an updated document quickly. Delays here have cost candidates offers at time-sensitive labs.
Ask about the training plan requirement during interviews
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan (Form I-983) co-signed by the employer. Asking about this during the interview signals that you understand the process and reduces the administrative surprise for employers approving your extension.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Lab Associate jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Lab Associate roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or microbiology. The job must also be directly related to your degree. Your employer must be registered with E-Verify, and you'll need to complete Form I-983 as a formal training plan with them.
How do I find Lab Associate employers that are willing to hire OPT students?
Browse Lab Associate listings on Migrate Mate, which is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to sponsoring or hiring on work authorization. Pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and university research labs are among the most OPT-friendly in this field, as they routinely work with international researchers and understand the documentation requirements.
What documents will a Lab Associate employer ask to verify my OPT status?
Expect to provide your EAD card, your most recent I-20 with the OPT authorization page, and your passport. Some employers also request your I-94 arrival record and a copy of your SEVIS confirmation. Have digital copies ready before your first day, as HR teams at regulated labs often need these for compliance audits and E-Verify enrollment.
Can I work part-time as a Lab Associate on OPT?
Yes, but with an important constraint. During your standard OPT period, USCIS requires you to work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid status and avoid gaps counted against your unemployment limit. During the STEM OPT extension, you must work a minimum of 20 hours per week as well, and the training plan must reflect those hours accurately.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer can sponsor an H-1B?
If you've applied for the STEM OPT extension before your initial OPT expires, you're covered by an automatic 180-day cap-gap while USCIS processes the application. If your employer wants to sponsor an H-1B, the annual lottery opens in March for an October 1 start date, so timing your STEM extension to bridge that gap is critical. An immigration attorney can help you map the exact sequence.
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