OPT Lab Associate Jobs
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 JobsKilo Lab Operations Technician I/II - Pharmaceutical API Manufacturing (GMP)
Ewing, NJ | On-site | Full-time | $20-$30 per hour
The Kilo Lab Operations Technician is a member of the Operations team and the hands-on support behind every batch in the kilo lab. The supervisor plans the work, and the technician carries out operations: setting up, running, and cleaning the equipment that produces APIs and intermediates. Training provided; no GMP experience needed.
Operations Responsibilities
- Perform kilo lab operations: charging solids and liquids, extractions, filtrations, and drying
- Set up and run reactors, filters, and dryers
- Clean and prepare equipment per SOPs to keep operations batch-ready
- Record batch data accurately
- Work safely and follow cGMP
- Report equipment issues early and help troubleshoot
- Support the Operations team and supervisor wherever needed
Qualifications
- Lab, plant, or manufacturing experience (chemistry associate degree or equivalent experience)
- Clear communication and attention to detail
- Basic Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Ability to lift up to 55 lbs and wear PPE
- Flexibility on schedule
Preferred, not required
- Kilo lab or GMP experience
- Mechanical aptitude or equipment troubleshooting
Levels
- Technician I: less than 2 years of experience; training provided
- Technician II: 2+ years of experience; runs operations with minimal guidance
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off and holidays
Career Growth
- Paid on-the-job training in GMP API manufacturing
Advancement path from Technician I to II to Senior Technician
Kilo Lab Operations Technician I/II - Pharmaceutical API Manufacturing (GMP)
Ewing, NJ | On-site | Full-time | $20-$30 per hour
The Kilo Lab Operations Technician is a member of the Operations team and the hands-on support behind every batch in the kilo lab. The supervisor plans the work, and the technician carries out operations: setting up, running, and cleaning the equipment that produces APIs and intermediates. Training provided; no GMP experience needed.
Operations Responsibilities
- Perform kilo lab operations: charging solids and liquids, extractions, filtrations, and drying
- Set up and run reactors, filters, and dryers
- Clean and prepare equipment per SOPs to keep operations batch-ready
- Record batch data accurately
- Work safely and follow cGMP
- Report equipment issues early and help troubleshoot
- Support the Operations team and supervisor wherever needed
Qualifications
- Lab, plant, or manufacturing experience (chemistry associate degree or equivalent experience)
- Clear communication and attention to detail
- Basic Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Ability to lift up to 55 lbs and wear PPE
- Flexibility on schedule
Preferred, not required
- Kilo lab or GMP experience
- Mechanical aptitude or equipment troubleshooting
Levels
- Technician I: less than 2 years of experience; training provided
- Technician II: 2+ years of experience; runs operations with minimal guidance
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off and holidays
Career Growth
- Paid on-the-job training in GMP API manufacturing
Advancement path from Technician I to II to Senior Technician
See all 1,384+ OPT Lab Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Lab Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Lab Associate OPT: Frequently 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 visa, 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.