OPT Laboratory Jobs
Laboratory jobs on OPT are common in biotech, pharmaceutical research, and university settings, many of which have experience sponsoring F-1 students. STEM OPT extension eligibility is strong here, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization if your degree is in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
Find OPT Laboratory JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,575+ Laboratory jobs
See all 1,575+ Laboratory Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Laboratory roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Medical Laboratory Scientist provides technical support in the Special Immunology and Coagulation Laboratory to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients. The incumbent will be a qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist with generalist experience or equivalent capable of performing laboratory testing and associated activities needed to support the technical services provided by the Special Immunology & Coagulation. Testing is performed in: Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Immunology, Chemistry, Serology, and Electrophoresis. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisor or director review of results is required in situations dictated by policy or procedures. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with behaviors which will best serve the clients of the department.
FUNCTION/DUTIES OF POSITION:
Performs testing for laboratory section using various laboratory instrumentation, reagents and reagent kits.
- Follows written procedures, processes and policies.
- Determines acceptability of specimens and results.
- Performs instrument maintenance, start-up and QC, checks instrument parameters, and documents any action taken to bring instruments within specifications.
- Performs troubleshooting procedures if indicated by daily QC or other checks and documents action.
Prepares and processes samples for testing:
- Performs sample processing duties: Checks in samples, prints work lists, enters results, reviews work, files paperwork, etc.
- Performs all computer functions using LIS/HIS according to established procedures and makes required comments in computer.
- Organizes study samples and data using manual or computer-based methods.
Reviews and compiles testing results and paperwork for interpretation by lead, Technical Coordinator, manager or faculty:
- Ensures that all patient and QC results are calculated and recorded according to standard procedures.
- Checks results for plausibility and consistency with diagnostic criteria.
- Works with faculty to improve efficiency and quality of work.
- Works with faculty to evaluate and adapt new tests and methods for pre-analytical sample preparation in all methods used by the laboratory in order to improve the efficiency, accuracy and throughput of testing. Carefully documents method development ideas/procedures in writing.
- Writes new and revises old laboratory procedures.
- Assists with correcting reports, reviewing work lists.
Other Duties as Assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in medical technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical or Biological field, and current certification MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. OR
- Completion of a 2-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR
- Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years’ experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- MLS(ASCP) Experience with electrophoresis for diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma.
- At least one-year experience in analytical lab setting doing high complexity work including mass spectrometry operation and method development.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations in building.
Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu
INTRODUCTION
The Medical Laboratory Scientist provides technical support in the Special Immunology and Coagulation Laboratory to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients. The incumbent will be a qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist with generalist experience or equivalent capable of performing laboratory testing and associated activities needed to support the technical services provided by the Special Immunology & Coagulation. Testing is performed in: Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Immunology, Chemistry, Serology, and Electrophoresis. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisor or director review of results is required in situations dictated by policy or procedures. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with behaviors which will best serve the clients of the department.
FUNCTION/DUTIES OF POSITION:
Performs testing for laboratory section using various laboratory instrumentation, reagents and reagent kits.
- Follows written procedures, processes and policies.
- Determines acceptability of specimens and results.
- Performs instrument maintenance, start-up and QC, checks instrument parameters, and documents any action taken to bring instruments within specifications.
- Performs troubleshooting procedures if indicated by daily QC or other checks and documents action.
Prepares and processes samples for testing:
- Performs sample processing duties: Checks in samples, prints work lists, enters results, reviews work, files paperwork, etc.
- Performs all computer functions using LIS/HIS according to established procedures and makes required comments in computer.
- Organizes study samples and data using manual or computer-based methods.
Reviews and compiles testing results and paperwork for interpretation by lead, Technical Coordinator, manager or faculty:
- Ensures that all patient and QC results are calculated and recorded according to standard procedures.
- Checks results for plausibility and consistency with diagnostic criteria.
- Works with faculty to improve efficiency and quality of work.
- Works with faculty to evaluate and adapt new tests and methods for pre-analytical sample preparation in all methods used by the laboratory in order to improve the efficiency, accuracy and throughput of testing. Carefully documents method development ideas/procedures in writing.
- Writes new and revises old laboratory procedures.
- Assists with correcting reports, reviewing work lists.
Other Duties as Assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in medical technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical or Biological field, and current certification MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. OR
- Completion of a 2-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR
- Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years’ experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- MLS(ASCP) Experience with electrophoresis for diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma.
- At least one-year experience in analytical lab setting doing high complexity work including mass spectrometry operation and method development.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations in building.
Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu
See all 1,575+ OPT Laboratory Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Laboratory Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Laboratory
Target STEM-designated degree holders first
If your degree is in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related STEM field, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Lead with this in applications, as it significantly reduces employer risk and extends your work authorization timeline.
Prioritize employers already familiar with OPT
Biotech companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and university research labs hire F-1 students regularly. These employers understand OPT timelines, know how to file H-1B visa petitions, and are far less likely to withdraw offers over visa concerns.
Address your OPT end date proactively
Laboratory hiring cycles can take months. Apply early enough that your OPT won't expire mid-process. Mention your authorization end date and STEM extension eligibility upfront so employers can plan H-1B sponsorship timelines around your situation.
Highlight hands-on technical skills clearly
Employers screening laboratory candidates focus on specific techniques: PCR, cell culture, mass spectrometry, HPLC, or histology. List every relevant method you've used. Technical specificity signals readiness and reduces the training burden employers weigh against sponsorship costs.
Understand the E-Verify requirement for STEM OPT
To work under the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting an offer. Most established biotech and research institutions already participate, but smaller private labs sometimes do not.
Use your university's research network strategically
Many laboratory roles are filled through academic connections before they're posted publicly. Contact professors, alumni in industry positions, and your university's career center. Internal referrals at research institutions often move faster and carry more weight than cold applications.
Laboratory OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in a laboratory job on OPT without a STEM degree?
Yes, but your OPT work authorization will be limited to 12 months. A STEM-designated degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field unlocks the 24-month extension for a total of 36 months. Without it, you'll need an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B before your initial OPT period ends.
Do laboratory jobs commonly lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and academic medical centers are among the more consistent H-1B sponsors in the country. Research-intensive employers file large volumes of H-1B petitions annually and often have dedicated immigration counsel. Smaller private labs and contract research organizations vary widely, so it's worth asking about their sponsorship history during interviews.
Where can I find laboratory jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is specifically built for F-1 OPT students and lists laboratory roles from employers experienced with sponsorship. Filtering by STEM-eligible positions helps you identify opportunities where the employer already understands OPT timelines and H-1B requirements, saving you the effort of screening out roles that won't work for your situation.
Does my laboratory job need to be directly related to my degree field for OPT to be valid?
Yes. USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. A chemistry graduate working in a pharmaceutical lab analyzing compounds clearly qualifies. A position with only peripheral connection to your degree may put your status at risk. When in doubt, consult your Designated School Official before accepting an offer.
What happens if my OPT expires while my H-1B is pending for a laboratory role?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you have an unexpired EAD, you may be covered by a cap-gap extension through September 30 of that year. Your Designated School Official can issue a cap-gap I-20 confirming your continued authorized status. Do not stop working or travel internationally during this period without consulting an immigration attorney.