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.
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NorDx
Professional - Nonclinical
Req #: 78631
Summary
Well qualified candidates with less than 2 years of experience are eligible to receive a $7,500.00 sign on bonus! While candidates with more than 2 years of experience are eligible to receive a $15,000 sign on bonus. This bonus will be prorated for Part Time or Per Diem positions. Relocation assistance and temporary housing if needed. Please note this bonus is not available to current MaineHealth employees or prior employees that have been separated for less than 6 months.
The Medical Laboratory Technician role is responsible for independently performing and monitoring laboratory testing of patient specimens and confirms, interprets, correlates, and reports normal and abnormal patient results and recognizes technical, instrumental and/or physiological problems and initiates resolutions. Responsible for accuracy, quality control and required instrument maintenance.
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Education: Associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or a similar field required.
- License/Certifications: Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician required within six months of hire by a recognized professional organization (e.g., ASCP, AMT)
- Experience: N/A
- Additional Skills/Requirements Required: May be asked to work at other sites/locations as needed.
- Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A
Additional Information
MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources—so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.
We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization. Any offer of employment will depend on qualifications such as skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other job-related factors. The base range is an estimate and does not reflect the full value of our total compensation package.
The pay range for this position is $27.27 to $36.88 per hour.
Compensation for part-time positions is determined on a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full-time equivalent (FTE).
In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offers comprehensive benefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and, where applicable, shift differentials or other incentives.
If you have questions about this role, please contact aarin.miles@mainehealth.org
Hiring Scam Alert
MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre-hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to mhcareers@mainehealth.org.
Notice Regarding Maine Employer Surveillance Statute: Pursuant to Maine's Employer Surveillance Statute, prospective care team members are notified that MaineHealth may monitor, collect, record, review, or retain information related to the use of its systems, networks, applications, files, data, communications platforms (including notified recordings), smart badges, building access, company vehicle GPS data, business calls, and workplace security cameras.
Information collected may be used for legitimate business purposes, including security, safety, compliance, investigations, training, quality assurance, and operational management.
Description
NorDx
Professional - Nonclinical
Req #: 78631
Summary
Well qualified candidates with less than 2 years of experience are eligible to receive a $7,500.00 sign on bonus! While candidates with more than 2 years of experience are eligible to receive a $15,000 sign on bonus. This bonus will be prorated for Part Time or Per Diem positions. Relocation assistance and temporary housing if needed. Please note this bonus is not available to current MaineHealth employees or prior employees that have been separated for less than 6 months.
The Medical Laboratory Technician role is responsible for independently performing and monitoring laboratory testing of patient specimens and confirms, interprets, correlates, and reports normal and abnormal patient results and recognizes technical, instrumental and/or physiological problems and initiates resolutions. Responsible for accuracy, quality control and required instrument maintenance.
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Education: Associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or a similar field required.
- License/Certifications: Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician required within six months of hire by a recognized professional organization (e.g., ASCP, AMT)
- Experience: N/A
- Additional Skills/Requirements Required: May be asked to work at other sites/locations as needed.
- Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A
Additional Information
MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources—so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.
We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization. Any offer of employment will depend on qualifications such as skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other job-related factors. The base range is an estimate and does not reflect the full value of our total compensation package.
The pay range for this position is $27.27 to $36.88 per hour.
Compensation for part-time positions is determined on a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full-time equivalent (FTE).
In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offers comprehensive benefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and, where applicable, shift differentials or other incentives.
If you have questions about this role, please contact aarin.miles@mainehealth.org
Hiring Scam Alert
MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre-hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to mhcareers@mainehealth.org.
Notice Regarding Maine Employer Surveillance Statute: Pursuant to Maine's Employer Surveillance Statute, prospective care team members are notified that MaineHealth may monitor, collect, record, review, or retain information related to the use of its systems, networks, applications, files, data, communications platforms (including notified recordings), smart badges, building access, company vehicle GPS data, business calls, and workplace security cameras.
Information collected may be used for legitimate business purposes, including security, safety, compliance, investigations, training, quality assurance, and operational management.
See all 1,574+ OPT Laboratory Jobs
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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.