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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UCI Health is one of California's largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health - Orange, UCI Health - Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties.
As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education.
Position Summary:
Provides professional and technical skills and knowledge to ensure accurate and timely performance of clinical laboratory tests and reporting of results to responsible party. Performs other duties as requested. Reports to the Lab Manager and Director of Laboratory Services.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to provide accurate, timely testing of clinical specimens, preferably in multiple laboratory disciplines.
- Good clinical judgment and problem solving abilities.
- Possesses skills in leadership.
- Current California Laboratory Scientist or Specialty License. One-year internship in California approved program or equivalent.
- Hospital Mandatory Education Requirements: Orientation, Environment of Care, OSHA, Infection Control, Abuse/ Neglect, and Ethics, Tuberculosis Screening, Licensure renewal.
- Must possess the skill, knowledge and ability essential to the successful performance of assigned duties.
- Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to maintain a work pace appropriate to the workload.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prefer 2 years of previous clinical laboratory experience, preferably in a hospital setting.
- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences preferred.
- Knowledge of University and Medical Center organizations, policies, procedures and forms.
TOTAL REWARDS
We offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
- Background Check and Live Scan
- Employment Misconduct*
- Legal Right to Work in the United States
- Vaccination Policies
- Smoking and Tobacco Policy
- Drug Free Environment
*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- E-Verify
- Pre-Placement Health Evaluation
Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page: https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
CLOSING STATEMENT:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact UCI's Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or at (949) 824-0500, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Overview:
UCI Health is one of California's largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health - Orange, UCI Health - Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties.
As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education.
Position Summary:
Provides professional and technical skills and knowledge to ensure accurate and timely performance of clinical laboratory tests and reporting of results to responsible party. Performs other duties as requested. Reports to the Lab Manager and Director of Laboratory Services.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to provide accurate, timely testing of clinical specimens, preferably in multiple laboratory disciplines.
- Good clinical judgment and problem solving abilities.
- Possesses skills in leadership.
- Current California Laboratory Scientist or Specialty License. One-year internship in California approved program or equivalent.
- Hospital Mandatory Education Requirements: Orientation, Environment of Care, OSHA, Infection Control, Abuse/ Neglect, and Ethics, Tuberculosis Screening, Licensure renewal.
- Must possess the skill, knowledge and ability essential to the successful performance of assigned duties.
- Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to maintain a work pace appropriate to the workload.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prefer 2 years of previous clinical laboratory experience, preferably in a hospital setting.
- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences preferred.
- Knowledge of University and Medical Center organizations, policies, procedures and forms.
TOTAL REWARDS
We offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
- Background Check and Live Scan
- Employment Misconduct*
- Legal Right to Work in the United States
- Vaccination Policies
- Smoking and Tobacco Policy
- Drug Free Environment
*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- E-Verify
- Pre-Placement Health Evaluation
Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page: https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
CLOSING STATEMENT:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact UCI's Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or at (949) 824-0500, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
See all 1,260+ 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.