OPT Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs
Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with a degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related biomedical field. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Hospitals, reference labs, and public health agencies regularly hire MLS graduates on OPT.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist role plays a vital role in providing high-quality laboratory services that contribute to exceptional patient care, diagnostic accuracy, and scientific advancement.
As a Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist, the selected candidate will apply advanced laboratory expertise, support quality and regulatory compliance initiatives, and serve as a resource to laboratory staff and trainees. The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist will also contribute to process improvements, validation activities, and team development while ensuring accurate and timely testing. The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist role requires strong technical proficiency, independent judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Education
- Required: Associate's Degree Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology or a Bachelor's Degree Related science field or Molecular Genetic Technology or successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program
-
Preferred: A Master's Degree Related science field and a Doctorate Related science field
-
Work Experience
- Required: 6 years Clinical laboratory experience with Associate's degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology or 5 years Clinical laboratory experience with Bachelor's degree in a related science field or 4 years Clinical laboratory experience with completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program or 2 years Required experience with Master's degree or with Doctorate degree, no experience required
-
Preferred: [Information not provided]
-
Licenses and Certifications
- Required: [Information not provided]
- Preferred: ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologist Technologist/Scientist/Specialist certification Upon Hire or CHS - Certified Histocompatibility Specialist American College of Histocompatibilty & Immunogenetics (ACHI) Upon Hire or CHT - Certified Histocompatability Technologist American College of Histocompatibilty & Immunogenetics (ACHI) Upon Hire or MDT - Molecular Diagnostics Tech American Medical Technologists (AMT) Upon Hire or MT - Medical Technologist American Medical Technologists (AMT) Upon Hire
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess a Master's Degree or Doctorate in a related science field and have extensive clinical laboratory experience. Preferred candidates will hold a professional certification such as ASCP Technologist/Scientist/Specialist, Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS), Certified Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT), Molecular Diagnostics Technician (MDT), or Medical Technologist (MT), and demonstrate experience mentoring staff, validating new methodologies, and supporting laboratory quality initiatives.
Responsibilities
Advanced Technical Skills
- Maintain knowledge and competency for all laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Ensure and verify quality control data is appropriate for the complexity of reported tests.
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and monitor laboratory equipment performance.
- Communicate equipment, testing, and operational issues to the Supervisor or Manager as appropriate.
- Maintain competency in computer functions within assigned laboratory areas.
- Follow inventory control systems to ensure effective utilization of supplies and reagents.
- Complete, verify, and report laboratory testing accurately and in a timely manner.
- Comply with safety guidelines, laboratory procedures, and regulatory mandates.
- Remain responsible and accountable for all laboratory actions and decisions.
- Guide and assist Medical Laboratory Scientists and Laboratory Technicians with policy and procedure questions when the Laboratory Supervisor is absent.
Productivity, Laboratory Functions & Team Building
- Adjust, prioritize, and organize work to achieve maximum productivity and meet workload demands.
- Assist peers and supervisors with tasks following completion of assigned duties.
- Adhere to attendance requirements and begin work as scheduled.
- Work independently and utilize available resources to maximize efficiency.
- Actively participate in training students, employees, and fellows.
- Assist with employee competency testing activities.
- Participate in laboratory process improvement projects.
- Validate and evaluate new methodologies, equipment, and testing procedures with support from Laboratory Supervisors and technical teams.
- Validate databases supporting new software applications and laboratory tests.
- Review, update, and develop new laboratory procedures while coaching and mentoring students and employees.
Customer Service & Communication
- Manage customer service interactions with professionalism and diplomacy.
- Facilitate resolution of issues and address the needs of internal and external customers.
- Participate in orientation and training of students and new employees regarding job duties and responsibilities.
- Demonstrate cooperation and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Communicate laboratory issues and resolutions to the Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist, Supervisor, Coordinator, and Laboratory Manager as needed.
- Support validation efforts for new methodologies, equipment, software, and laboratory tests.
- Assist with process improvement and competency assessment activities.
- Promote a positive and service-focused laboratory environment.
Additional Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: Minimum $77,500 Midpoint $97,000 Maximum $116,500
WORK SCHEDULE
- Part-Time 2:30pm-11:30pm (Saturday and Sunday)
WORK LOCATION
- Onsite
WHY US?
At UT MD Anderson, the Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist contributes directly to advancing cancer care through expert laboratory testing, quality assurance, process improvement, and staff development. This role offers opportunities to expand technical expertise, participate in innovative laboratory initiatives, mentor future laboratory professionals, and support a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of patients while fostering professional growth and work-life balance.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Requisition ID: 184004
- Employment Status: Part-Time Benefits Eligible
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days, Evening/Night, Weekends
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 77,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 97,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 116,500
- FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
LI-Onsite
INTRODUCTION
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist role plays a vital role in providing high-quality laboratory services that contribute to exceptional patient care, diagnostic accuracy, and scientific advancement.
As a Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist, the selected candidate will apply advanced laboratory expertise, support quality and regulatory compliance initiatives, and serve as a resource to laboratory staff and trainees. The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist will also contribute to process improvements, validation activities, and team development while ensuring accurate and timely testing. The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist role requires strong technical proficiency, independent judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Education
- Required: Associate's Degree Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology or a Bachelor's Degree Related science field or Molecular Genetic Technology or successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program
-
Preferred: A Master's Degree Related science field and a Doctorate Related science field
-
Work Experience
- Required: 6 years Clinical laboratory experience with Associate's degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology or 5 years Clinical laboratory experience with Bachelor's degree in a related science field or 4 years Clinical laboratory experience with completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited Clinical Laboratory Science/Molecular Genetic Technology accredited program or 2 years Required experience with Master's degree or with Doctorate degree, no experience required
-
Preferred: [Information not provided]
-
Licenses and Certifications
- Required: [Information not provided]
- Preferred: ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologist Technologist/Scientist/Specialist certification Upon Hire or CHS - Certified Histocompatibility Specialist American College of Histocompatibilty & Immunogenetics (ACHI) Upon Hire or CHT - Certified Histocompatability Technologist American College of Histocompatibilty & Immunogenetics (ACHI) Upon Hire or MDT - Molecular Diagnostics Tech American Medical Technologists (AMT) Upon Hire or MT - Medical Technologist American Medical Technologists (AMT) Upon Hire
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess a Master's Degree or Doctorate in a related science field and have extensive clinical laboratory experience. Preferred candidates will hold a professional certification such as ASCP Technologist/Scientist/Specialist, Certified Histocompatibility Specialist (CHS), Certified Histocompatibility Technologist (CHT), Molecular Diagnostics Technician (MDT), or Medical Technologist (MT), and demonstrate experience mentoring staff, validating new methodologies, and supporting laboratory quality initiatives.
Responsibilities
Advanced Technical Skills
- Maintain knowledge and competency for all laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Ensure and verify quality control data is appropriate for the complexity of reported tests.
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and monitor laboratory equipment performance.
- Communicate equipment, testing, and operational issues to the Supervisor or Manager as appropriate.
- Maintain competency in computer functions within assigned laboratory areas.
- Follow inventory control systems to ensure effective utilization of supplies and reagents.
- Complete, verify, and report laboratory testing accurately and in a timely manner.
- Comply with safety guidelines, laboratory procedures, and regulatory mandates.
- Remain responsible and accountable for all laboratory actions and decisions.
- Guide and assist Medical Laboratory Scientists and Laboratory Technicians with policy and procedure questions when the Laboratory Supervisor is absent.
Productivity, Laboratory Functions & Team Building
- Adjust, prioritize, and organize work to achieve maximum productivity and meet workload demands.
- Assist peers and supervisors with tasks following completion of assigned duties.
- Adhere to attendance requirements and begin work as scheduled.
- Work independently and utilize available resources to maximize efficiency.
- Actively participate in training students, employees, and fellows.
- Assist with employee competency testing activities.
- Participate in laboratory process improvement projects.
- Validate and evaluate new methodologies, equipment, and testing procedures with support from Laboratory Supervisors and technical teams.
- Validate databases supporting new software applications and laboratory tests.
- Review, update, and develop new laboratory procedures while coaching and mentoring students and employees.
Customer Service & Communication
- Manage customer service interactions with professionalism and diplomacy.
- Facilitate resolution of issues and address the needs of internal and external customers.
- Participate in orientation and training of students and new employees regarding job duties and responsibilities.
- Demonstrate cooperation and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Communicate laboratory issues and resolutions to the Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist, Supervisor, Coordinator, and Laboratory Manager as needed.
- Support validation efforts for new methodologies, equipment, software, and laboratory tests.
- Assist with process improvement and competency assessment activities.
- Promote a positive and service-focused laboratory environment.
Additional Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: Minimum $77,500 Midpoint $97,000 Maximum $116,500
WORK SCHEDULE
- Part-Time 2:30pm-11:30pm (Saturday and Sunday)
WORK LOCATION
- Onsite
WHY US?
At UT MD Anderson, the Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist contributes directly to advancing cancer care through expert laboratory testing, quality assurance, process improvement, and staff development. This role offers opportunities to expand technical expertise, participate in innovative laboratory initiatives, mentor future laboratory professionals, and support a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of patients while fostering professional growth and work-life balance.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Requisition ID: 184004
- Employment Status: Part-Time Benefits Eligible
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days, Evening/Night, Weekends
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 77,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 97,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 116,500
- FLSA: non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
LI-Onsite
See all 659+ OPT Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers first
Hospitals, hospital networks, and large reference laboratories like Quest and LabCorp are enrolled E-Verify employers. Confirm E-Verify enrollment before applying so your 24-month STEM OPT extension is actually usable from day one.
Lead with your ASCP certification status
MLS(ASCP) certification signals clinical competency to hiring managers and satisfies many state licensure requirements. If you're board-eligible but not yet certified, say so explicitly. Employers know new graduates often sit for boards after starting.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Lab hiring cycles can run 6 to 10 weeks. Tell recruiters your OPT start date and remaining authorized period early. This prevents late-stage rejections from employers who misunderstand how post-completion OPT timelines work.
Apply to teaching hospitals and academic medical centers
Academic medical centers affiliated with universities often have established international hiring pipelines and HR teams familiar with OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship. They are more likely to retain high-performing OPT employees after authorization expires.
Highlight specialty rotations that match the job posting
Microbiology, hematology, and molecular diagnostics are high-demand specialties. Match your clinical rotation experience directly to the department listed in the posting. Specificity outperforms a generic list of laboratory competencies in competitive applicant pools.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Raise H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage, not after you start. Ask whether the employer has sponsored MLS roles before. A yes with prior experience is a stronger signal than a general willingness to consider it in the future.
Medical Laboratory Scientist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Laboratory Scientist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Medical Laboratory Scientist positions typically fall under CIP codes in clinical laboratory science, which is a STEM-designated field. That means you're eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before filing the extension.
Do I need a state license to work as an MLS on OPT?
It depends on the state. About half of U.S. states require a clinical laboratory scientist license to work independently, including California, Florida, and New York. Licensing requirements are separate from OPT authorization. You can often start working while your license application is pending, but verify this with your employer and state licensing board before your start date.
How can I find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you're not wasting applications on employers who won't work with OPT. Search for Medical Laboratory Scientist roles directly on Migrate Mate to find positions at hospitals, reference labs, and public health organizations that are open to OPT candidates.
Will employers sponsor me for an H-1B after my OPT ends?
Many hospital systems and large reference laboratories have sponsored MLS professionals for H-1B visas, particularly in high-demand specialties like microbiology and molecular diagnostics. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and depends on the employer's size, HR infrastructure, and your performance. The best time to confirm a potential employer's H-1B track record is during the offer negotiation stage, not after you start.
Can I work in multiple laboratory departments on OPT, or am I restricted to one specialty?
OPT authorizes you to work in your field of study broadly, not in a single department or specialty. A Medical Laboratory Scientist on OPT can rotate through chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and other sections without violating work authorization, as long as the role aligns with your degree. However, your EAD must be valid and you must be employed in a role that directly relates to your program of study.