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 JobsMedical Laboratory Scientist II
Location: Warner Robins, GA, Monday to Friday, with varied days from 8:30 PM to 7:00 AM, with rotational weekends
Relocation assistance will be considered
Pay range: $26.97+ per hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Annual incentive plans
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
Perform test procedures of moderate/high complexity requiring the exercise of independent judgement and responsibility in those specialties in which they are qualified by education, training and experience.
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in all areas of testing and be proficient troubleshooting all applicable instruments/procedures in the department.
- Provides support to the department in the areas of quality control, troubleshooting complex problems, customer support, instrument and equipment maintenance, staff training, process improvement and the completion of special projects as assigned.
- Perform and report on assigned analytical tests in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) ensuring that applicable quality control requirements are met.
- Actively support and comply with laboratory policies and procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
- Adhere to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround time of results including STATS or critical results to clients.
- Ensure reagents/test kits have received dates, expiration dates and if applicable opened dates.
- Perform and document QC analysis to ensure accuracy of clinical data and proper instrument function. Make quality control decisions regarding the disposition of an assay or test.
- Responsible for informing supervisory personnel of all problems associated with the proper performance of test procedures.
- Report any actual or potential deviation from standard or accepted testing procedures and cooperate fully with any investigation of same.
- Enter test results into the Laboratory Information System for standardized report to be generated for physician review and interpretation.
- Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional and sanitary condition.
- Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
- May assist supervisor with training of other laboratory personnel.
- Adheres to all established CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA and laboratory safety requirements.
- Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management.
- Answer questions from clients or other lab personnel, if applicable.
- Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections, if needed.
- May be required, in the absence of a Supervisor, to assume lead responsibilities if qualified and delegated.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Required Work Experience:
One (1) year full-time experience or training (high complexity testing) in a clinical laboratory setting.
Preferred Work Experience:
Minimum of 3 years clinical experience with most current year in present department.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
- Frequent walking and/or standing.
- May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive theoretical and operational job knowledge in designated specialty required.
- Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.
- BS/BA in Medical Technology, Chemistry or Biology, or Associates degree in a Laboratory Science or Medical Technology, or Previously qualified as a Technologist under 42 CFR 493. 1433 published in March 14, 1990.
- Foreign educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation). United States-educated candidates must provide a detailed original transcript.
- Other state specific requirements may apply depending on BU’s state testing certifications. Check with local HR or QA departments.
Skills:
- Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and to handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
- Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients.
- Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.
Education
Associates Degree Laboratory Science or Medical Technology (Preferred)
Bachelor’s Degree BS in Medical Technology, Biology or Chemistry (Preferred)
Licenses and Certifications
ASCP Certification (Preferred)
Medical Laboratory Scientist II
Location: Warner Robins, GA, Monday to Friday, with varied days from 8:30 PM to 7:00 AM, with rotational weekends
Relocation assistance will be considered
Pay range: $26.97+ per hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Annual incentive plans
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
Perform test procedures of moderate/high complexity requiring the exercise of independent judgement and responsibility in those specialties in which they are qualified by education, training and experience.
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in all areas of testing and be proficient troubleshooting all applicable instruments/procedures in the department.
- Provides support to the department in the areas of quality control, troubleshooting complex problems, customer support, instrument and equipment maintenance, staff training, process improvement and the completion of special projects as assigned.
- Perform and report on assigned analytical tests in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) ensuring that applicable quality control requirements are met.
- Actively support and comply with laboratory policies and procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
- Adhere to analytical schedules to maintain turnaround time of results including STATS or critical results to clients.
- Ensure reagents/test kits have received dates, expiration dates and if applicable opened dates.
- Perform and document QC analysis to ensure accuracy of clinical data and proper instrument function. Make quality control decisions regarding the disposition of an assay or test.
- Responsible for informing supervisory personnel of all problems associated with the proper performance of test procedures.
- Report any actual or potential deviation from standard or accepted testing procedures and cooperate fully with any investigation of same.
- Enter test results into the Laboratory Information System for standardized report to be generated for physician review and interpretation.
- Maintain laboratory areas and equipment in a safe, functional and sanitary condition.
- Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
- May assist supervisor with training of other laboratory personnel.
- Adheres to all established CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA and laboratory safety requirements.
- Required to use (a) personal protective equipment, (b) engineering controls and/or (c) work practice controls as directed by management.
- Answer questions from clients or other lab personnel, if applicable.
- Participate in government or regulatory agency inspections, if needed.
- May be required, in the absence of a Supervisor, to assume lead responsibilities if qualified and delegated.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Required Work Experience:
One (1) year full-time experience or training (high complexity testing) in a clinical laboratory setting.
Preferred Work Experience:
Minimum of 3 years clinical experience with most current year in present department.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
- Frequent walking and/or standing.
- May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive theoretical and operational job knowledge in designated specialty required.
- Knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.
- BS/BA in Medical Technology, Chemistry or Biology, or Associates degree in a Laboratory Science or Medical Technology, or Previously qualified as a Technologist under 42 CFR 493. 1433 published in March 14, 1990.
- Foreign educated candidates must provide a detailed credential evaluation from IERF (International Education Research Foundation). United States-educated candidates must provide a detailed original transcript.
- Other state specific requirements may apply depending on BU’s state testing certifications. Check with local HR or QA departments.
Skills:
- Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and to handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
- Communication skills necessary to handle telephone inquiries from clients.
- Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.
Education
Associates Degree Laboratory Science or Medical Technology (Preferred)
Bachelor’s Degree BS in Medical Technology, Biology or Chemistry (Preferred)
Licenses and Certifications
ASCP Certification (Preferred)
See all 1,073+ 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.