OPT Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs
Medical Laboratory Technician jobs on OPT require employers comfortable sponsoring STEM-eligible roles. MLT positions often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when tied to a relevant degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field. Most hiring happens through hospital networks, reference labs, and diagnostic companies.
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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 827+ OPT Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Medical Laboratory Technician
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, and biology degrees commonly appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you can confidently tell employers you're eligible for 24 months of additional work authorization.
Target hospital systems and large reference labs
Large employers like hospital networks and national reference laboratories have established HR processes for work authorization. They sponsor OPT more reliably than small independent clinics, which often lack the infrastructure to navigate employment verification and immigration compliance requirements.
Highlight ASCP or AMT certification progress
Many employers require or strongly prefer ASCP Board of Certification credentials. Mentioning that you're exam-eligible or already certified signals professional readiness and reduces perceived risk for sponsors who worry about hiring someone still building clinical qualifications.
Address OPT proactively in your cover letter
State your OPT start date, expiration, and STEM extension eligibility upfront. Hiring managers in healthcare often confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship. A clear, one-paragraph explanation prevents your application from being filtered out before a recruiter reads your credentials.
Apply during hospital budget cycles
Hospital hiring tends to cluster around the start of fiscal years, typically October and January. Submitting applications in the months before these windows improves your chances of landing interviews when departments have approved headcount and are actively authorized to hire.
Emphasize compliance and accuracy in your resume
MLT roles are regulated environments where documentation errors carry real consequences. Framing your experience around quality control, CAP or CLIA compliance, and result accuracy addresses the specific hiring concerns that come up in laboratory settings, especially for candidates still on temporary work authorization.
Medical Laboratory Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Medical Laboratory Technician jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
MLT roles can qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code, such as clinical laboratory science or a related biological science field. The extension is tied to your degree, not the job title itself, so verify your CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility. Your employer must also participate in E-Verify.
How do I find MLT employers willing to hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering authorization issues late in the process. Hospital systems, national reference laboratories, and large diagnostic companies are the most consistent sponsors. Smaller independent labs and physician-owned clinics are less likely to have established OPT hiring processes.
Can I work as a Medical Laboratory Technician on pre-completion OPT?
Yes, pre-completion OPT allows you to work part-time during your program or full-time during official breaks. However, most MLT positions require full-time availability due to shift scheduling and training commitments, so post-completion OPT is the more practical authorization period for this role. Any pre-completion hours used reduce your post-completion OPT time dollar-for-dollar.
Does an MLT role count as work in my field of study for OPT compliance?
Yes, as long as your degree is in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory technology, biology, or a closely related field. SEVP requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. If your degree is in an unrelated field, the role may not satisfy OPT requirements, which creates a compliance risk you should discuss with your DSO before accepting an offer.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my MLT employer loses accreditation or closes?
Your OPT authorization is tied to maintaining employment in your field, not to a specific employer. If your employer closes or loses accreditation, you have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your OPT period to find a new qualifying position. Report the job change to your DSO promptly and update your SEVIS record. Extended gaps beyond 90 days total risk your OPT status.