STEM OPT Lab Assistant Jobs
Lab Assistant roles in research, clinical, and industrial settings qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. The 24-month STEM OPT extension brings your total work authorization to 36 months, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can file.
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COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Kaycha Group, Inc is a leading provider of innovative Cannabis and Hemp testing technologies and methods. We perform product testing to help ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. We provide comprehensive cannabis testing for potency, homogeneity, heavy metals, microbial contamination, mycotoxins, residual solvents, terpenes, and pesticides.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Lab Analyst is responsible for performing, documenting, record checking, and troubleshooting qualitative and quantitative assays on samples using techniques that vary from the use of standard laboratory equipment to highly modern and automated instrumentation.
PAY: $26.84
ESSENTIAL DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Analyze samples consisting of a variety of matrices using GC/MS as the primary technology, along with traditional laboratory techniques including, but not limited to, HPLC, LC/MS, and ICP/MS.
- Prepare samples for analysis while displaying good laboratory technique to avoid cross-contamination or misidentified samples.
- Accurately prepare calibration curves and quality control samples.
- Interpret and evaluate data in terms of accuracy, precision, trends, and quality control requirements.
- Maintain laboratory equipment by cleaning, replacing parts, and otherwise ensuring ongoing proper working order. Report equipment issues to supervisor.
- Collaborate with the laboratory team to meet reporting deadlines.
- Perform method validations, or verifications as needed.
- Manage inventory supplies and alert supervisor in advance when materials must be ordered.
- Participate in laboratory investigations, and corrective actions as requested or assigned.
- Train incoming analysts and technicians on methodology.
- Manage SOP for assigned testing analysis and alert management when there is a change in procedure.
- Maintain high productivity, keen attention to detail, and consistent multi-tasking while yielding a low testing error rate.
- Promote a strong customer service culture while adhering to the highest safety and industry standards, including those that are outlined by the state regulatory body.
- Research new technologies and methodologies to improve laboratory processes and techniques.
- Other duties and special projects as assigned.
SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:
- Ability to demonstrate a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong agility, engagement, and flexibility in an ever-changing environment.
- Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation.
- Diligent commitment to logging, organizing, and analyzing data.
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced deadline environment while successfully managing multiple tasks.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Strong understanding of standard laboratory protocol.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively work, problem solve, and communicate with multiple levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated proficiency in at least one high complexity technology.
EDUCATION EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum BS/BA in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering or Environmental Sciences required.
- Knowledge of principles, terminology, practices, techniques, and instrumentation commonly used in a laboratory setting required.
- At least 2 years of post-college laboratory experience.
- Instrument experience required.
- Food science and/or environmental experience is a plus.
- Exposure to the cannabis industry is a plus.
OTHER:
- Must pass the required background check.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Kaycha Labs offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision and time off.
EEO STATEMENT:
Kaycha Labs 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 or veteran status.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, handle or feel, to speak, and to hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
Specific vision abilities required for this job include close (proximity) vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The standard analytical laboratory environment is one in which potential health hazards do exist. Administrative, operations, technical, and professional staff are expected to safely operate in accordance with applicable and appropriate health and safety policies and procedures, as prescribed by the applicable Kaycha manuals and policies and/or federal, state, or local standards.
Laboratory staff can be expected to work in areas where hazards associated are with, but not limited to, airborne pathogens. Biological materials, hazardous substances, and radioactive material exist and are handled. Appropriate training is provided regarding these hazards and staff are expected to adhere to all health and safety policies at all times, whether they are in writing or verbalized by a supervisor.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Lab Assistant
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List before targeting Lab Assistant roles. Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and clinical laboratory science commonly qualify, but your DSO confirms the match on your I-20.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment during interviews
Ask hiring managers directly whether the lab is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer. Labs at universities, hospitals, and contract research organizations sometimes operate under separate legal entities, so check the specific hiring entity, not just the parent institution.
Document lab duties to satisfy the I-983 training plan
Your I-983 must show a direct connection between your daily lab tasks and your STEM degree. List specific techniques you'll use, such as PCR, cell culture, or spectroscopy, and map each to a learning objective your DSO and employer supervisor both sign off on.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark offers
STEM OPT training plans require that your compensation meets USCIS standards for similarly situated workers. Pull the prevailing wage for Lab Assistant roles in your metro area using OFLC Wage Search before evaluating any offer, so you can flag underpayment early.
Target employers through Migrate Mate's E-Verify filter
Search Lab Assistant openings on Migrate Mate, which filters for E-Verify-enrolled employers, so you're only reviewing roles where STEM OPT is structurally possible. This saves time you'd otherwise spend vetting each lab's compliance status manually.
Start the STEM OPT extension 90 days before OPT expires
File your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS no earlier than 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Your DSO must update your SEVIS record first, so build in at least two weeks for that step before you submit anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lab Assistant role qualify for STEM OPT?
A Lab Assistant position qualifies for STEM OPT when your degree's CIP code is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and the role directly uses that STEM knowledge. Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and clinical laboratory science routinely support Lab Assistant I-983 training plans. Your DSO confirms eligibility by cross-referencing your I-20 CIP code against the official SEVP list before approving the extension request.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my Lab Assistant employer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can work under STEM OPT, and enrollment must cover the specific site where you'll work. A hospital system or university may be enrolled at the parent level, but if your lab operates as a subsidiary or separate cost center, confirm that entity specifically appears in E-Verify. You can verify enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting any offer.
What does an I-983 training plan need to include for a Lab Assistant?
Your I-983 must describe how your Lab Assistant duties connect to your STEM degree's field of study and include measurable learning objectives. For lab roles, this means listing specific techniques or instruments you'll use, such as ELISA, HPLC, or microscopy, and explaining how each builds on your academic training. Both your employer supervisor and your DSO sign the form, and you must update it whenever your duties, supervisor, or employer changes.
How do cap-gap rules protect me if my H-1B is selected while I'm working as a Lab Assistant?
If your H-1B visa petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires and your registration is selected, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working in your Lab Assistant role during this period without interruption. USCIS issues a cap-gap extension automatically when your employer files the I-129, so no separate filing is required on your part.
Where can I find Lab Assistant jobs that accept STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Lab Assistant openings filtered for E-Verify-enrolled employers, which is the first compliance requirement for STEM OPT eligibility. Filtering by E-Verify status upfront removes roles where authorization issues would surface later in the hiring process. You can also cross-reference the O*NET profile for Lab Assistant to understand how your degree field maps to the occupation before applying.