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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Get Access To All JobsWorking Title:
Chemistry College Lab Assistant - College Laboratory Assistant 1
Institution:
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Classification Title:
College Laboratory Asst 1
Bargaining Unit / Union:
207: AFSCME - Technical
City:
Minneapolis
FLSA:
Non Job Exempt
Full Time / Part Time:
Full time
Employment Condition:
Classified - Unlimited
Salary Range:
$20.89 - $29.68
Job Description
The primary responsibility for this position is for the preparation, take-down, cleanliness, and orderliness of chemistry labs. The position is also responsible for ensuring that lab equipment is in safe and working order for use by students and faculty. In some instances, this position may provide guidance to students on how to use equipment. In consultation with the Dean of Science and Mathematics, the position is responsible for purchasing activities related to inventory, supplies, and equipment to ensure chemistry, astronomy, geology, and physics labs can be performed.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Communicating with teaching faculty to determine lab preparation needs
- Meeting with teaching faculty as necessary to assure lab preparation needs are understood and met
- Maintain up to date lab preparation files on the shared drive for all chemistry lab courses
- Provide support to faculty during all labs scheduled during posted work hours
- Properly store all chemicals in appropriately labeled containers with proper safety information
- Assure that supplies are adequate and equipment is functional for all scheduled labs
- Assure the complete take down of labs, cleaning of labs and equipment, safe storage of chemicals, and securing of labs and equipment
Minimum Qualifications
Post-secondary coursework in chemistry sufficient to provide technical lab services for students, faculty, and staff, OR six months of teaching/tutoring in chemistry at the high school level or above, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualification
- Bachelors Degree in Chemistry or related area
- Knowledge of purchasing, inventorying, and lab and stockroom experience
- Ability to organize time and diverse tasks, to maintain clear and accurate records, and to follow up and follow-through on tasks and projects
- Demonstrates an effort to improve cultural competence and actively takes steps to include diversity training in professional development
Other Requirements
Current and former employees must be in good standing with Minneapolis College to be considered for the position.
Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)
7:30am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday
Telework (Yes/No)
This position may be eligible for partial telework per the Minneapolis College's Telework Guidelines.
Application Procedure
- Interested Individuals must apply online. Applications submitted by any other method cannot be considered. Please provide a cover letter, electronic resume, and any other documents as needed.
- All upload documents need to be under Resume/CV section. Attach names and contact information of at least four (4) references, two (2) managers and (2) two professionals, who can directly address your qualifications for this position. Please detail your experience in the areas of responsibility and describe how you meet the minimum qualifications on your application.
For internal applicants, eligible bidders must contact Minneapolis College Human Resources, Josh.Kue@minneapolis.edu, in writing on or before the job posting closing date. A bid will be considered timely if delivered to the appropriate official by the posting closing date. In accordance with Article 12 of the Agreement with AFSCME, Council 5, the following position is vacant and will be filled as soon as possible. Only eligible employees as defined by the provisions of Article 12, Section 6, may submit a bid for the vacancy. Article 12, Section 6, states in part "any employee who has successfully filled a vacancy - via a bid, shall not be entitled to bid on another vacancy for a period of six (6) months following the date upon which the employee exercised the bid." However, a permanent, non-probationary classified employee who is part-time, unlimited, part-time seasonal or full-time seasonal may bid on a full-time unlimited vacancy at any time. Unclassified and probationary employees are not eligible to bid. Ineligible bidders submit an application online on or before the job posting closing date.
About
Minneapolis College offers extraordinary educational opportunities to 10,000 students annually with 100 plus degree options. The College has strong ties to corporate and industry partners that support student scholarships, provide state-of-the-art training and equipment, and offer internship and employment opportunities to the College's graduates. Minneapolis College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The safety of all members of the Minneapolis College campus community is of vital concern. Resources including the current Annual Compliance and Security Report are available at the Minneapolis College Public Safety.
We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and encourage application from underrepresented groups. Recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon employer offering support for veteran and military students. A member of the Minnesota State colleges and universities system.
Benefits Information:
At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.
Desired Start Date:
05-24-2026
Open Date:
05-12-2026
Close Date:
05-27-2026
Posting Contact Name:
Josh Kue
Posting Contact Email:
josh.kue@minneapolis.edu
Working Title:
Chemistry College Lab Assistant - College Laboratory Assistant 1
Institution:
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Classification Title:
College Laboratory Asst 1
Bargaining Unit / Union:
207: AFSCME - Technical
City:
Minneapolis
FLSA:
Non Job Exempt
Full Time / Part Time:
Full time
Employment Condition:
Classified - Unlimited
Salary Range:
$20.89 - $29.68
Job Description
The primary responsibility for this position is for the preparation, take-down, cleanliness, and orderliness of chemistry labs. The position is also responsible for ensuring that lab equipment is in safe and working order for use by students and faculty. In some instances, this position may provide guidance to students on how to use equipment. In consultation with the Dean of Science and Mathematics, the position is responsible for purchasing activities related to inventory, supplies, and equipment to ensure chemistry, astronomy, geology, and physics labs can be performed.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Communicating with teaching faculty to determine lab preparation needs
- Meeting with teaching faculty as necessary to assure lab preparation needs are understood and met
- Maintain up to date lab preparation files on the shared drive for all chemistry lab courses
- Provide support to faculty during all labs scheduled during posted work hours
- Properly store all chemicals in appropriately labeled containers with proper safety information
- Assure that supplies are adequate and equipment is functional for all scheduled labs
- Assure the complete take down of labs, cleaning of labs and equipment, safe storage of chemicals, and securing of labs and equipment
Minimum Qualifications
Post-secondary coursework in chemistry sufficient to provide technical lab services for students, faculty, and staff, OR six months of teaching/tutoring in chemistry at the high school level or above, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualification
- Bachelors Degree in Chemistry or related area
- Knowledge of purchasing, inventorying, and lab and stockroom experience
- Ability to organize time and diverse tasks, to maintain clear and accurate records, and to follow up and follow-through on tasks and projects
- Demonstrates an effort to improve cultural competence and actively takes steps to include diversity training in professional development
Other Requirements
Current and former employees must be in good standing with Minneapolis College to be considered for the position.
Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)
7:30am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday
Telework (Yes/No)
This position may be eligible for partial telework per the Minneapolis College's Telework Guidelines.
Application Procedure
- Interested Individuals must apply online. Applications submitted by any other method cannot be considered. Please provide a cover letter, electronic resume, and any other documents as needed.
- All upload documents need to be under Resume/CV section. Attach names and contact information of at least four (4) references, two (2) managers and (2) two professionals, who can directly address your qualifications for this position. Please detail your experience in the areas of responsibility and describe how you meet the minimum qualifications on your application.
For internal applicants, eligible bidders must contact Minneapolis College Human Resources, Josh.Kue@minneapolis.edu, in writing on or before the job posting closing date. A bid will be considered timely if delivered to the appropriate official by the posting closing date. In accordance with Article 12 of the Agreement with AFSCME, Council 5, the following position is vacant and will be filled as soon as possible. Only eligible employees as defined by the provisions of Article 12, Section 6, may submit a bid for the vacancy. Article 12, Section 6, states in part "any employee who has successfully filled a vacancy - via a bid, shall not be entitled to bid on another vacancy for a period of six (6) months following the date upon which the employee exercised the bid." However, a permanent, non-probationary classified employee who is part-time, unlimited, part-time seasonal or full-time seasonal may bid on a full-time unlimited vacancy at any time. Unclassified and probationary employees are not eligible to bid. Ineligible bidders submit an application online on or before the job posting closing date.
About
Minneapolis College offers extraordinary educational opportunities to 10,000 students annually with 100 plus degree options. The College has strong ties to corporate and industry partners that support student scholarships, provide state-of-the-art training and equipment, and offer internship and employment opportunities to the College's graduates. Minneapolis College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The safety of all members of the Minneapolis College campus community is of vital concern. Resources including the current Annual Compliance and Security Report are available at the Minneapolis College Public Safety.
We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and encourage application from underrepresented groups. Recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon employer offering support for veteran and military students. A member of the Minnesota State colleges and universities system.
Benefits Information:
At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.
Desired Start Date:
05-24-2026
Open Date:
05-12-2026
Close Date:
05-27-2026
Posting Contact Name:
Josh Kue
Posting Contact Email:
josh.kue@minneapolis.edu
See all STEM OPT Lab Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Lab Assistant Jobs.
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.