STEM OPT Laboratory Jobs
Laboratory roles in research, clinical testing, and quality control are strong fits for STEM OPT students with degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies as long as your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your position directly relates to your degree.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
Our Dayton, NJ laboratory is looking for a Laboratory Technician to join their General Chemistry lab! The Laboratory Technician prepares and disposes samples with accuracy and precision in accordance to SGS' analytical SOPs. The Laboratory Technician works jointly with analysts to meet daily production targets and ensure hold times and turnaround times are met. The Laboratory Technician understands and applies basic analytical chemistry principles. The Laboratory Technician always follows safe laboratory practices and maintains a safe working environment.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- After appropriate training independently prepares and disposes samples according to SGS’ analytical SOPs.
- Maintain sample archival and disposal per SGS’ analytical SOPs.
- Performs routine operation, maintenance, calibration of laboratory equipment.
- Assists with investigation, and preparation of responses to client inquiries and CARs.
- Maintains Laboratory Notebook where applicable.
- Adheres to internal standards, policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Cross training with other departments expected.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's degree in a Chemistry or similar scientific discipline (Preferred)
- Advanced English language skills (Required)
- Basic reasoning and mathematical skills (Required)
- Basic computer skills (Required)
- Ability to lift/carry/push and/or pull upwards of 25 lbs on a frequent basis (Required)
SALARY
The position has an hourly pay rate of $20/hour
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
INTRODUCTION
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
Our Dayton, NJ laboratory is looking for a Laboratory Technician to join their General Chemistry lab! The Laboratory Technician prepares and disposes samples with accuracy and precision in accordance to SGS' analytical SOPs. The Laboratory Technician works jointly with analysts to meet daily production targets and ensure hold times and turnaround times are met. The Laboratory Technician understands and applies basic analytical chemistry principles. The Laboratory Technician always follows safe laboratory practices and maintains a safe working environment.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- After appropriate training independently prepares and disposes samples according to SGS’ analytical SOPs.
- Maintain sample archival and disposal per SGS’ analytical SOPs.
- Performs routine operation, maintenance, calibration of laboratory equipment.
- Assists with investigation, and preparation of responses to client inquiries and CARs.
- Maintains Laboratory Notebook where applicable.
- Adheres to internal standards, policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Cross training with other departments expected.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's degree in a Chemistry or similar scientific discipline (Preferred)
- Advanced English language skills (Required)
- Basic reasoning and mathematical skills (Required)
- Basic computer skills (Required)
- Ability to lift/carry/push and/or pull upwards of 25 lbs on a frequent basis (Required)
SALARY
The position has an hourly pay rate of $20/hour
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Laboratory
Verify your CIP code matches laboratory roles
Your STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code. Check that your program's CIP code maps to a recognized STEM field before applying, since life sciences and chemistry codes are not always automatically included.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Not every laboratory employer, including small contract research organizations and hospital labs, is enrolled in E-Verify. Ask the hiring manager or HR directly, or search the E-Verify employer database to confirm enrollment before signing an offer letter.
Build your I-983 training plan around lab competencies
Your I-983 must connect your laboratory duties to your STEM degree's learning objectives. Frame bench skills, instrument operation, and data analysis methods as measurable training goals tied to specific coursework from your program.
Target employers with active STEM OPT hiring history
Use Migrate Mate to filter laboratory job listings by employers who have previously hired STEM OPT students, so you're spending your applications on companies already familiar with E-Verify requirements and the I-983 process.
Use O*NET to align your job title with degree requirements
Laboratory job titles vary widely across industries. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for your target role to confirm it lists a bachelor's-level STEM degree as a typical entry requirement, which strengthens your DSO's authorization decision.
Time your OPT extension application around lab start dates
USCIS recommends filing your STEM OPT extension application 90 days before your initial OPT expires. For laboratory roles with defined project cycles or contract start dates, missing this window can delay your authorization past a committed start date.
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Find Laboratory JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do laboratory jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Laboratory roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension if your position directly relates to your STEM degree and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and materials science commonly map to laboratory occupations. Your DSO will confirm eligibility based on your degree's CIP code and the job description you provide.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a laboratory position?
Your I-983 training plan must describe how your laboratory duties, such as sample preparation, instrument calibration, data analysis, or quality assurance, connect to the knowledge and skills from your STEM degree program. Both you and your employer supervisor must sign the form, and your DSO must authorize it before your extension begins. USCIS can request to review it at any time.
Does my laboratory employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify before I start?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT employers, and it must be in place before your extension is authorized. Small or independent laboratories, including private clinical labs and contract research organizations, are not always enrolled. Confirm this directly with HR before your DSO submits the extension paperwork to avoid authorization gaps.
How do I find laboratory employers who are familiar with STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists laboratory job opportunities filtered by employers with STEM OPT hiring experience, so you can focus on companies that already understand E-Verify requirements and the I-983 process. This matters for laboratory roles because smaller employers in the sector often encounter the training plan requirement for the first time and may need additional lead time.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if I switch laboratory employers mid-extension?
You can change employers during your STEM OPT extension, but your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. You and the new employer must complete a new I-983 training plan, and your DSO must update your SEVIS record before you begin work. There is no grace period between employers during an active STEM OPT extension, so coordinate the transition carefully with your DSO.
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