STEM OPT Laboratory Assistant Jobs
Laboratory Assistant roles in research labs, clinical facilities, and industrial settings qualify for STEM OPT when your degree aligns with a STEM-designated CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build hands-on lab experience while maintaining F-1 status.
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INTRODUCTION
OTC is dedicated to creating a culture that promotes success and wellbeing for our students and employees. Every department and position throughout the college strives to maintain a student-centered focus to create a culture where our students and employees are welcomed and feel safe at every campus and center. OTC applies that same focus to its hiring practices starting with the application process, the onboarding, and new hire expectations. We are committed to understanding the needs of our students and employees and providing them with an experience that represents the OTC Cares culture.
We appreciate your interest and desire to become a member of the OTC team! If you have any questions about job postings, the application process, or the status of an open position, you may reach out to Human Resources at 417-447-2635 or email jobs@otc.edu directly.
If you’re interested in adjunct/part-time teaching, please email your resume to jobs@otc.edu. Find information about adjunct teaching qualifications.
JOB TITLE: PART TIME LABORATORY ASSISTANT, Alliance for Healthcare Education Campus and Springfield Campus
DEPARTMENT: Health Sciences
SALARY RANGE: $22.00 - $28.00 PER HOUR
FLSA: NON-EXEMPT
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: BCS Department Chair
SCHEDULE DETAILS: Part-time (not to exceed 19.5 hours per week)
LOCATION: Springfield, MO
Position Summary
The Part-Time Laboratory Assistant works under the direction of the BCS Lab Manager to assist with the preparation, setup, maintenance, and transition of laboratory exercises for the Bioclinical Science Department. This position supports all ongoing laboratory operations and plays an active role in the setup and implementation of laboratory exercises and labs, including equipment preparation, material organization, and coordination with faculty. The Laboratory Assistant also provides general support to instructors to ensure the smooth operation of weekly laboratory schedules. The primary location will be the Alliance for Healthcare Education building and the Springfield Campus.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
- Set up and maintain the weekly lab exercises for the Bioclinical Sciences department.
- Assist in the setup and transition of new labs for the Alliance for Healthcare education.
- Maintain bacterial cultures, inoculate all plates necessary for weekly lab, and keep lab coordinator aware of any issues related to the use of bacteria and fungi.
- Organize department equipment and manage its use.
- Responsible for the organization and cleanliness of laboratory prep room and all labs.
- Responsible for the cleanliness and readiness of necessary supplies and materials used in weekly lab exercises.
- Communicate with faculty concerning organizational equipment/supplies required for the operation of laboratories.
- Coordinate with faculty in preparation/labeling of GHS (Global Harmonized System) labels for chemical containers.
- Distribute and organize dissection specimens in the anatomy and physiology laboratory.
- Dispose of biohazard waste through sterilization in the microbiology laboratory.
- Notify and provide detailed support to faculty concerning orders, receiving shipments and storage of supplies.
- Maintain glassware and supplies necessary to complete all laboratory exercises.
- Disinfect laboratory room surfaces before and after laboratory exercises have been completed.
- Mix and distribute chemical solutions necessary to complete laboratory exercises.
- Maintain and organize chemical storage room in accordance with GHS standards.
- Exhibit exemplary attendance and punctuality.
- Comply with college policies and procedures.
- Perform assigned job duties according to established practices, procedures, techniques, and standards in a safe manner and with minimal supervision.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
- Perform other duties as assigned, including assistance with college functions, assistance with lab instruction, and attending community events.
- Attend community/professional events as requested.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Associates of Arts degree or equivalent.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Academic background in a science field (including college coursework).
- Ability to work well with others.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to use information technology for professional productivity (such as Microsoft Office Suite).
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Experience in preparation of chemical solutions.
- Experience with bacterial cultures.
- Knowledge of scientific weights and measures.
- Experience in receiving and stocking.
- National Career Readiness Certificate.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent interruptions and distractions. Requires extended periods of time viewing computer monitor or standing; may require adjustment of schedule to include some evening and/or weekends; may encounter occasional exposure to inclement weather during travel.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard.
*OZARKS TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, INTERPRET, OR APPLY THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN ANY WAY THE INSTITUTION DESIRES. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN NO WAY IMPLIES THAT THESE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES, INCLUDING ESSENTIAL DUTIES, TO BE PERFORMED BY THE EMPLOYEE OCCUPYING THIS POSITION. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE. THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP REMAINS “AT-WILL.” THE AFOREMENTIONED JOB REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE QUALIFIED DISABLED INDIVIDUALS.
Advertised: 06 May 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 22 May 2026 Central Daylight Time
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Laboratory Assistant
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree program list. Biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and clinical laboratory science degrees typically qualify, but interdisciplinary or applied science programs sometimes carry non-STEM CIP codes that disqualify the extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before applying
Search the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website to confirm a lab's enrollment status before you invest time in the application process. Many smaller private research labs and clinical reference laboratories are not enrolled, which legally bars them from hiring STEM OPT students.
Match your I-983 training plan to lab duties
Your I-983 must list specific laboratory competencies your role develops, such as specimen handling, assay techniques, or instrument calibration, not vague descriptions. Employers who haven't hired STEM OPT students before often need your DSO's template to draft a compliant training plan tied to your degree's learning outcomes.
Target labs with established STEM OPT hiring
Use Migrate Mate to filter Laboratory Assistant openings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and prior STEM OPT hiring history. University-affiliated research labs, contract research organizations, and hospital systems with dedicated HR departments are the most likely to already have compliant onboarding workflows.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days early
USCIS recommends filing your STEM OPT extension application at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. If your application is pending and your initial OPT end date passes, the automatic 180-day cap-gap extension keeps you authorized while USCIS adjudicates, but only if you filed on time.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Before accepting a Laboratory Assistant offer, run the position's SOC code through the OFLC Wage Search to see the prevailing wage for your metro area. Your STEM OPT training plan must document that your compensation and hours meet DOL requirements for bona fide employment, not just volunteer or stipend arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my STEM degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Laboratory Assistant?
Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree program list. Biology, chemistry, biochemistry, medical laboratory science, and environmental science degrees commonly qualify. The job title itself doesn't determine eligibility; the match between your degree's CIP code and the DHS list does. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Does a Laboratory Assistant employer have to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student, with no exceptions. Before accepting a Laboratory Assistant offer, verify the employer's enrollment status using the E-Verify employer search tool. Smaller private labs, independent clinical facilities, and some nonprofit research organizations are frequently not enrolled, which makes them ineligible to sponsor your extension.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Laboratory Assistant role?
Your I-983 must describe specific laboratory skills and knowledge your position develops that relate directly to your STEM degree. Examples include proficiency with analytical instruments, sample preparation techniques, quality control protocols, or data analysis methods tied to your field of study. Generic job descriptions won't satisfy the requirement. Your employer signs the form and your DSO reviews it before submission to USCIS.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my Laboratory Assistant contract ends before my EAD expires?
You have a 150-day unemployment allowance across your entire post-completion OPT and STEM OPT period combined, with no more than 90 of those days occurring during the STEM OPT extension itself. If you exceed the unemployment limit, your F-1 status falls out of compliance. Start searching for a new E-Verify-enrolled employer immediately. Migrate Mate filters for eligible Laboratory Assistant openings by employers already enrolled in E-Verify.
Can I work as a Laboratory Assistant at a hospital or clinical lab on STEM OPT?
Yes, if the facility is enrolled in E-Verify and your role qualifies as bona fide employment with compensation meeting DOL standards. Hospital systems and large clinical reference laboratories are often already E-Verify enrolled. Your I-983 training plan must connect the clinical lab duties to your STEM degree field, such as linking specimen analysis work to a biology or medical science background.