STEM OPT Laboratory Technician Jobs
Laboratory Technician roles in clinical, environmental, and research settings qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need an approved I-983 training plan before your extension start date.
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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.
See all 340+ Laboratory Technician jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Laboratory Technician
Confirm your CIP code covers lab work
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an eligible STEM field. Biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and clinical laboratory science codes qualify. Your DSO can verify this before you apply for the extension.
Verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask your hiring manager or HR contact to confirm E-Verify participation during the offer stage, not after. Employers can look up their own company ID in the E-Verify system, and you can request written confirmation before signing.
Target labs inside E-Verify-registered institutions
Hospital systems, accredited reference labs, and federally funded research centers are typically required to maintain E-Verify enrollment. Targeting these settings narrows your search to employers who already meet the STEM OPT employer requirement.
Build your I-983 training plan around specific lab competencies
Your training plan must list concrete learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just your job duties. Include techniques like PCR, ELISA, or mass spectrometry analysis that directly connect to your academic coursework and demonstrate degree-to-role alignment.
Search Migrate Mate for labs with active STEM OPT history
Filter by Laboratory Technician roles on Migrate Mate to find employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and a track record of hiring OPT students. This cuts out the guesswork of cold-applying to labs that have never sponsored STEM OPT workers.
Request offer letters that specify your exact start date
Your STEM OPT application to USCIS requires a firm employment start date on the I-765. If your offer letter uses vague language like 'contingent on clearance,' ask HR to issue an updated letter with a confirmed date before your DSO recommends the extension.
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Find Laboratory Technician JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Laboratory Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your underlying degree is in an eligible STEM field such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or clinical laboratory science and the role directly applies that training. The job title alone doesn't determine eligibility. USCIS evaluates whether the position is commensurate with your degree, so your I-983 training plan must draw a clear line between your coursework and your lab duties.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask HR directly and request written confirmation of the company's E-Verify employer ID. Employers enrolled in E-Verify can provide this from their E-Verify account. Without confirmed enrollment, your DSO cannot recommend the STEM OPT extension and USCIS will not approve your I-765. Verify this before you sign an offer, not after. You can find STEM OPT-ready employers with E-Verify enrollment on Migrate Mate.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a lab technician position?
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just a job description. For laboratory technician roles, include techniques you'll develop, such as sample preparation, instrument calibration, or data analysis methods, and explain how each connects to your academic training. Both you and your supervisor sign the plan, and your DSO reviews it before submitting your extension application to USCIS.
Can I work as a laboratory technician during the cap-gap period?
Yes, if your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT EAD expires and USCIS receives it by the cap filing deadline, cap-gap extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue in your laboratory technician role during this period without interruption, provided your employer maintains E-Verify enrollment and your status remains otherwise valid.
What STEM degree fields support a Laboratory Technician STEM OPT extension?
Degrees in biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, clinical laboratory science, environmental science, and related STEM fields typically support a laboratory technician extension. The relevant CIP codes are published by the Department of Homeland Security. Your DSO has access to the full eligible CIP code list and can confirm whether your specific degree program qualifies before you begin the extension application process.
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