Lab Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Lab assistants can qualify for H-1B visa and other work visas when the role requires specialized laboratory skills and a relevant bachelor's degree. Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms frequently sponsor these positions, particularly for roles in clinical research, quality control, or specialized testing that demand specific scientific expertise. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Environmental Conditions
- Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance
- Laboratory Setting
- Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
- Will work with hazardous/toxic materials
Job Description
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life - enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future.
Our PPD® Laboratory Services team has a direct impact on improving patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought-leaders and therapeutic experts. As the world leader in serving science, our laboratory professionals bring their commitment to accuracy and quality to deliver groundbreaking innovations.
As a Lab Assistant, you will support the daily operations of the clinical laboratory, ensure the accurate processing and documentation of samples, assist in maintaining lab equipment and compliance with regulatory standards, and contribute to the efficient functioning of our lab services.
What You’ll Do:
- Sort, scan, and assign sequence numbers to different laboratory areas.
- Numbers HDL tubes for lipid laboratory.
- Process samples for testing.
- Prepare reagents and pipettes/aliquots reagents under supervision.
- Label and stain hematology slides.
- Gather, dump, rinse, wash, dry, and restock glassware and consumables in the laboratory.
- Perform limited, non-complex, waived tests for review by a team member.
- Perform daily work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
Education and Experience:
- High / Secondary school diploma or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification
- Technical positions may require a certificate
- Previous experience to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 0 to 1 year) or equivalent combination of education, training, & experience.
Years of experience refer to typical years of related experience needed to gain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Years of experience are not to be used as the only determining factor in establishing the job class or making employment selection decisions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Effective communication skills
- Good cooperative and collaborative skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to adhere to laboratory policies and standard operating procedures
- Data recording skills
- Ability to work in a collaborative team environment
Working Conditions and Environment:
- Work is performed in a clinical environment.
- Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently stands, twists waists, squats, and bends neck for 4-6 hours per day.
- Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. Ability to make precise coordinated movements, of the fingers to grasp and manipulate objects.
- Frequent mobility required.
- Occasional crouching, stooping, bending and twisting of upper body and neck.
- Moderate lifting (or otherwise movement, carrying, setting, and placement) of 15-30 lbs. with a maximum lift of 35 lbs.
- Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- May interact with others, relating and gathering sensitive information. Interaction includes diverse groups.
- Works with guidance or reliance on oral or written instructions from management. May require periods of intense concentration.
- Performs a wide range of variable tasks as dictated by variable demands and changing conditions with little predictability as to the occurrence. Ability to perform under stress. Ability to multi-task.
- Regular and consistent attendance.
Why Join Us?
When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You’ll work in an environment where collaboration and development are part of the everyday experience – and where your contributions truly make a difference.
Apply today to help us deliver tomorrow’s breakthrough.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in Virginia is $17.00–$20.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Work Schedule
Environmental Conditions
- Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance
- Laboratory Setting
- Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
- Will work with hazardous/toxic materials
Job Description
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life - enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future.
Our PPD® Laboratory Services team has a direct impact on improving patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought-leaders and therapeutic experts. As the world leader in serving science, our laboratory professionals bring their commitment to accuracy and quality to deliver groundbreaking innovations.
As a Lab Assistant, you will support the daily operations of the clinical laboratory, ensure the accurate processing and documentation of samples, assist in maintaining lab equipment and compliance with regulatory standards, and contribute to the efficient functioning of our lab services.
What You’ll Do:
- Sort, scan, and assign sequence numbers to different laboratory areas.
- Numbers HDL tubes for lipid laboratory.
- Process samples for testing.
- Prepare reagents and pipettes/aliquots reagents under supervision.
- Label and stain hematology slides.
- Gather, dump, rinse, wash, dry, and restock glassware and consumables in the laboratory.
- Perform limited, non-complex, waived tests for review by a team member.
- Perform daily work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
Education and Experience:
- High / Secondary school diploma or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification
- Technical positions may require a certificate
- Previous experience to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 0 to 1 year) or equivalent combination of education, training, & experience.
Years of experience refer to typical years of related experience needed to gain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Years of experience are not to be used as the only determining factor in establishing the job class or making employment selection decisions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Effective communication skills
- Good cooperative and collaborative skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to adhere to laboratory policies and standard operating procedures
- Data recording skills
- Ability to work in a collaborative team environment
Working Conditions and Environment:
- Work is performed in a clinical environment.
- Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently stands, twists waists, squats, and bends neck for 4-6 hours per day.
- Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. Ability to make precise coordinated movements, of the fingers to grasp and manipulate objects.
- Frequent mobility required.
- Occasional crouching, stooping, bending and twisting of upper body and neck.
- Moderate lifting (or otherwise movement, carrying, setting, and placement) of 15-30 lbs. with a maximum lift of 35 lbs.
- Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- May interact with others, relating and gathering sensitive information. Interaction includes diverse groups.
- Works with guidance or reliance on oral or written instructions from management. May require periods of intense concentration.
- Performs a wide range of variable tasks as dictated by variable demands and changing conditions with little predictability as to the occurrence. Ability to perform under stress. Ability to multi-task.
- Regular and consistent attendance.
Why Join Us?
When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You’ll work in an environment where collaboration and development are part of the everyday experience – and where your contributions truly make a difference.
Apply today to help us deliver tomorrow’s breakthrough.
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in Virginia is $17.00–$20.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
See all 235+ Lab Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Lab Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Lab Assistant
Target research-intensive employers
Universities, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms have established visa sponsorship programs. They regularly hire international talent for laboratory positions and understand the H-1B process for scientific roles requiring specialized knowledge.
Emphasize specialized laboratory techniques
Highlight proficiency in specific analytical methods, instrumentation, or regulatory compliance (GLP, GMP). Employers sponsor when the role requires specialized technical skills that justify the visa investment and meet specialty occupation requirements.
Consider clinical research organizations
CROs like IQVIA, PPD, and Syneos Health frequently sponsor lab assistants for clinical trial support roles. These positions often require specific regulatory knowledge and technical expertise that qualify for H-1B sponsorship.
Apply to government contractors
Companies with federal research contracts often sponsor international employees for laboratory positions. Defense contractors, environmental consulting firms, and research institutes frequently need specialized technical staff and have visa sponsorship experience.
Focus on quality control positions
QC lab assistant roles in pharmaceuticals and medical devices often require specific regulatory knowledge and technical expertise. These positions typically meet H-1B specialty occupation requirements and have strong sponsorship potential.
Leverage academic connections
University research labs frequently sponsor lab assistants, especially for grant-funded projects requiring specialized skills. Academic positions often provide pathways to research scientist roles and eventual permanent residence through EB-1 or EB-2 categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lab assistant positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, but only when the role requires specialized knowledge and a relevant bachelor's degree. Entry-level positions requiring only basic laboratory skills typically don't qualify. However, roles involving specialized analytical techniques, regulatory compliance, or advanced instrumentation often meet H-1B visa specialty occupation requirements, particularly in pharmaceutical, biotech, or clinical research settings.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a lab assistant?
Most sponsored lab assistant positions require a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field. The degree field must directly relate to the job duties. Some specialized positions may accept equivalent combinations of education and experience, typically requiring three years of relevant laboratory experience for each missing year of education.
Which industries sponsor lab assistants most frequently?
Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, clinical research organizations, and academic research institutions sponsor lab assistants most often. Government contractors, environmental consulting firms, and medical device companies also provide sponsorship opportunities. These employers typically need specialized technical skills that justify the H-1B investment and regulatory requirements.
How can I strengthen my lab assistant sponsorship case?
Highlight specialized technical skills like mass spectrometry, chromatography, or regulatory compliance experience. Emphasize any unique qualifications such as GLP/GMP training, specific instrumentation expertise, or clinical trial experience. Document how your specialized knowledge adds value beyond what a typical lab technician provides, demonstrating the role meets specialty occupation requirements.
Can lab assistants transition to research scientist H-1B positions?
Yes, many lab assistants advance to research scientist roles, which have stronger H-1B qualification prospects. Gain experience in specialized techniques, pursue additional certifications, and work on research projects. Some employers sponsor lab assistants initially, then support advancement to scientist positions, which often provide better pathways to permanent residence through EB-2 or EB-1 categories.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Lab Assistant jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Lab Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Lab Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, hospitals, and biotechnology firms that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN visa, or other work visas for laboratory positions. These employers often need skilled lab technicians and are willing to sponsor qualified international candidates.