Lab Associate Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Lab associate positions typically require a bachelor's degree in life sciences, chemistry, or related fields, making them eligible for H-1B and other skilled worker visas. These roles often qualify as specialty occupations since they require specific scientific education and laboratory training that employers can document in visa petitions. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsLab Associate II
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Work Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM
Department: Immunology
Pay range: $22.48 - $28.94 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Annual incentive plans
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures.
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
- Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
- Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
- Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately. Demonstrates problem solving ability on service and production issues.
- Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance. Notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
- Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
- Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices. Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
- Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
- Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
- Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing platform/department.
- Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
- Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
- Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
- Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
- Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
- Assists a licensed person (e.g.: CLS) with performance of validation verifications and other Research and Development (R&D) activities, as applicable.
- Trains other Lab Associates. Supports Training Programs, where applicable.
- Takes initiative in making suggestions to improve efficiency and productivity and provides consistent feedback. Is a resource for process improvement.
- Demonstrates leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
- Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
- Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
- Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Required Work Experience:
For Lab Associates in the Histopathology or Cytology department, the following is required:
- 1 year of histopathology, cytology or other laboratory experience.
- 1 year of experience handling Protected Health Information (PHI) and other patient information using a Laboratory Information System (LIS)
Preferred Work Experience:
- 2 - 3 years of laboratory experience preferred.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand.
- Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
- Have good eye and hand coordination.
Knowledge:
- A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
- An awareness of the factors that influence test results.
Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Strong typing skills desirable.
- Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
- Other automation skills helpful.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree Biological Science or Chemistry (other life science degree coursework will be evaluated) (Preferred)
- High School Diploma or Equivalent High School Diploma with a minimum of 2-3 years of laboratory experience Required. (Required)
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
Lab Associate II
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Work Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM
Department: Immunology
Pay range: $22.48 - $28.94 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
- Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
- Best-in-class well-being programs
- Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
- healthyMINDS mental health program
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time
- 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
- FinFit financial coaching and services
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Annual incentive plans
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
- Career advancement opportunities
- and so much more!
This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures.
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.
- Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
- Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
- Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately. Demonstrates problem solving ability on service and production issues.
- Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance. Notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
- Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
- Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices. Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
- Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
- Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
- Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing platform/department.
- Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
- Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
- Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
- Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
- Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
- Assists a licensed person (e.g.: CLS) with performance of validation verifications and other Research and Development (R&D) activities, as applicable.
- Trains other Lab Associates. Supports Training Programs, where applicable.
- Takes initiative in making suggestions to improve efficiency and productivity and provides consistent feedback. Is a resource for process improvement.
- Demonstrates leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
- Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
- Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
- Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
- Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.
Required Work Experience:
For Lab Associates in the Histopathology or Cytology department, the following is required:
- 1 year of histopathology, cytology or other laboratory experience.
- 1 year of experience handling Protected Health Information (PHI) and other patient information using a Laboratory Information System (LIS)
Preferred Work Experience:
- 2 - 3 years of laboratory experience preferred.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand.
- Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
- Have good eye and hand coordination.
Knowledge:
- A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
- An awareness of the factors that influence test results.
Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Strong typing skills desirable.
- Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
- Other automation skills helpful.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree Biological Science or Chemistry (other life science degree coursework will be evaluated) (Preferred)
- High School Diploma or Equivalent High School Diploma with a minimum of 2-3 years of laboratory experience Required. (Required)
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Lab Associate
Target biotech and pharmaceutical companies
Large biotech firms like Amgen, Genentech, and Biogen regularly sponsor lab associates. They have established immigration processes and can demonstrate the specialized knowledge required for regulatory compliance.
Highlight your laboratory certifications
Include GLP, GMP, biosafety, or instrument-specific certifications in your applications. These credentials help employers justify specialty occupation requirements and differentiate you from general science graduates.
Emphasize analytical technique experience
Detail your hands-on experience with HPLC, mass spectrometry, PCR, or cell culture techniques. Employers can use specific methodologies to support the specialized nature of the position.
Apply to contract research organizations
CROs like Covance, IQVIA, and Charles River Labs frequently hire lab associates and have experience with visa sponsorship due to their need for specialized scientific talent.
Focus on quality control roles
QC lab positions in pharmaceuticals and medical devices often require regulatory knowledge that employers can cite as specialized. These roles typically have clearer specialty occupation documentation.
Consider academic medical centers
University hospitals and research institutions often sponsor lab associates, especially those with molecular diagnostics or clinical laboratory experience. They understand immigration processes for international researchers.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do lab associate positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, lab associate roles typically qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship since they require a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or related scientific fields. Employers must demonstrate that the position requires specialized scientific knowledge that directly relates to your academic background and laboratory training.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a lab associate?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a closely related life science field. Some positions may accept medical laboratory science or clinical laboratory technology degrees. The degree must directly relate to the analytical or research techniques used in the role.
Which visa types work best for lab associate positions?
H-1B is the most common, but TN visa works for Canadian and Mexican citizens with qualifying degrees. O-1 may apply for lab associates with exceptional research achievements. E-3 is available for Australian citizens with relevant scientific degrees and specialty occupation requirements.
How do employers prove lab associate roles are specialty occupations?
Employers document specific laboratory techniques, regulatory requirements, and analytical methods that require specialized scientific education. They cite industry standards for GLP, FDA compliance, or clinical testing protocols that demand degree-level knowledge in chemistry or biology to perform the work.
What's the approval rate for lab associate H-1B petitions?
Lab associate H-1B petitions generally have favorable approval rates when the employer clearly documents the scientific nature of the work and degree requirements. Positions in FDA-regulated industries or clinical laboratories tend to have stronger cases due to established regulatory frameworks requiring specialized knowledge.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Lab Associate 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.
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