Laboratory Research Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Laboratory Research Assistant jobs can qualify for H-1B visa, F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, and EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship when the role requires a bachelor's degree in a directly related scientific field. Research institutions, biotech firms, and university labs are among the most active sponsors for this occupation.
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Get Access To All JobsResearch Laboratory and Operations Assistant
GENERAL DUTIES
Supports research projects and activities in connection with CUNY programs
- May assist faculty research groups by configuring and testing equipment, collecting and organizing data, and preparing documentation.
- Performs direct research tasks under supervision.
- May develop or utilize computer-based systems to collect and analyze data.
- May assist in preparing reports of research findings.
CONTRACT TITLE
Research Assistant
FLSA
Non-exempt
CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION
The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) is a vibrant, pluralistic learning community committed to students’ intellectual and personal growth. The College bridges the economic and educational opportunity gap for students, more than half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Working to strengthen a culture of care inside and outside the classroom, we share a passion for learning with students from around the world. Strategically located in downtown Manhattan, the College is in close proximity to the artistic communities of Tribeca and SoHo, the dynamic downtown financial district, and the center of New York City government at City Hall. BMCC prides itself on the diversity of our students. We are an inclusive community that promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect for each member’s ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, political preference, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin, among other personal characteristics. BMCC’s motto speaks to this shared sense of purpose and possibility: Start Here, Go Anywhere. We strive to increase degree completion, successful transfer, career achievement, and service and leadership within our community, New York City, and beyond.
The Office of Research at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) supports and advances a vibrant culture of inquiry, innovation, and scholarly excellence, empowering students to reach their full academic and professional potential. We oversee and coordinate a wide range of research and educational programs, including faculty and student research initiatives, compliance with research regulations, grant development support, and STEM enrichment programs for high school and college students. Through inclusive and equitable access to research opportunities, we foster student growth, critical thinking, and hands-on learning that prepare them for future careers and advanced study. Our office is dedicated to supporting faculty, staff, and students in their pursuit of impactful research that not only contributes to scientific knowledge and community well-being but also enhances student success, achievement, and leadership.
In addition to the general duties, the responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to the following:
- Management of the Wet Laboratory, Cell Culture Laboratory, Physics/Engineering Laboratory, Computer Laboratory, and the Social Sciences Research Laboratory.
- Assists with preventative maintenance and repairs of lab equipment as needed.
- Adheres to safety and hygiene standards and ethical conduct as defined by the University and relevant outside parties, ensures a clean working area and is responsible for washing and storing glassware.
- Assists in maintaining inventory of supplies, equipment, and/or reagents, and ordering supplies/equipment/reagents as authorized or ensuring that needs are escalated appropriately.
- Reviews and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies for all Office of Research facilities.
- Enforces policies and schedules to ensure fair utilization of equipment by research assistants and faculty conducting research activities.
- Maintains Core laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
- Helps plan all Office of Research events and assists with student research projects when needed.
- Provides technical guidance and instruction to students when faculty mentors are not available.
- Verifies that all students and research assistants complete specific CITI certifications pertaining to their research.
- Supports students and research assistants with facility-specific orientations regarding safety procedures, policies, supply placement, and general research procedures.
- Approves and inputs Office of Research facilities reservations into the BMCC Research Core calendar.
- Manage daily activities with coordination and communication among faculty, directors, and other laboratory personnel.
- Assists Department Administrator as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience relevant to the research being performed.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous research and teaching/student-related experience.
- High level of organizational skills, presenting technical information; equipment maintenance; training; quality focus; and technical knowledge in STEM field.
COMPENSATION
Salary range is $48,710 - $66,120, Salary commensurate with education and experience.
BENEFITS
CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials fulfill the responsibilities and qualifications outlined. The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:
https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=33056&PostingSeq=1
Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using your login credentials. After you login to CUNYfirst, navigate to job openings by following the path from the Main Menu: Employee Self Service -> Careers
CLOSING DATE
November 2, 2026
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Support Staff
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
Job ID: 33056
Location: Borough of Manhattan CC
Job Type: Full-Time
Research Laboratory and Operations Assistant
GENERAL DUTIES
Supports research projects and activities in connection with CUNY programs
- May assist faculty research groups by configuring and testing equipment, collecting and organizing data, and preparing documentation.
- Performs direct research tasks under supervision.
- May develop or utilize computer-based systems to collect and analyze data.
- May assist in preparing reports of research findings.
CONTRACT TITLE
Research Assistant
FLSA
Non-exempt
CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION
The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) is a vibrant, pluralistic learning community committed to students’ intellectual and personal growth. The College bridges the economic and educational opportunity gap for students, more than half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Working to strengthen a culture of care inside and outside the classroom, we share a passion for learning with students from around the world. Strategically located in downtown Manhattan, the College is in close proximity to the artistic communities of Tribeca and SoHo, the dynamic downtown financial district, and the center of New York City government at City Hall. BMCC prides itself on the diversity of our students. We are an inclusive community that promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect for each member’s ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, political preference, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin, among other personal characteristics. BMCC’s motto speaks to this shared sense of purpose and possibility: Start Here, Go Anywhere. We strive to increase degree completion, successful transfer, career achievement, and service and leadership within our community, New York City, and beyond.
The Office of Research at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) supports and advances a vibrant culture of inquiry, innovation, and scholarly excellence, empowering students to reach their full academic and professional potential. We oversee and coordinate a wide range of research and educational programs, including faculty and student research initiatives, compliance with research regulations, grant development support, and STEM enrichment programs for high school and college students. Through inclusive and equitable access to research opportunities, we foster student growth, critical thinking, and hands-on learning that prepare them for future careers and advanced study. Our office is dedicated to supporting faculty, staff, and students in their pursuit of impactful research that not only contributes to scientific knowledge and community well-being but also enhances student success, achievement, and leadership.
In addition to the general duties, the responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to the following:
- Management of the Wet Laboratory, Cell Culture Laboratory, Physics/Engineering Laboratory, Computer Laboratory, and the Social Sciences Research Laboratory.
- Assists with preventative maintenance and repairs of lab equipment as needed.
- Adheres to safety and hygiene standards and ethical conduct as defined by the University and relevant outside parties, ensures a clean working area and is responsible for washing and storing glassware.
- Assists in maintaining inventory of supplies, equipment, and/or reagents, and ordering supplies/equipment/reagents as authorized or ensuring that needs are escalated appropriately.
- Reviews and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies for all Office of Research facilities.
- Enforces policies and schedules to ensure fair utilization of equipment by research assistants and faculty conducting research activities.
- Maintains Core laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
- Helps plan all Office of Research events and assists with student research projects when needed.
- Provides technical guidance and instruction to students when faculty mentors are not available.
- Verifies that all students and research assistants complete specific CITI certifications pertaining to their research.
- Supports students and research assistants with facility-specific orientations regarding safety procedures, policies, supply placement, and general research procedures.
- Approves and inputs Office of Research facilities reservations into the BMCC Research Core calendar.
- Manage daily activities with coordination and communication among faculty, directors, and other laboratory personnel.
- Assists Department Administrator as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience relevant to the research being performed.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous research and teaching/student-related experience.
- High level of organizational skills, presenting technical information; equipment maintenance; training; quality focus; and technical knowledge in STEM field.
COMPENSATION
Salary range is $48,710 - $66,120, Salary commensurate with education and experience.
BENEFITS
CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials fulfill the responsibilities and qualifications outlined. The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:
https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=33056&PostingSeq=1
Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using your login credentials. After you login to CUNYfirst, navigate to job openings by following the path from the Main Menu: Employee Self Service -> Careers
CLOSING DATE
November 2, 2026
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Support Staff
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
Job ID: 33056
Location: Borough of Manhattan CC
Job Type: Full-Time
See all 1,325+ Laboratory Research Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Laboratory Research Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Laboratory Research Assistant
Align your degree field to the specific research area
Sponsoring employers must demonstrate your role is a specialty occupation. A degree in biology supports a molecular biology lab position, but a general science degree may not. Match your transcript's field of study to the lab's research focus before applying.
Search DOL LCA data for active research sponsors
Use the OFLC Wage Search to identify universities, hospitals, and biotech companies that have filed Labor Condition Applications for laboratory research roles. Filter by job title and state to target employers already familiar with the sponsorship process.
Pursue STEM OPT before your H-1B lottery slot
If you're on F-1 OPT, a Laboratory Research Assistant role at an E-Verify enrolled employer qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That gives you up to 36 months of work authorization to build your record before needing an H-1B petition.
Verify your role qualifies under PERM before accepting an offer
EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship for lab roles requires PERM labor certification. Confirm with your prospective employer that the position description specifies a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related scientific field, since vague job requirements can stall PERM approval.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate's job board to browse Laboratory Research Assistant roles at employers with confirmed LCA filing history. This saves time by surfacing only organizations that have already navigated the sponsorship process for similar positions.
Request a written specialty occupation justification from HR
Before your employer files an H-1B petition with USCIS, ask HR to document why the specific research duties require your exact degree field. USCIS issues Requests for Evidence on lab roles when the connection between the degree and the position isn't explicit in the petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Laboratory Research Assistant role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but it depends on how the position is defined. USCIS requires that the role normally require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific, directly related field such as biochemistry, microbiology, or chemistry. Generic lab assistant positions that accept any science degree or prioritize hands-on experience over formal education are more vulnerable to H-1B Requests for Evidence. The stronger the degree-to-duties connection in the job description, the cleaner the petition.
Which visa types are realistic for Laboratory Research Assistant sponsorship?
F-1 OPT and STEM OPT are common entry points, since most lab assistant roles at E-Verify enrolled institutions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. H-1B sponsorship is feasible for roles that meet the specialty occupation standard. For longer-term sponsorship, EB-3 skilled worker or EB-2 green card routes through PERM labor certification are realistic, particularly at universities and research hospitals that sponsor these routinely.
Do university and hospital labs sponsor visas more readily than private biotech companies?
Universities and academic medical centers tend to have established immigration offices and institutional experience with H-1B and J-1 visa sponsorship, which can simplify the process for lab roles. Private biotech firms vary widely. Checking an employer's LCA filing history through the OFLC Wage Search tool gives you a clearer picture of which specific organizations have sponsored laboratory research positions before.
How do I find Laboratory Research Assistant jobs where employers are open to visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history for laboratory and research roles, so you can focus your applications on organizations that have already sponsored similar positions. This is more reliable than filtering general job postings by sponsorship keywords, which are often inaccurate or outdated.
What degree fields most reliably support an H-1B or green card application for a lab research role?
Biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, microbiology, cell biology, and biomedical science are the strongest matches because they tie directly to specific laboratory research duties. A degree in a broader field like general biology or applied science can still work, but the employer's job description needs to explicitly connect those coursework areas to the specific research tasks in the role. O*NET lists the typical education requirements for this occupation, which USCIS referees often consult during adjudication.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Laboratory Research 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.