Laboratory Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Laboratory Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa, requiring a bachelor's degree in a directly related field like chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory science. Employers in clinical, research, and industrial settings actively sponsor these positions, and the work ties directly to STEM-designated degree programs that extend F-1 OPT by 24 months.
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Get Access To All JobsOrganizational Summary:
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Florida is a diverse, research active community of scholars, teachers, creators, and learners who believe that ideas should live both in the classroom and in the world. We bring together the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to tackle real problems through learning that involves doing, including fieldwork on Florida’s coast, work in laboratories, data-focused projects, and storytelling across digital and traditional media. Our faculty are nationally recognized researchers and dedicated mentors who open doors to significant opportunities such as undergraduate research, internships, fellowships, and global experiences. We are especially proud of our vibrant humanities and social sciences, where students connect big questions to real careers through funded experiential learning and projects that engage the community. Rooted in Tampa Bay and connected to global conversations, we see our campus as a living laboratory for studying the environment, society, culture, and technology, and we invite colleagues who share this spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation focused on students to join us.
The Department of Chemistry represents one of the cornerstones of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the University as a whole. The Department of Chemistry is well-positioned in its centrality, demand, quality and sustainability to significantly contribute to the University vision of serving as a pre-eminent research university with state, national and global impact. The Department of Chemistry is dedicated to developing globally competitive undergraduate, graduate and professional programs as well as expanding its world-class interdisciplinary research ranging from drug discovery to materials science.
Position Summary:
The Teaching Laboratory Specialist is responsible for the preparation of reagents and the setting up of equipment for the use of students in the undergraduate teaching laboratories. Responsible for the daily disbursement and return of equipment used by the students in the teaching laboratories. Perform demonstrations of the instruments that are utilized by the students, and provide the necessary information for the teaching assistants in order for the laboratories to run in a smoothly and safely manner. This position may include working hours after 5 pm.
- Sets up laboratory equipment and instrumentation required for tests, analysis, or processes, weekly calibration and troubleshooting of lab equipment like: NMR, IR, GC, pH meters, and any other equipment necessary.
- Daily set up laboratory materials and equipment for the teaching laboratory experiment of the week.
- Dispense to students and TAs the chemicals, equipment, and any materials needed by the students during teaching periods.
- Maintains records of lost or damaged equipment by the students during the course of the teaching laboratories.
- Maintain proper hygiene of the lab workspace (stockroom area). This process will include but is not limited to washing glassware, cleaning benches, dusting surfaces, maintaining cleanliness of equipment, dispose in the proper location of any secondary shipping materials (paper, cardboard, foam, etc.). Assist with keeping supplies, materials, and equipment clean, organized and ready for use.
- Remove full waste containers from teaching labs. Transport waste to the approved accumulation area, record the waste with the proper label and report it on HITS for pick up and replace the waste container with an empty one.
- Notify and report to the lab manager and EHS any incident or near miss in the labs or stockroom.
- Prepare chemical solutions for use in the chemistry teaching labs following standardized formulas or experimental procedures (SOP).
- Refill chemicals in the teaching laboratories.
- Prepare and put away reagents, equipment, supplies or specimens for laboratory sessions.
- Test weekly the eye wash stations in all locations (stockroom and teaching labs), weekly refill dish soap and hand soap for all locations.
- Inspect and verify incoming materials against invoices or other documents, record shortages, request the purchase of chemicals. Store chemicals and equipment in the designated location.
- Provide clerical support for the laboratories, including the creation of Excel spreadsheets, labels, and other pertinent documents for the laboratories.
- Conduct and update inventories of equipment, supplies and reagents.
- Enforce the safety rules and regulation approved by the University; this will include a continue supervision of the assigned teaching laboratories.
- Communicate with the TA any anomaly or misbehavior of students and act in case that safety rules are not corrected.
- Report any case to lab manager and if necessary ask the student to leave the lab.
- Perform other duties related to the laboratories as assigned by the lab manager and chemistry department.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires high school diploma and two years or work experience in instructional or laboratory work. College coursework may be substituted for the required experience.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
- Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
- (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
- (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
- (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
- (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
- (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Organizational Summary:
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Florida is a diverse, research active community of scholars, teachers, creators, and learners who believe that ideas should live both in the classroom and in the world. We bring together the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to tackle real problems through learning that involves doing, including fieldwork on Florida’s coast, work in laboratories, data-focused projects, and storytelling across digital and traditional media. Our faculty are nationally recognized researchers and dedicated mentors who open doors to significant opportunities such as undergraduate research, internships, fellowships, and global experiences. We are especially proud of our vibrant humanities and social sciences, where students connect big questions to real careers through funded experiential learning and projects that engage the community. Rooted in Tampa Bay and connected to global conversations, we see our campus as a living laboratory for studying the environment, society, culture, and technology, and we invite colleagues who share this spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation focused on students to join us.
The Department of Chemistry represents one of the cornerstones of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the University as a whole. The Department of Chemistry is well-positioned in its centrality, demand, quality and sustainability to significantly contribute to the University vision of serving as a pre-eminent research university with state, national and global impact. The Department of Chemistry is dedicated to developing globally competitive undergraduate, graduate and professional programs as well as expanding its world-class interdisciplinary research ranging from drug discovery to materials science.
Position Summary:
The Teaching Laboratory Specialist is responsible for the preparation of reagents and the setting up of equipment for the use of students in the undergraduate teaching laboratories. Responsible for the daily disbursement and return of equipment used by the students in the teaching laboratories. Perform demonstrations of the instruments that are utilized by the students, and provide the necessary information for the teaching assistants in order for the laboratories to run in a smoothly and safely manner. This position may include working hours after 5 pm.
- Sets up laboratory equipment and instrumentation required for tests, analysis, or processes, weekly calibration and troubleshooting of lab equipment like: NMR, IR, GC, pH meters, and any other equipment necessary.
- Daily set up laboratory materials and equipment for the teaching laboratory experiment of the week.
- Dispense to students and TAs the chemicals, equipment, and any materials needed by the students during teaching periods.
- Maintains records of lost or damaged equipment by the students during the course of the teaching laboratories.
- Maintain proper hygiene of the lab workspace (stockroom area). This process will include but is not limited to washing glassware, cleaning benches, dusting surfaces, maintaining cleanliness of equipment, dispose in the proper location of any secondary shipping materials (paper, cardboard, foam, etc.). Assist with keeping supplies, materials, and equipment clean, organized and ready for use.
- Remove full waste containers from teaching labs. Transport waste to the approved accumulation area, record the waste with the proper label and report it on HITS for pick up and replace the waste container with an empty one.
- Notify and report to the lab manager and EHS any incident or near miss in the labs or stockroom.
- Prepare chemical solutions for use in the chemistry teaching labs following standardized formulas or experimental procedures (SOP).
- Refill chemicals in the teaching laboratories.
- Prepare and put away reagents, equipment, supplies or specimens for laboratory sessions.
- Test weekly the eye wash stations in all locations (stockroom and teaching labs), weekly refill dish soap and hand soap for all locations.
- Inspect and verify incoming materials against invoices or other documents, record shortages, request the purchase of chemicals. Store chemicals and equipment in the designated location.
- Provide clerical support for the laboratories, including the creation of Excel spreadsheets, labels, and other pertinent documents for the laboratories.
- Conduct and update inventories of equipment, supplies and reagents.
- Enforce the safety rules and regulation approved by the University; this will include a continue supervision of the assigned teaching laboratories.
- Communicate with the TA any anomaly or misbehavior of students and act in case that safety rules are not corrected.
- Report any case to lab manager and if necessary ask the student to leave the lab.
- Perform other duties related to the laboratories as assigned by the lab manager and chemistry department.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires high school diploma and two years or work experience in instructional or laboratory work. College coursework may be substituted for the required experience.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
- Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
- (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
- (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
- (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
- (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
- (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
See all 1,139+ Laboratory Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Laboratory Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Laboratory Specialist
Align your degree to lab specialty
Consular officers and USCIS scrutinize whether your degree field directly matches the role. A biology degree supporting a clinical lab position is clean. A business degree supporting the same role raises an RFE. Pull the O*NET profile for your specific lab discipline before applying.
Verify STEM OPT eligibility before accepting offers
If you're on F-1 OPT, confirm your degree's CIP code qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension. Laboratory science and chemical engineering degrees typically qualify, but your DSO must verify the CIP code match against your offer's job duties.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to find employers with verified LCA filing history for laboratory roles, so you're applying to companies already set up to sponsor rather than introducing the concept mid-interview.
Get your foreign credentials evaluated early
If your degree is from outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation from a NACES-member service before you start applying. Employers filing an H-1B petition need documentation that your foreign credential is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's in a relevant science field.
Ask employers about PERM before accepting offers
If your goal is a green card, ask whether the employer has experience with PERM labor certification for lab roles. The recruitment and prevailing wage documentation for laboratory positions can be complex, and some smaller labs have never run the process.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above the prevailing wage for your specific lab role and location. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your job title and metro area before negotiating, so you know the DOL floor and can spot an underpayment that could sink your petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Laboratory Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS treats laboratory specialist positions as specialty occupations when the role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as clinical laboratory science, biochemistry, microbiology, or chemistry. Generic lab technician roles with no degree requirement may not qualify, so the job description must clearly state the degree requirement.
Which visa types realistically cover Laboratory Specialist positions?
H-1B is the most common path for laboratory specialists, requiring a specialty occupation degree match. F-1 students can work in related lab roles under OPT or STEM OPT if their degree is in a qualifying STEM field. TN visa status covers certain scientific roles for Canadian and Mexican nationals, but only if the position matches a USMCA-listed profession. J-1 visa is an option through designated research or exchange programs.
How do I find employers who sponsor Laboratory Specialist roles?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history for laboratory and life science positions, searchable by role and location. This saves you from cold-applying to employers who've never sponsored and helps you focus on labs, research institutions, and diagnostics companies already familiar with the H-1B filing process.
Does my foreign laboratory science degree count toward H-1B eligibility?
A foreign degree can satisfy the specialty occupation requirement if a NACES-member credential evaluator confirms it's equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's in a relevant field. Three years of progressively responsible work experience in a directly related lab discipline can substitute for one year of education, so a two-year degree plus six years of qualifying lab experience may bridge the gap.
Can a laboratory employer sponsor a green card for this role?
Yes. Most laboratory specialist green cards go through EB-2 or EB-3, both requiring PERM labor certification from DOL. The employer must demonstrate through a formal recruitment process that no qualified U.S. worker was available for the role. Some niche research positions with highly specific requirements can support an EB-2 National Interest Waiver, allowing self-petition without employer sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Laboratory Specialist 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.