OPT Laboratory Supervisor Jobs

Laboratory Supervisor roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related science field. Most positions qualify as STEM-designated roles, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in research, biotech, and clinical settings regularly hire supervisors through OPT.

See All OPT Laboratory Supervisor Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs99+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Median Salary$75K
Top LocationColumbus, OH
Most JobsQuest Diagnostics

Showing 5 of 99+ Laboratory Supervisor jobs

Rocky Mountain Laboratories
LC-MS/MS Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor
We won't show you this job again
Rocky Mountain Laboratories
Added 2d ago
LC-MS/MS Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor
Rocky Mountain Laboratories
Draper, Utah
Laboratory Research
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Healthcare Administration
Quality Control
Medical Specialists
Clinical Trials
$130,000/yr - $150,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
201-500

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Veolia
Laboratory Supervisor
We won't show you this job again
Veolia
Added 3d ago
Laboratory Supervisor
Veolia
Port Arthur, Texas
Laboratory Research
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Healthcare Administration
Environmental Science
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Ochsner Health
Laboratory Supervisor
We won't show you this job again
Ochsner Health
Added 3d ago
Laboratory Supervisor
Ochsner Health
Luling, Louisiana
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Laboratory Science
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Associate's
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Celanese
Laboratory Supervisor
We won't show you this job again
Celanese
Added 3d ago
Laboratory Supervisor
Celanese
Evansville, Indiana
Quality Control
Laboratory Research
Manufacturing Operations
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
SGS
Laboratory Supervisor
We won't show you this job again
SGS
Added 1w ago
Laboratory Supervisor
SGS
Texas City, Texas
Laboratory Research
Quality Control
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)

See all 99+ Laboratory Supervisor Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Laboratory Supervisor roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

See all 99+ OPT Laboratory Supervisor Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Laboratory Supervisor Jobs.

Get Access To All Jobs

Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Laboratory Supervisor

Confirm your role qualifies as STEM OPT

Laboratory Supervisor positions typically fall under CIP codes tied to biological sciences, chemistry, or engineering. Verify your degree's CIP code matches a STEM-designated field before applying, so you can claim the full 36-month extension without surprises.

File your STEM OPT extension early

Submit your STEM OPT extension application at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. DSOs need processing time, and USCIS can take weeks to adjudicate. Filing late risks a gap in work authorization that could cost you the offer.

Target employers with an active E-Verify account

STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask recruiters directly before accepting an offer. Many biotech firms, university research labs, and hospital systems already participate, making them safer bets for STEM extension eligibility.

Highlight supervisory and compliance experience

Laboratory Supervisor roles demand documented leadership over staff, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. Emphasize relevant experience with OSHA standards, CAP or CLIA regulations, or quality management systems to differentiate yourself from candidates without oversight backgrounds.

Start H-1B conversations with employers before OPT expires

If long-term sponsorship is your goal, raise H-1B visa sponsorship early in the hiring process. Lab-heavy industries like biotech and pharmaceuticals sponsor H-1B visas regularly. Early alignment prevents last-minute scrambles when your OPT window closes.

Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly lab employers

Not every employer understands OPT or wants to navigate the paperwork. Migrate Mate filters Laboratory Supervisor jobs by sponsorship willingness, saving you time and protecting your visa timeline from employers unlikely to support your work authorization.

Laboratory Supervisor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Laboratory Supervisor on F-1 OPT?

Yes, if your degree is in a qualifying field such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related science discipline. The role must be directly related to your area of study. Laboratory Supervisor positions at research institutions, biotech companies, hospitals, and clinical labs routinely meet this requirement, but you should confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.

Does a Laboratory Supervisor role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It typically does, provided your degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Laboratory supervision in fields like biological sciences, chemical engineering, or clinical laboratory science commonly qualifies. Your DSO will verify the CIP code on your I-20 and confirm eligibility before filing the STEM extension application with USCIS.

What industries hire Laboratory Supervisors who are on OPT?

Biotech and pharmaceutical companies, university and government research labs, hospital clinical laboratories, environmental testing firms, and food and beverage quality labs are among the most active hirers. Many of these sectors have established HR processes for OPT candidates and are familiar with E-Verify requirements. Browse current openings on Migrate Mate to find employers already open to OPT work authorization.

What certifications strengthen a Laboratory Supervisor application for OPT students?

Certifications in laboratory management, safety, or quality systems add measurable weight to an application. Credentials such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology's MLS certification, ISO 9001 familiarity, or OSHA 30-hour training demonstrate readiness for supervisory responsibility. Employers subject to CAP or CLIA accreditation especially value candidates who understand regulatory compliance from day one.

Can a Laboratory Supervisor job lead to H-1B sponsorship after OPT?

Yes, and this role is well-positioned for H-1B sponsorship. Laboratory Supervisor positions generally qualify as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific field, which satisfies H-1B requirements. Biotech, pharmaceutical, and clinical employers sponsor H-1B petitions regularly. Discuss sponsorship intentions with the hiring manager before your OPT window closes to ensure the employer is prepared to file in time.