Laboratory Supervisor Jobs for OPT Students
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.
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INTRODUCTION
We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
ABOUT THE JOB
Our East Syracuse, NY laboratory is looking for a Laboratory Supervisor to lead their XRD team! The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their respective department. The Laboratory Supervisor works with Team Leads to manage sample throughput to ensure turnaround times are met while maintaining data quality that meets or exceeds industry standards. The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for promoting a safe working culture and environment throughout the laboratory.
JOB FUNCTIONS
- Coordinates workflow through the department to ensure turnaround times are met
- Works with Team Leads, Senior Analysts and Senior Technicians to manage staff and instrumentation resources to maximize sample throughput and ensures production targets are met
- Uses LIMS to ensure that samples are processed appropriately and updates the samples’ status in LIMS as required
- Applies technical judgment to determine potential problems for samples processed
- Helps implement best practices in the laboratory to maximize operational efficiency and maintain data quality that meets or exceeds industry standards
- Demonstrates good leadership through effective planning, delegating and empowering subordinates appropriately, and leading by example. Manages people and performance daily, acting quickly and decisively when required.
- Ensures staffing levels are appropriate for sample volumes and that staff are properly trained to perform their assigned duties
- Works with the Laboratory Manager to oversee hiring and training competent laboratory personnel
- Assists with the training of new analysts to become productive members of the team
- Ensures the lab’s operating supplies inventory is appropriate for current workloads
- Appropriately follows safety requirements for the work that is done and ensure that your team members are also following these requirements
- Immediately addresses safety problems as they arise in the lab (i.e. hood use, safety glasses, methylene chloride handling) to minimize exposure and maximize safe practices
- Actively promotes a strong culture of safe laboratory practices and the maintenance of a safe working environment
- Keeps supervisory and management teams informed of any potential problems
- Provides information to supervisory and managerial staff as appropriate on instrumentation, production, and staff issues
- Performs other duties as required
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in a Chemistry discipline and 4+ years of relevant experience in Analytical Chemistry Laboratories or equivalent education and experience (Required)
- XRD experience (Required)
- 1+ years of supervisory experience (Strongly preferred)
- Advanced English language skills (Required)
- Knowledge of environmental testing protocols, regulations, and certifications related to the department (Required)
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are a requirement of this position (Required)
- Must have a solid understanding of process and workflow (Required)
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations (Required)
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as SOPs, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals (Required)
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization (Required)
- Demonstrates an utmost level of integrity in all instances and shows respect towards others and towards company principles (Required)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; actively listens to others, asks questions to verify understanding, and uses tact and consideration when delivering feedback to others (Required)
- Excellent time management skills which include the ability to balance multiple projects concurrently (with different deadlines) and arrange the resources necessary to accomplish them (Required)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Excel, Word, Outlook) (Required)
- Experience with LIMS (Preferred)
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 (dependent on experience). This is not an overtime eligible position.
In addition, your compensation package includes the following benefits:
- Participation in the Company’s benefit programs coincident or following the first of the month in which you are hired.
- Immediate eligibility to participate in the Company’s 401K Retirement Plan
- Paid vacation + Four (4) floating holidays annually + Seven (7) company observed holidays paid + Sick time accrual
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.

INTRODUCTION
We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
ABOUT THE JOB
Our East Syracuse, NY laboratory is looking for a Laboratory Supervisor to lead their XRD team! The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of their respective department. The Laboratory Supervisor works with Team Leads to manage sample throughput to ensure turnaround times are met while maintaining data quality that meets or exceeds industry standards. The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for promoting a safe working culture and environment throughout the laboratory.
JOB FUNCTIONS
- Coordinates workflow through the department to ensure turnaround times are met
- Works with Team Leads, Senior Analysts and Senior Technicians to manage staff and instrumentation resources to maximize sample throughput and ensures production targets are met
- Uses LIMS to ensure that samples are processed appropriately and updates the samples’ status in LIMS as required
- Applies technical judgment to determine potential problems for samples processed
- Helps implement best practices in the laboratory to maximize operational efficiency and maintain data quality that meets or exceeds industry standards
- Demonstrates good leadership through effective planning, delegating and empowering subordinates appropriately, and leading by example. Manages people and performance daily, acting quickly and decisively when required.
- Ensures staffing levels are appropriate for sample volumes and that staff are properly trained to perform their assigned duties
- Works with the Laboratory Manager to oversee hiring and training competent laboratory personnel
- Assists with the training of new analysts to become productive members of the team
- Ensures the lab’s operating supplies inventory is appropriate for current workloads
- Appropriately follows safety requirements for the work that is done and ensure that your team members are also following these requirements
- Immediately addresses safety problems as they arise in the lab (i.e. hood use, safety glasses, methylene chloride handling) to minimize exposure and maximize safe practices
- Actively promotes a strong culture of safe laboratory practices and the maintenance of a safe working environment
- Keeps supervisory and management teams informed of any potential problems
- Provides information to supervisory and managerial staff as appropriate on instrumentation, production, and staff issues
- Performs other duties as required
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in a Chemistry discipline and 4+ years of relevant experience in Analytical Chemistry Laboratories or equivalent education and experience (Required)
- XRD experience (Required)
- 1+ years of supervisory experience (Strongly preferred)
- Advanced English language skills (Required)
- Knowledge of environmental testing protocols, regulations, and certifications related to the department (Required)
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are a requirement of this position (Required)
- Must have a solid understanding of process and workflow (Required)
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations (Required)
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as SOPs, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals (Required)
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization (Required)
- Demonstrates an utmost level of integrity in all instances and shows respect towards others and towards company principles (Required)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; actively listens to others, asks questions to verify understanding, and uses tact and consideration when delivering feedback to others (Required)
- Excellent time management skills which include the ability to balance multiple projects concurrently (with different deadlines) and arrange the resources necessary to accomplish them (Required)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Excel, Word, Outlook) (Required)
- Experience with LIMS (Preferred)
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 (dependent on experience). This is not an overtime eligible position.
In addition, your compensation package includes the following benefits:
- Participation in the Company’s benefit programs coincident or following the first of the month in which you are hired.
- Immediate eligibility to participate in the Company’s 401K Retirement Plan
- Paid vacation + Four (4) floating holidays annually + Seven (7) company observed holidays paid + Sick time accrual
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
How to Get Visa 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.
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 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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