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.
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EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Full time
SHIFT:
DESCRIPTION:
The Histology Supervisor is responsible for the daily management, coordination, and oversight of the Histology Laboratory to ensure delivery of high-quality, accurate, and timely pathology services. The supervisor maintains compliance with New York State Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP) regulations, CLIA requirements, College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards, Joint Commission standards, and organizational policies.
The Histology Supervisor provides leadership for technical operations, quality management, staffing, regulatory compliance, process improvement initiatives, employee development, and customer service while supporting the mission, vision, and values of St. Joseph's Health and Trinity Health.
Establishes policies, procedures, and protocols for testing performed in a defined laboratory section. Defines analytic accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and reference ranges for test methods. Oversees quality control testing and instrument maintenance. Serves as a technical resource and subject matter expert for histology procedures.
OVERSEES:
- Tissue processing
- Embedding
- Microtomy
- Routine H staining
- Special stains
- Immunohistochemistry
- Decalcification procedures
- Frozen sections
- Quality control activities
Reviews and approves technical procedures and validations.
Performs technical testing as needed.
Assures equipment maintenance and calibration are completed.
Determines, coordinates and supervises daily staffing assignments and levels. Provides direction, orientation, training, coaching, and mentoring to staff. Performs or assists with performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
Assesses quality of services delivered and facilitates staff development programs. Ensures staff compliance with departmental and organizational policies, procedures and protocols. Perform staff responsibilities as needed to fulfill required service levels.
Leads the handling and resolution of complex issues and complaints. Serves as a consultant to laboratory staff as well as other members of the healthcare team as needed. Acts as manager in their absence.
OUR TRINITY HEALTH CULTURE: Knows, understands, incorporates & demonstrates our Trinity Health Mission, Values, Vision, Actions & Promise in behaviors, practices & decisions.
Understands the basic operation of all instruments and using equipment according to SOP and department policies and procedures.
Performs and documents corrective action and preventive maintenance on equipment and instruments per protocol.
Supervises Histotechnologists, Histotechnicians, Laboratory Assistants, Students, and other assigned personnel.
Assists in training new employees and students.
Assists coworkers as needed and displays a positive attitude and adaptability to change.
Serves as technical expert to group of peers.
Assigns work and schedules time off.
Appraises performance.
Makes hire, fire, disciplinary, and related decisions.
Has budget accountability.
FTE’s SUPERVISED: 10-20
Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, state & local laws/regulations, Trinity Health Integrity & Compliance Program & Code of conduct, as well as other policies, procedures & guidelines in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical & professional behavior and safe work practices.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Histotechnology.
Current New York State Department of Education license as a CLT and/or Histotechnologist with at least 4 years of experience.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working in a hospital laboratory setting.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
- Close eye work
- Sedentary (continuous sitting)
- Light to moderate work
- Noise, Noxious odors, hazardous materials
PAY RANGE: $37.60-56.40
Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.
OUR COMMITMENT
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips 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.
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.