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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Description
NorDx
Management/Leadership
Req #: 78373
Summary:
The Supervisor – Laboratory role provides day to day supervision to the laboratory team for both operations and human resources management. Accountable for scheduling and work distribution. Provides technical direction and develops, monitors, and takes appropriate action to improve overall departmental quality, as outlined by performance standards. Ensures training and competency assessments are completed. May perform laboratory functions when needed.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Associates Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or a similar field required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- License/Certifications: Certification in one or more of the following: MT, MLT, MLS, CLS, CHT, CHS, CG, CT, HT, HTL, ASCP Scientist/Specialist (BB, C, H, M, MB, SBB, SC, SH, SM) required (ASCP, AMT, HEW, ABHI).
- Experience: Two years of experience as an MLT/MT required. Previous Lead or Supervisor experience preferred.
- Additional Skills/Requirements Required: N/A
- Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A
Additional Information
MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources—so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.
We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization. Any offer of employment will depend on qualifications such as skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other job-related factors. The base range is an estimate and does not reflect the full value of our total compensation package.
The pay range for this position is $83,324.80 to $112,736.00 per year.
Compensation for part-time positions is determined on a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full-time equivalent (FTE).
In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offers comprehensive benefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and, where applicable, shift differentials or other incentives.
If you have questions about this role, please contact aarin.miles@mainehealth.org
Hiring Scam Alert
MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre-hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to mhcareers@mainehealth.org.
Notice Regarding Maine Employer Surveillance Statute: Pursuant to Maine's Employer Surveillance Statute, prospective care team members are notified that MaineHealth may monitor, collect, record, review, or retain information related to the use of its systems, networks, applications, files, data, communications platforms (including notified recordings), smart badges, building access, company vehicle GPS data, business calls, and workplace security cameras.
Information collected may be used for legitimate business purposes, including security, safety, compliance, investigations, training, quality assurance, and operational management.
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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.