STEM OPT Geneticist Jobs
Geneticist roles in research institutions, biotech firms, and clinical labs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in biological sciences. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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The Department of Pathology at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced M.D. or Ph.D. Laboratory Geneticist to join the Division of Genomic Medicine as a full-time faculty. The successful candidate will have experience in human genetics, genomics, and computational biology and play a key role in expansion and implementation of genomic testing services in patient care. This faculty position offers the opportunity to contribute to the clinical, academic, and research missions of our department while working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, pathologists, scientists, genetic counselors, and trainees. The faculty member will join an experienced team and an expanding clinical genomics program at TCH contributing to implementation of genomic testing, test reporting strategies, bio-banking of human specimens, as well as genetic association and precision medicine studies. The successful candidate will hold an appointment as Assistant Professor (tenure track) in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).
TCH is the nation's largest children's hospital and is ranked No. 3 in U.S. News and World Report's Honor Roll of Best Children's Hospitals. Located in Texas Medical Center, the largest medical campus in the world, TCH and BCM offer exceptional opportunities for collaboration and research activities across numerous institutions on the campus.
Job Duties
- Providing clinical sign-out and interpretation of genetic and genomic testing results in constitutional genetics and oncology testing in a CAP/CLIA-certified multiplatform diagnostic service, including whole exome and genome sequencing, next-generation sequencing DNA and RNA panels, copy number profiling cytogenomic arrays for constitutional and oncology, and targeted molecular testing.
- Collaborate with Divisional faculty, clinical colleagues, and institutional leadership to advance the development of genomic testing and integration of genomics into patient care.
- Participate in teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, fellows, and laboratory staff as an active faculty member in the ACGME-certified Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship and Pathology Residency programs at BCM.
- Engage in scholarly and/or clinical research activities, with opportunities for academic advancement.
- Contribute to quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives for genetic and genomic laboratory services.
Minimum Qualifications
- MD, DO or PhD (or equivalent) in Genetics, Pathology, or a related field.
- Board certification or eligibility in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, Clinical Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Molecular Genetic Pathology, or equivalent certification(s).
- Strong knowledge of clinical laboratory operations, regulatory requirements, and quality management.
- Prior experience in academic or hospital-based practice preferred.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and collaborative skills.
Academic Appointment
This position will carry a faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine. Joint appointments in other basic science or clinical departments are available for individuals with broader academic interests. Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Application Process
Candidates must complete this employment application to be considered and should also send their curriculum vitae, a personal statement of professional goals, and three references to:
Dolores López-Terrada, MD, PhD
Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics
Baylor College of Medicine
Division Chief, Genomic Medicine
Texas Children’s Hospital Department of Pathology
6621 Fannin St., AB1195
Houston, TX 77030
Dhterrad@texaschildrens.org
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a leading academic hospital committed to excellence in patient care, education, and research.
- Collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment with experts across clinical specialties.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities, clinical genomics infrastructure, and research opportunities.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.
Summary
The Department of Pathology at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced M.D. or Ph.D. Laboratory Geneticist to join the Division of Genomic Medicine as a full-time faculty. The successful candidate will have experience in human genetics, genomics, and computational biology and play a key role in expansion and implementation of genomic testing services in patient care. This faculty position offers the opportunity to contribute to the clinical, academic, and research missions of our department while working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, pathologists, scientists, genetic counselors, and trainees. The faculty member will join an experienced team and an expanding clinical genomics program at TCH contributing to implementation of genomic testing, test reporting strategies, bio-banking of human specimens, as well as genetic association and precision medicine studies. The successful candidate will hold an appointment as Assistant Professor (tenure track) in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).
TCH is the nation's largest children's hospital and is ranked No. 3 in U.S. News and World Report's Honor Roll of Best Children's Hospitals. Located in Texas Medical Center, the largest medical campus in the world, TCH and BCM offer exceptional opportunities for collaboration and research activities across numerous institutions on the campus.
Job Duties
- Providing clinical sign-out and interpretation of genetic and genomic testing results in constitutional genetics and oncology testing in a CAP/CLIA-certified multiplatform diagnostic service, including whole exome and genome sequencing, next-generation sequencing DNA and RNA panels, copy number profiling cytogenomic arrays for constitutional and oncology, and targeted molecular testing.
- Collaborate with Divisional faculty, clinical colleagues, and institutional leadership to advance the development of genomic testing and integration of genomics into patient care.
- Participate in teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, fellows, and laboratory staff as an active faculty member in the ACGME-certified Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship and Pathology Residency programs at BCM.
- Engage in scholarly and/or clinical research activities, with opportunities for academic advancement.
- Contribute to quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives for genetic and genomic laboratory services.
Minimum Qualifications
- MD, DO or PhD (or equivalent) in Genetics, Pathology, or a related field.
- Board certification or eligibility in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, Clinical Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Molecular Genetic Pathology, or equivalent certification(s).
- Strong knowledge of clinical laboratory operations, regulatory requirements, and quality management.
- Prior experience in academic or hospital-based practice preferred.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and collaborative skills.
Academic Appointment
This position will carry a faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine. Joint appointments in other basic science or clinical departments are available for individuals with broader academic interests. Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Application Process
Candidates must complete this employment application to be considered and should also send their curriculum vitae, a personal statement of professional goals, and three references to:
Dolores López-Terrada, MD, PhD
Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics
Baylor College of Medicine
Division Chief, Genomic Medicine
Texas Children’s Hospital Department of Pathology
6621 Fannin St., AB1195
Houston, TX 77030
Dhterrad@texaschildrens.org
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a leading academic hospital committed to excellence in patient care, education, and research.
- Collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment with experts across clinical specialties.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities, clinical genomics infrastructure, and research opportunities.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Geneticist
Verify your CIP code maps correctly
Confirm your degree's CIP code falls under biological sciences or a related STEM category before applying for the extension. Mismatches between your transcript field of study and the STEM-designated list are a common reason DSOs flag I-20 extension requests.
Check E-Verify status before accepting offers
Before signing an offer, confirm your prospective employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Ask your HR contact for their E-Verify company ID number, since enrollment lapses and inactive accounts disqualify an otherwise valid STEM OPT placement.
Tailor your I-983 to genetics lab workflows
Your training plan must tie specific learning objectives to genetics competencies, such as variant analysis, PCR protocols, or CRISPR methodology. Generic training plans that don't reflect the actual lab work draw scrutiny from DSOs and USCIS during audits.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Genetics roles span wage levels one through four under DOL classifications. Run the OFLC Wage Search using the relevant SOC code for geneticists to confirm your offered compensation meets the prevailing wage for your work location before your employer files any authorization paperwork.
Search Migrate Mate for E-Verify enrolled employers
Filter your geneticist job search on Migrate Mate to surface employers already enrolled in E-Verify. This cuts the verification step out of your offer-stage checklist and lets you focus applications on labs and biotech companies set up to hire STEM OPT students.
File your extension request 90 days early
Submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Filing inside that window activates the cap-gap provision if your H-1B visa is pending, protecting your authorization continuity through an October 1 start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a genetics or molecular biology degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, degrees in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related biological sciences typically carry CIP codes on the STEM-designated degree program list. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific CIP code qualifies before you apply for the 24-month extension. Check the O*NET occupation profile for Geneticist to cross-reference the typical degree fields employers expect for this role.
What does the I-983 training plan need to cover for a geneticist position?
The I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to genetics work you'll perform, such as genomic sequencing analysis, population genetics research, or laboratory technique development. Vague descriptions like 'gain industry experience' aren't sufficient. Both you and your employer supervisor sign the plan, and USCIS can audit it, so the objectives should map directly to your day-to-day responsibilities.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before starting work?
Ask your HR contact or recruiter directly for the company's E-Verify employer ID number and the date of enrollment. Active enrollment is required, not just past registration. If you're searching for roles and want to focus only on employers already set up for STEM OPT, Migrate Mate filters geneticist job listings by E-Verify enrollment status.
Can I work at a university genetics lab or research hospital on STEM OPT?
Yes, research universities, academic medical centers, and hospital-affiliated genetics labs are eligible employers as long as they're enrolled in E-Verify. Many federal research institutions and NIH-affiliated labs meet this requirement. Confirm E-Verify enrollment with the specific department or HR office handling your hire, since large institutions sometimes manage enrollment at the departmental level.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery but hasn't started yet?
If your H-1B petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30. If your H-1B is approved with an October 1 start date, you're covered continuously. Your employer doesn't need to take additional steps beyond having the petition on file with USCIS before your EAD end date.