STEM OPT Lab Associate Jobs
Lab Associate roles in research, quality control, and clinical settings qualify for STEM OPT when your degree is in a CIP-eligible field like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. The 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and you file an I-983 training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.
JOB OVERVIEW
The incumbent in this position performs Laboratory Management duties for the GUMC’s Clinical Research Unit Laboratory at Georgetown University, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, maintaining high-quality specimen handling processes, and providing support for clinical research activities. The incumbent will serve as the primary contact for all laboratory-related interactions, manage staff training, and contribute to clinical support functions when the laboratory workload allows.
LABORATORY MANAGEMENT
- Manage daily activities of the CRU laboratory
- Oversee processing, storing, and shipping of laboratory specimens
- Maintain ongoing tracking of all specimens stored in the CR
- Monitor, maintain, and ensure proper function of all laboratory equipment
- Manage inventory and ordering of laboratory supplies
- Assume responsibility for on-call schedule for freezer alarm coverage (-80 freezers)
- Serve as the primary contact for all laboratory interactions with study teams
- Provide training and oversight to staff assisting in specimen processing
- Manage laboratory effort for community visits under the CTSA grant, collaborating with staff at Howard University, Medstar and the VA as appropriate
CLINICAL SUPPORT
- Assist nurses with clinical research and standard-of-care tasks when laboratory workload allows
- Perform vital signs, ECGs, and phlebotomy
- Assist with subject transport as needed
- Support pick-up and delivery of drugs from research and main pharmacy
- Collaborate directly with nursing staff on the CRU unit in patient care support and quality improvement initiatives
WORK INTERACTIONS
The Lab Manager provides laboratory support to the CRU and SEPCOM approved protocols. The Lab Manager works as part of the CRU team and will report to CRU Nurse Manager, assisting with clinical care and quality improvement initiatives on the unit. They will work directly with the nursing staff and clinical research coordinators on the unit. CRU Nurse Manager, in turn, is accountable to the Program Director for all clinical issues and the Administrative Director of the CRU for all administrative matters. The Lab Manager functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Georgetown University Medical Center’s philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience
- Experience in laboratory management or clinical research laboratory operations
- Strong knowledge of specimen processing, storage, and shipping protocols
- Proficiency in laboratory equipment maintenance and inventory management
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
- IATA Certification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree (MS or higher) in a scientific or health-related field
- Certification in clinical laboratory science or research compliance
- Prior experience in a clinical research setting
- Experience supervising or training staff
- Familiarity with freezer alarm systems and biorepository management
WORK MODE DESIGNATION
This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website.
PAY RANGE:
The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:
$41,926.00 - $65,090.00
Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.
CURRENT GEORGETOWN EMPLOYEES:
If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.
NEED ASSISTANCE:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or oeoc@georgetown.edu.
Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.
GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
BENEFITS:
Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.
INTRODUCTION
Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.
JOB OVERVIEW
The incumbent in this position performs Laboratory Management duties for the GUMC’s Clinical Research Unit Laboratory at Georgetown University, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, maintaining high-quality specimen handling processes, and providing support for clinical research activities. The incumbent will serve as the primary contact for all laboratory-related interactions, manage staff training, and contribute to clinical support functions when the laboratory workload allows.
LABORATORY MANAGEMENT
- Manage daily activities of the CRU laboratory
- Oversee processing, storing, and shipping of laboratory specimens
- Maintain ongoing tracking of all specimens stored in the CR
- Monitor, maintain, and ensure proper function of all laboratory equipment
- Manage inventory and ordering of laboratory supplies
- Assume responsibility for on-call schedule for freezer alarm coverage (-80 freezers)
- Serve as the primary contact for all laboratory interactions with study teams
- Provide training and oversight to staff assisting in specimen processing
- Manage laboratory effort for community visits under the CTSA grant, collaborating with staff at Howard University, Medstar and the VA as appropriate
CLINICAL SUPPORT
- Assist nurses with clinical research and standard-of-care tasks when laboratory workload allows
- Perform vital signs, ECGs, and phlebotomy
- Assist with subject transport as needed
- Support pick-up and delivery of drugs from research and main pharmacy
- Collaborate directly with nursing staff on the CRU unit in patient care support and quality improvement initiatives
WORK INTERACTIONS
The Lab Manager provides laboratory support to the CRU and SEPCOM approved protocols. The Lab Manager works as part of the CRU team and will report to CRU Nurse Manager, assisting with clinical care and quality improvement initiatives on the unit. They will work directly with the nursing staff and clinical research coordinators on the unit. CRU Nurse Manager, in turn, is accountable to the Program Director for all clinical issues and the Administrative Director of the CRU for all administrative matters. The Lab Manager functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Georgetown University Medical Center’s philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience
- Experience in laboratory management or clinical research laboratory operations
- Strong knowledge of specimen processing, storage, and shipping protocols
- Proficiency in laboratory equipment maintenance and inventory management
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
- IATA Certification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree (MS or higher) in a scientific or health-related field
- Certification in clinical laboratory science or research compliance
- Prior experience in a clinical research setting
- Experience supervising or training staff
- Familiarity with freezer alarm systems and biorepository management
WORK MODE DESIGNATION
This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website.
PAY RANGE:
The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:
$41,926.00 - $65,090.00
Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.
CURRENT GEORGETOWN EMPLOYEES:
If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.
NEED ASSISTANCE:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or oeoc@georgetown.edu.
Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.
GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
BENEFITS:
Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.
See all 203+ STEM OPT Lab Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Lab Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Lab Associate
Verify your CIP code before applying
Pull your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code from your I-20 and cross-check it against USCIS's STEM designated degree program list. Lab Associate roles in analytical chemistry or microbiology need a matching CIP code, not just a STEM-sounding title.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask the hiring manager to provide their E-Verify company ID or search the E-Verify employer search tool directly. A lab employer who can't confirm enrollment cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT, regardless of how far along you are in the process.
Target labs that already file LCAs
Pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and university-affiliated labs routinely sponsor international workers. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with active STEM OPT hiring history so you're not educating a recruiter on E-Verify from scratch.
Build your I-983 training plan around lab competencies
Your I-983 must connect your STEM degree to specific lab skills you'll develop, such as PCR techniques, HPLC operation, or GMP compliance. Draft the learning objectives before your offer letter is finalized so your DSO can authorize the extension without delays.
File your STEM OPT extension at the 90-day window
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Missing this window ends your work authorization, so track the deadline from the day your first EAD arrives.
Match your lab role to an approved STEM SOC code
Not every lab title maps automatically to a STEM-eligible SOC code. Check O*NET to confirm your Lab Associate position falls under a code included in the STEM designated degree list, and ask your DSO to document that match in your I-983.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lab Associate role qualify for STEM OPT?
Lab Associate positions qualify for STEM OPT when the role connects to a STEM-eligible degree field and maps to an approved Standard Occupational Classification code. Positions in biological research, analytical chemistry, and clinical laboratory science typically qualify. Check O*NET to confirm your specific SOC code appears on the USCIS STEM designated degree program list before relying on the extension.
Which STEM degrees support a Lab Associate STEM OPT extension?
Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, environmental science, and related life and physical sciences carry CIP codes that appear on the USCIS STEM designated degree list. Your I-20 must list a qualifying CIP code, not just a general science degree title. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific program qualifies before you apply for the extension.
What is the I-983 training plan for a Lab Associate role?
The I-983 is a formal training agreement between you and your employer that documents how your Lab Associate work relates to your STEM degree. For lab roles, this means listing specific technical skills you'll develop, such as sample preparation, instrument operation, or data analysis. Your employer signs the form, your DSO reviews it, and USCIS expects it to reflect real on-the-job learning tied to your academic background.
Does my lab employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a mandatory requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. Without active E-Verify enrollment, your employer cannot legally employ you under the STEM OPT extension, and USCIS will not approve your application. Verify enrollment before your interview stage using the E-Verify employer search tool so you don't lose time on an ineligible offer.
How do I find Lab Associate jobs where employers understand STEM OPT?
Search Migrate Mate to find Lab Associate openings filtered for employers with experience hiring STEM OPT students. Many smaller labs and startups aren't enrolled in E-Verify or haven't navigated the I-983 process before, which creates delays at the offer stage. Targeting employers already familiar with STEM OPT requirements reduces the risk of losing a role after an offer is made.