STEM OPT Laboratory Jobs
Laboratory roles in research, clinical testing, and quality control are strong fits for STEM OPT students with degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies as long as your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your position directly relates to your degree.
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Get Access To All JobsHow to Apply
A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below. In addition, please provide contact information for two or three references.
Questions about the position can be sent to the PI (Dr. Kristina Smiley) at [email protected].
Job Summary
The Smiley Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Laboratory Specialist to join our new and growing laboratory. Our lab investigates the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying parental behavior, with a particular focus on how the hormones associated with parenting modulate sensory processing of offspring vocal cues in an avian model system (zebra finch). This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a newly funded NIH project and to play a central role in establishing in vivo electrophysiology techniques from the ground up in a new lab environment. The Research Laboratory Specialist will be an integral part of the research team, working closely with the PI and other researchers in the lab to ensure smooth execution of experiments and daily lab operations.
Responsibilities
- Independently develop and maintain an in vivo electrophysiology system (including ordering and configuring equipment, troubleshooting hardware/software, and piloting experimental protocols).
- Independently design, conduct, and analyze electrophysiological research experiments in awake, behaving animals related to the lab's research goals.
- Has oversight for day-to-day operation of a specialized research laboratory focused on the neuroscience of songbird behavior.
- Supervise exempt and non-exempt research and support personnel, including training junior lab members (graduate and undergraduate students) in technical methods and experimental procedures related to in vivo electrophysiology.
- Co-authors publications and may co-present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- 4-5 years of related experience with in vivo electrophysiology in animal models.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and analyze experiments independently.
- Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree or above in related field.
- Previous experience with neuroendocrinology, hormone manipulation, or sensory neurobiology.
- Experience with setting up custom hardware/electrode building and troubleshooting complex experimental systems (e.g., microdrives, tetrodes, cannulation systems).
- Experience working with avian model systems.
- Experience mentoring or training students in technical methods.
- A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for contributing to a new laboratory setup and culture, along with excellent organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
Why Work at Michigan?
The University of Michigan offers an extraordinary intellectual environment, with world-class neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical research communities, extensive core facilities, and a vibrant culture of collaboration across disciplines. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan a city consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. you'll enjoy a dynamic, culturally rich community with excellent restaurants, music and arts, easy access to nature, and a welcoming, progressive atmosphere. Successful applicants will join a vibrant community of scientists in the Brain & Behavior area and the UM Psychology Department, as well as through the Michigan Neuroscience Institute.
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days.
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting.
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Long-term disability coverage.
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
In addition, LSA offers:
- Strong commitment to work/life balance.
- Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs.
- Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses.
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The salary range is $53,000 to $67,000. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, however, the start date can be flexible.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
279097
Working Title
in vivo electrophysiology Research Laboratory Specialist
Job Title
Research Lab Specialist Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Psychology
Posting Begin/End Date
6/19/2026 - 8/02/2026
Salary
$53,000.00 - $67,000.00
Career Interest
Research
How to Apply
A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below. In addition, please provide contact information for two or three references.
Questions about the position can be sent to the PI (Dr. Kristina Smiley) at [email protected].
Job Summary
The Smiley Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Laboratory Specialist to join our new and growing laboratory. Our lab investigates the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying parental behavior, with a particular focus on how the hormones associated with parenting modulate sensory processing of offspring vocal cues in an avian model system (zebra finch). This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a newly funded NIH project and to play a central role in establishing in vivo electrophysiology techniques from the ground up in a new lab environment. The Research Laboratory Specialist will be an integral part of the research team, working closely with the PI and other researchers in the lab to ensure smooth execution of experiments and daily lab operations.
Responsibilities
- Independently develop and maintain an in vivo electrophysiology system (including ordering and configuring equipment, troubleshooting hardware/software, and piloting experimental protocols).
- Independently design, conduct, and analyze electrophysiological research experiments in awake, behaving animals related to the lab's research goals.
- Has oversight for day-to-day operation of a specialized research laboratory focused on the neuroscience of songbird behavior.
- Supervise exempt and non-exempt research and support personnel, including training junior lab members (graduate and undergraduate students) in technical methods and experimental procedures related to in vivo electrophysiology.
- Co-authors publications and may co-present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- 4-5 years of related experience with in vivo electrophysiology in animal models.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and analyze experiments independently.
- Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree or above in related field.
- Previous experience with neuroendocrinology, hormone manipulation, or sensory neurobiology.
- Experience with setting up custom hardware/electrode building and troubleshooting complex experimental systems (e.g., microdrives, tetrodes, cannulation systems).
- Experience working with avian model systems.
- Experience mentoring or training students in technical methods.
- A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for contributing to a new laboratory setup and culture, along with excellent organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
Why Work at Michigan?
The University of Michigan offers an extraordinary intellectual environment, with world-class neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical research communities, extensive core facilities, and a vibrant culture of collaboration across disciplines. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan a city consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. you'll enjoy a dynamic, culturally rich community with excellent restaurants, music and arts, easy access to nature, and a welcoming, progressive atmosphere. Successful applicants will join a vibrant community of scientists in the Brain & Behavior area and the UM Psychology Department, as well as through the Michigan Neuroscience Institute.
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days.
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting.
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Long-term disability coverage.
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
In addition, LSA offers:
- Strong commitment to work/life balance.
- Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs.
- Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses.
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The salary range is $53,000 to $67,000. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, however, the start date can be flexible.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
279097
Working Title
in vivo electrophysiology Research Laboratory Specialist
Job Title
Research Lab Specialist Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Psychology
Posting Begin/End Date
6/19/2026 - 8/02/2026
Salary
$53,000.00 - $67,000.00
Career Interest
Research
See all 3,754+ STEM OPT Laboratory Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Laboratory Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Laboratory
Verify your CIP code matches laboratory roles
Your STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code. Check that your program's CIP code maps to a recognized STEM field before applying, since life sciences and chemistry codes are not always automatically included.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Not every laboratory employer, including small contract research organizations and hospital labs, is enrolled in E-Verify. Ask the hiring manager or HR directly, or search the E-Verify employer database to confirm enrollment before signing an offer letter.
Build your I-983 training plan around lab competencies
Your I-983 must connect your laboratory duties to your STEM degree's learning objectives. Frame bench skills, instrument operation, and data analysis methods as measurable training goals tied to specific coursework from your program.
Target employers with active STEM OPT hiring history
Use Migrate Mate to filter laboratory job listings by employers who have previously hired STEM OPT students, so you're spending your applications on companies already familiar with E-Verify requirements and the I-983 process.
Use O*NET to align your job title with degree requirements
Laboratory job titles vary widely across industries. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for your target role to confirm it lists a bachelor's-level STEM degree as a typical entry requirement, which strengthens your DSO's authorization decision.
Time your OPT extension application around lab start dates
USCIS recommends filing your STEM OPT extension application 90 days before your initial OPT expires. For laboratory roles with defined project cycles or contract start dates, missing this window can delay your authorization past a committed start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do laboratory jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Laboratory roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension if your position directly relates to your STEM degree and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and materials science commonly map to laboratory occupations. Your DSO will confirm eligibility based on your degree's CIP code and the job description you provide.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a laboratory position?
Your I-983 training plan must describe how your laboratory duties, such as sample preparation, instrument calibration, data analysis, or quality assurance, connect to the knowledge and skills from your STEM degree program. Both you and your employer supervisor must sign the form, and your DSO must authorize it before your extension begins. USCIS can request to review it at any time.
Does my laboratory employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify before I start?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT employers, and it must be in place before your extension is authorized. Small or independent laboratories, including private clinical labs and contract research organizations, are not always enrolled. Confirm this directly with HR before your DSO submits the extension paperwork to avoid authorization gaps.
How do I find laboratory employers who are familiar with STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists laboratory job opportunities filtered by employers with STEM OPT hiring experience, so you can focus on companies that already understand E-Verify requirements and the I-983 process. This matters for laboratory roles because smaller employers in the sector often encounter the training plan requirement for the first time and may need additional lead time.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if I switch laboratory employers mid-extension?
You can change employers during your STEM OPT extension, but your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. You and the new employer must complete a new I-983 training plan, and your DSO must update your SEVIS record before you begin work. There is no grace period between employers during an active STEM OPT extension, so coordinate the transition carefully with your DSO.