STEM OPT Laboratory Manager Jobs
Laboratory Manager roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an approved CIP code in life sciences, chemistry, or engineering. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build supervisory lab experience while pursuing long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsDescription
MaineHealth Institute for Research
Professional - Nonclinical
Req #: 96671
Accepting Departmental Applicants Only
Summary
The Biobank and Research Laboratory Associate is a position which supports biobanking and research testing and services within the MaineHealth Institute for Research. This position is responsible for patient informed consent; the collection, processing, storage, tracking, distribution, and testing of biospecimens; and instrument validation; while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and institutional policies. The associate collaborates with investigators, external clients, clinical staff, and laboratory personnel to support research activities and maintain the integrity of biological specimens and associated data.
This position is a fully-onsite role, rotating between our Portland and Scarborough, ME campuses.
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
Education: Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Biology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
License/Certifications: N/A
Experience: One year of relevant experience preferred.
Additional Skills/Requirements Required:
- Knowledge of laboratory operations, biospecimen handling, quality assurance, and applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, OSHA, GCP/GLP, CAP/CLIA as applicable).
- Proficiency in computer applications; electronic databases; and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.), along with a willingness to learn new technologies and develop skills necessary to support evolving research and operational needs.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work independently and collaboratively, and communicate effectively with researchers, clients, clinicians, and laboratory staff.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when interacting with patients and handling sensitive biological specimens and data.
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 $25.24 to $34.16 per hour.
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 sharon.nightingale@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.
Description
MaineHealth Institute for Research
Professional - Nonclinical
Req #: 96671
Accepting Departmental Applicants Only
Summary
The Biobank and Research Laboratory Associate is a position which supports biobanking and research testing and services within the MaineHealth Institute for Research. This position is responsible for patient informed consent; the collection, processing, storage, tracking, distribution, and testing of biospecimens; and instrument validation; while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and institutional policies. The associate collaborates with investigators, external clients, clinical staff, and laboratory personnel to support research activities and maintain the integrity of biological specimens and associated data.
This position is a fully-onsite role, rotating between our Portland and Scarborough, ME campuses.
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
Education: Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Biology, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
License/Certifications: N/A
Experience: One year of relevant experience preferred.
Additional Skills/Requirements Required:
- Knowledge of laboratory operations, biospecimen handling, quality assurance, and applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, OSHA, GCP/GLP, CAP/CLIA as applicable).
- Proficiency in computer applications; electronic databases; and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.), along with a willingness to learn new technologies and develop skills necessary to support evolving research and operational needs.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work independently and collaboratively, and communicate effectively with researchers, clients, clinicians, and laboratory staff.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when interacting with patients and handling sensitive biological specimens and data.
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 $25.24 to $34.16 per hour.
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 sharon.nightingale@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.
See all 128+ STEM OPT Laboratory Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Laboratory Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Laboratory Manager
Verify your CIP code covers laboratory management
Check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying. Biology, chemistry, and biomedical engineering codes routinely qualify, but interdisciplinary or applied science degrees sometimes need a closer look from your DSO.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask HR directly whether the employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Labs inside universities, hospital systems, and contract research organizations sometimes operate under a parent entity's enrollment, which affects your I-983 filing address.
Frame your I-983 training plan around supervisory competencies
Laboratory Manager roles involve overseeing staff, managing compliance protocols, and budgeting, so your I-983 must connect those duties to your STEM degree's learning objectives. Vague training goals are a common reason DSOs push back on approval.
Use O*NET to match job duties to your degree field
Pull the Laboratory Manager occupation profile from O*NET and map its listed knowledge areas to your degree's coursework. That alignment strengthens both your I-983 narrative and any future specialty occupation argument when your employer transitions you to H-1B visa sponsorship.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history for lab roles
Identify which research institutions, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical companies have filed LCAs for laboratory or scientific management positions through Migrate Mate, so you're applying where long-term sponsorship is already part of the hiring pattern.
Time your STEM OPT application to cover the cap-gap window
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT end date, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. File your STEM OPT extension with USCIS well before your initial OPT expires so there's no gap in lab authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Laboratory Manager role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your underlying degree carries an approved STEM CIP code and the job duties connect directly to that field. Laboratory Manager positions in life sciences, chemistry, engineering, and related disciplines typically qualify. Your DSO reviews the I-983 training plan to confirm the role meets the practical training standard before approving the extension.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my Laboratory Manager employer?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify as a condition of employing you on STEM OPT. Enrollment alone isn't enough if the specific worksite or subsidiary isn't covered. Before signing an offer, ask HR to confirm the legal entity listed on your I-983 is the enrolled E-Verify participant, not just a related organization.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for a Laboratory Manager position?
The I-983 must describe how your day-to-day duties, such as supervising lab staff, maintaining regulatory compliance, managing equipment procurement, and overseeing experimental protocols, relate to your STEM degree. Generic job descriptions copied from the posting aren't sufficient. Your supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO reviews it against ICE's practical training criteria before approving.
How does the cap-gap rule protect my work authorization as a Laboratory Manager?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT expires, the cap-gap provision extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue managing the lab without interruption during adjudication. USCIS issues a cap-gap notice you can present to your employer as authorization documentation.
Where can I find Laboratory Manager jobs at employers who sponsor STEM OPT workers?
Migrate Mate filters Laboratory Manager listings to show only employers enrolled in E-Verify and with documented LCA filing history for STEM roles, so you're not spending time on positions where sponsorship is unlikely. You can search by degree field and location to identify research institutions, biotech companies, and healthcare systems that have already built STEM OPT hiring processes.