STEM OPT Laboratory Supervisor Jobs
Laboratory Supervisor roles in clinical, industrial, and research settings qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension when your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related STEM fields meet the CIP code requirements. You have up to 36 months total to gain supervised experience and pursue long-term sponsorship.
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The Laboratory Assistant I is expected to work in collaboration with a Staff Research Associate on a Spatial genomic project, following a training period. The Lab Assistant will learn the operation of a custom fluorescence microscope system based on Nikon TI2 and controlled by a LabView interface. Upon completion of the training, they are expected to independently prepare the microscopic system and configure the software depending on the specific experimental design, quality control the imaging quality, and monitor the imaging run status. They will also handle the imaging file transfer, storage management, and routine software maintenance on the computer that controls the microscopic system. In addition, the Lab Assistant is expected to work with minimal direct supervision following a training period. An ability to perform multiple, detail-oriented tasks accurately, reproducibly, and efficiently is required.
This is a limited appointment that may convert to career.
Salary Range: $27.04 – $32.31 Hourly (Effective 07-06-2026)
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and protocol is highly desirable.
- Skilled in working with basic laboratory equipment.
- Ability to communicate clearly and work in a team environment.
- Previous experience working in a laboratory setting.
- Knowledge of lab safety including use of biohazardous and chemical waste.
- Skill in prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely manner.
- Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
- Must be responsible and able to work independently.
- Willingness to work occasional weekends.
Preferred:
- BS in Biology or closely related field.
Description
The Laboratory Assistant I is expected to work in collaboration with a Staff Research Associate on a Spatial genomic project, following a training period. The Lab Assistant will learn the operation of a custom fluorescence microscope system based on Nikon TI2 and controlled by a LabView interface. Upon completion of the training, they are expected to independently prepare the microscopic system and configure the software depending on the specific experimental design, quality control the imaging quality, and monitor the imaging run status. They will also handle the imaging file transfer, storage management, and routine software maintenance on the computer that controls the microscopic system. In addition, the Lab Assistant is expected to work with minimal direct supervision following a training period. An ability to perform multiple, detail-oriented tasks accurately, reproducibly, and efficiently is required.
This is a limited appointment that may convert to career.
Salary Range: $27.04 – $32.31 Hourly (Effective 07-06-2026)
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Knowledge of basic laboratory safety and protocol is highly desirable.
- Skilled in working with basic laboratory equipment.
- Ability to communicate clearly and work in a team environment.
- Previous experience working in a laboratory setting.
- Knowledge of lab safety including use of biohazardous and chemical waste.
- Skill in prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely manner.
- Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
- Must be responsible and able to work independently.
- Willingness to work occasional weekends.
Preferred:
- BS in Biology or closely related field.
See all 116+ STEM OPT Laboratory Supervisor Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Laboratory Supervisor
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Not every science degree automatically qualifies for STEM OPT. Cross-check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the official STEM Designated Degree Program list published by USCIS before applying to roles or requesting your DSO's extension recommendation.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
A Laboratory Supervisor role at a hospital, contract research organization, or industrial facility only qualifies if the employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm enrollment status before signing any offer letter.
Build your I-983 training plan around lab competencies
Your I-983 must detail specific laboratory supervision skills you'll develop, such as quality control oversight, safety compliance management, or staff training protocols. Vague training objectives get flagged during USCIS review, so align each goal to measurable lab outcomes.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Laboratories that have sponsored H-1B visa petitions for scientists or supervisors are already familiar with immigration compliance. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with documented DOL Labor Condition Application filings in life sciences, manufacturing, or clinical research settings.
Check prevailing wages for your specific lab setting
Laboratory Supervisor wages vary significantly between clinical labs, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and university research facilities. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your SOC code and geographic area before evaluating whether an offer supports future sponsorship.
Activate cap-gap protection before your OPT EAD expires
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before April 1 and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. File the I-983 renewal with your DSO well before your EAD expiration to avoid any gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Laboratory Supervisor role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM field listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Laboratory Supervisor positions typically fall under life sciences, chemistry, or biological science SOC codes that support STEM OPT eligibility. Confirm your specific degree CIP code with your DSO before requesting the extension recommendation.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a lab supervision role?
Your I-983 must describe the practical STEM skills you'll develop through the position, such as laboratory safety protocol management, quality assurance procedures, instrument calibration oversight, or team training in scientific methods. Generic descriptions aren't sufficient. Each learning objective should connect your STEM degree field to a specific supervisory responsibility you'll carry in the lab.
How do I find Laboratory Supervisor roles at E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by E-Verify enrollment status, so you can focus your search on employers that already meet the STEM OPT requirement. You can also independently verify any employer's enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before submitting an application, which saves time and avoids offers you can't legally accept on STEM OPT.
Can I switch laboratory employers during my STEM OPT extension period?
Yes, but the new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must file an updated I-983 training plan with your DSO before starting work. There's a reporting requirement within five business days of any employer change. Your DSO updates your SEVIS record to reflect the new employer, and USCIS must be notified through that process.
What happens to my STEM OPT status if my H-1B petition is filed but not yet approved?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition before your OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. You can continue working as a Laboratory Supervisor during this period without interruption, provided your employer maintains its E-Verify enrollment and your SEVIS record remains active.