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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INTRODUCTION
The Andersen Laboratory at Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah is seeking an experienced, highly organized Research Laboratory Manager. Our laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate cancer cell signaling, with research spanning molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, proteomics, and imaging.
This is a full-time, benefited, on-site position intended for an experienced scientist who enjoys combining laboratory operations, mentorship, and hands-on experimental research. We especially welcome applicants interested in building a long-term career in academic research and providing scientific and organizational continuity within a collaborative laboratory.
Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide.
In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position.
JOB SUMMARY
The Laboratory Manager will work closely with the principal investigator and laboratory members to support both the scientific and operational needs of the laboratory. Responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations, including purchasing, inventory, organization, equipment maintenance, and vendor coordination
- Maintaining laboratory records, protocols, reagent collections, plasmid inventories, cell-line stocks, and other shared research resources
- Developing and maintaining standard operating procedures and ensuring compliance with institutional safety and research requirements
- Training and mentoring laboratory personnel in experimental methods, recordkeeping, safe laboratory practices, and the use of shared equipment
- Coordinating onboarding and daily activities of research staff, students, and other laboratory members
- Performing and supporting experiments in areas such as mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, fluorescence microscopy, and preparation of samples for proteomic analysis
- Assisting laboratory members with experimental design, troubleshooting, and implementation of new methods
- Coordinating projects and sample transfers with institutional core facilities and external collaborators
- Helping maintain research timelines, organize laboratory meetings, and monitor progress across ongoing projects
- Contributing to the preparation of figures, protocols, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related materials as appropriate
- Fostering a rigorous, supportive, collaborative, and well-organized laboratory environment
The balance between laboratory management and hands-on research may be tailored somewhat to the experience and interests of the successful candidate.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Manager, Laboratory Services: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience managing or coordinating an academic biomedical research laboratory
- Experience supervising or training technicians, students, or other laboratory personnel
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas: molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, cancer cell signaling, fluorescence imaging, quantitative cell-based assays, or proteomic sample preparation
- Experience maintaining laboratory inventories, equipment, safety documentation, and standard operating procedures
- Familiarity with research-data organization and electronic laboratory notebooks
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a closely related field
- At least ~3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience, or a master’s degree with relevant experience afterward
- Substantial experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular or biochemical techniques
- Demonstrated ability to organize laboratory operations and manage multiple priorities
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to rigorous, reproducible research
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team
A PhD is welcome but is not required. Scientific maturity, reliability, organizational ability, and relevant laboratory experience will be weighted heavily.
LOCATION
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
COMPENSATION
Pay Rate Range: 65000 - 75000
TYPE
Type: Benefited Staff
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
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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.