Lab Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Lab Manager roles qualify as specialty occupations under the H-1B visa, meaning employers must file a Labor Condition Application and demonstrate the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Research institutions, biotech firms, and university labs are among the most active sponsors for this title.
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Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Biology & Biotechnology
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Farny Lab at WPI is looking for an experienced laboratory manager and researcher to run daily laboratory operations and perform experiments for NIH-funded research projects.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:
- The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced laboratory assistant and manager, with extensive cell culture experience.
- The lab manager will perform experiments in mammalian cells related to the dynamics of RNA-protein interactions under conditions of cellular stress.
- Research duties will include: executing experimental protocols as directed by the Principal Investigator (Dr. Farny), developing and troubleshooting new protocols as required by the project goals, maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory records, performing data analysis and visualization, participating in writing manuscripts, and presenting research at conferences.
- The lab manager will be primarily responsible for the organization and general operations of the lab, including but not limited to reagent and media preparation, supply ordering, laboratory organization, maintenance of cell lines and stocks, and direct supervision of undergraduate laboratory assistants.
About the Farny Lab:
The Farny Lab at WPI uses synthetic biology and genetic engineering approaches to understand and remediate the biological effects of environmental contaminants. The Farny lab is a dynamic and welcoming environment, where all members are encouraged to participate in the scientific process and pursue career development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and seminars.
- We study the cellular effects of contaminant exposures such as heavy metals, organics, and plastics.
- We also build engineered cells for sensing and remediating contaminants in the environment.
- We utilize a broad variety of model systems, including bacteria (E. coli, P. putida, and others), cultured mammalian cells (HeLa, 293, U2OS), and C. elegans.
- We integrate both experimental and computational approaches to address critical biological questions about the effects of contaminants on living systems.
WPI is a selective private university dedicated to science and engineering. The Farny lab is located in WPI’s Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center, a modern state-of-the-art research facility conducive to collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field.
- A minimum of two years of research experience (undergraduate research included).
- Experience with mammalian cell culture (culturing, passaging, counting, and plating).
- Experience with basic microbiology and molecular biology techniques, including agarose gel electrophoresis, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) extractions, enzymatic reactions, molecular cloning, bacterial culture and transformation, and media preparation.
- Exceptional organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and provide training and support to students at all stages from undergraduate to PhD.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of research experience, or a master’s degree with 3+ years of research experience (undergraduate research experience included).
- Experience with the following assays and techniques:
- Advanced fixed-cell and live-cell fluorescence microscopy
- Cell line development and gene expression (transfections, stable cell lines, CRISPR)
- Generating samples for advanced -omics studies (RNA-seq, genome sequencing, or proteomic analysis)
- Development and execution of high-throughput assays (e.g., multi-well plate assays, automated workflows, screens)
- Advanced spectroscopy and analytical techniques (circular dichroism spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, UV/Vis spectrometry, fluorescence spectrometry and/or HPLC/UHPLC)
To Apply:
Please include a cover letter, CV, and list of 3 professional references. Professional references must include at least one reference that can speak directly to the candidate's laboratory skill and experience.
Compensation:
- Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. This position is externally funded and contingent upon the availability of external funding.
WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Biology & Biotechnology
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Farny Lab at WPI is looking for an experienced laboratory manager and researcher to run daily laboratory operations and perform experiments for NIH-funded research projects.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:
- The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced laboratory assistant and manager, with extensive cell culture experience.
- The lab manager will perform experiments in mammalian cells related to the dynamics of RNA-protein interactions under conditions of cellular stress.
- Research duties will include: executing experimental protocols as directed by the Principal Investigator (Dr. Farny), developing and troubleshooting new protocols as required by the project goals, maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory records, performing data analysis and visualization, participating in writing manuscripts, and presenting research at conferences.
- The lab manager will be primarily responsible for the organization and general operations of the lab, including but not limited to reagent and media preparation, supply ordering, laboratory organization, maintenance of cell lines and stocks, and direct supervision of undergraduate laboratory assistants.
About the Farny Lab:
The Farny Lab at WPI uses synthetic biology and genetic engineering approaches to understand and remediate the biological effects of environmental contaminants. The Farny lab is a dynamic and welcoming environment, where all members are encouraged to participate in the scientific process and pursue career development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and seminars.
- We study the cellular effects of contaminant exposures such as heavy metals, organics, and plastics.
- We also build engineered cells for sensing and remediating contaminants in the environment.
- We utilize a broad variety of model systems, including bacteria (E. coli, P. putida, and others), cultured mammalian cells (HeLa, 293, U2OS), and C. elegans.
- We integrate both experimental and computational approaches to address critical biological questions about the effects of contaminants on living systems.
WPI is a selective private university dedicated to science and engineering. The Farny lab is located in WPI’s Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center, a modern state-of-the-art research facility conducive to collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field.
- A minimum of two years of research experience (undergraduate research included).
- Experience with mammalian cell culture (culturing, passaging, counting, and plating).
- Experience with basic microbiology and molecular biology techniques, including agarose gel electrophoresis, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) extractions, enzymatic reactions, molecular cloning, bacterial culture and transformation, and media preparation.
- Exceptional organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and provide training and support to students at all stages from undergraduate to PhD.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of research experience, or a master’s degree with 3+ years of research experience (undergraduate research experience included).
- Experience with the following assays and techniques:
- Advanced fixed-cell and live-cell fluorescence microscopy
- Cell line development and gene expression (transfections, stable cell lines, CRISPR)
- Generating samples for advanced -omics studies (RNA-seq, genome sequencing, or proteomic analysis)
- Development and execution of high-throughput assays (e.g., multi-well plate assays, automated workflows, screens)
- Advanced spectroscopy and analytical techniques (circular dichroism spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, UV/Vis spectrometry, fluorescence spectrometry and/or HPLC/UHPLC)
To Apply:
Please include a cover letter, CV, and list of 3 professional references. Professional references must include at least one reference that can speak directly to the candidate's laboratory skill and experience.
Compensation:
- Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. This position is externally funded and contingent upon the availability of external funding.
WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Lab Manager
Document your degree field precisely
Lab Manager petitions get challenged when the degree field doesn't map clearly to the lab's discipline. A biology degree supporting a molecular biology lab role is straightforward; a general science degree supporting a clinical lab role is not. Prepare a written explanation of the connection before you apply.
Target PERM-active research institutions first
Universities, government research labs, and biotech companies with active PERM labor certifications signal long-term sponsorship intent. These employers have already built internal HR processes for foreign national hires, which shortens your timeline from offer to petition filing.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsors
Search Migrate Mate's job board, which lists employers with verified LCA filing history for Lab Manager roles. This filters out postings from companies that have never sponsored, so you're applying only where the infrastructure already exists.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your location and role level, confirmed through the OFLC Wage Search. Know the wage level that matches your experience before salary discussions so you don't accept an offer the LCA can't support.
Get your lab safety certifications documented early
USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence questioning whether a Lab Manager role truly requires a specialty-degree level of knowledge. Certifications like CLIA compliance training, biosafety officer credentials, or ISO 17025 auditor status strengthen the specialty occupation argument in your petition.
Align your job duties description with O*NET
When your employer drafts the job description for the LCA and I-129, it should reflect the specialized duties listed in O*NET for Lab Managers. Gaps between O*NET's task profile and your posted duties are a common RFE trigger for this occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lab Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases, but it depends on how the employer defines the role. USCIS looks for evidence that the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field, such as biochemistry, microbiology, or clinical laboratory science. Generic Lab Manager postings that accept any science degree can face Requests for Evidence, so the job description needs to tie the duties directly to a degree-level discipline.
What degree fields support a Lab Manager visa sponsorship case?
Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, clinical laboratory science, or a closely related field are the strongest match. Engineering or physics degrees can work if the lab focus aligns. A general science or liberal arts degree is unlikely to satisfy USCIS's specialty occupation requirement without additional credentials or a detailed explanation of the connection to the specific lab environment.
Which types of employers most commonly sponsor Lab Manager roles?
Research universities, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, hospital systems with clinical laboratories, and government research agencies are the most active sponsors. These organizations have established immigration infrastructure and regularly file LCAs for scientific staff. Browse Migrate Mate to see which employers have verified Lab Manager sponsorship history and active openings in your preferred location.
How does the H-1B cap affect Lab Manager candidates?
Most private-sector Lab Manager roles are subject to the annual H-1B cap of 65,000 regular slots plus 20,000 for advanced-degree holders, with selection via lottery. However, Lab Managers hired by universities, nonprofit research institutions, or government research organizations are cap-exempt, meaning the employer can file at any time without waiting for a lottery slot. USCIS confirms cap-exempt status based on the employer's classification.
Can a Lab Manager role be sponsored for a green card through PERM?
Yes. Lab Manager is a skilled worker position that qualifies under EB-3, and in many cases under EB-2 if the role requires an advanced degree or the employer can demonstrate exceptional need. The employer must complete PERM labor certification through DOL, advertising the position to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available. Country of birth affects how long you'll wait on a priority date after PERM approval.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Lab Manager jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.