Entry Level STEM OPT Jobs
Entry level roles on STEM OPT give you 24 months of E-Verify-backed work authorization without a lottery or cap. Employers file your OPT extension through USCIS, not a sponsorship petition, making early-career hiring faster and lower-risk for them than H-1B visa. Your degree field must align with your job title.
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COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Kaycha Group, Inc is a leading provider of innovative Cannabis and Hemp testing technologies and methods. We perform product testing to help ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. We provide comprehensive cannabis testing for potency, homogeneity, heavy metals, microbial contamination, mycotoxins, residual solvents, terpenes, and pesticides.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Lab Analyst is responsible for performing, documenting, record checking, and troubleshooting qualitative and quantitative assays on samples using techniques that vary from the use of standard laboratory equipment to highly modern and automated instrumentation.
PAY: $26.84
ESSENTIAL DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Analyze samples consisting of a variety of matrices using GC/MS as the primary technology, along with traditional laboratory techniques including, but not limited to, HPLC, LC/MS, and ICP/MS.
- Prepare samples for analysis while displaying good laboratory technique to avoid cross-contamination or misidentified samples.
- Accurately prepare calibration curves and quality control samples.
- Interpret and evaluate data in terms of accuracy, precision, trends, and quality control requirements.
- Maintain laboratory equipment by cleaning, replacing parts, and otherwise ensuring ongoing proper working order. Report equipment issues to supervisor.
- Collaborate with the laboratory team to meet reporting deadlines.
- Perform method validations, or verifications as needed.
- Manage inventory supplies and alert supervisor in advance when materials must be ordered.
- Participate in laboratory investigations, and corrective actions as requested or assigned.
- Train incoming analysts and technicians on methodology.
- Manage SOP for assigned testing analysis and alert management when there is a change in procedure.
- Maintain high productivity, keen attention to detail, and consistent multi-tasking while yielding a low testing error rate.
- Promote a strong customer service culture while adhering to the highest safety and industry standards, including those that are outlined by the state regulatory body.
- Research new technologies and methodologies to improve laboratory processes and techniques.
- Other duties and special projects as assigned.
SKILLS, ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES:
- Ability to demonstrate a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong agility, engagement, and flexibility in an ever-changing environment.
- Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation.
- Diligent commitment to logging, organizing, and analyzing data.
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced deadline environment while successfully managing multiple tasks.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Strong understanding of standard laboratory protocol.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively work, problem solve, and communicate with multiple levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated proficiency in at least one high complexity technology.
EDUCATION EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum BS/BA in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering or Environmental Sciences required.
- Knowledge of principles, terminology, practices, techniques, and instrumentation commonly used in a laboratory setting required.
- At least 2 years of post-college laboratory experience.
- Instrument experience required.
- Food science and/or environmental experience is a plus.
- Exposure to the cannabis industry is a plus.
OTHER:
- Must pass the required background check.
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Kaycha Labs offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision and time off.
EEO STATEMENT:
Kaycha Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, handle or feel, to speak, and to hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
Specific vision abilities required for this job include close (proximity) vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The standard analytical laboratory environment is one in which potential health hazards do exist. Administrative, operations, technical, and professional staff are expected to safely operate in accordance with applicable and appropriate health and safety policies and procedures, as prescribed by the applicable Kaycha manuals and policies and/or federal, state, or local standards.
Laboratory staff can be expected to work in areas where hazards associated are with, but not limited to, airborne pathogens. Biological materials, hazardous substances, and radioactive material exist and are handled. Appropriate training is provided regarding these hazards and staff are expected to adhere to all health and safety policies at all times, whether they are in writing or verbalized by a supervisor.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs
Verify your degree matches your role
USCIS requires a direct relationship between your STEM degree field and your job duties. Before applying, confirm your SOC code on O*NET aligns with your degree's CIP code. Mismatches are the most common reason STEM OPT extension requests are denied.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days early
USCIS requires you to apply at least 90 days before your initial OPT end date. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS first. Missing this window doesn't grant extra time and can result in a gap in your work authorization.
Use Migrate Mate to find STEM OPT-ready employers
Search Migrate Mate to surface employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and STEM hiring history by occupation. This cuts out the guesswork of cold-applying to companies that can't legally authorize your extension.
Negotiate your training plan before signing
Your employer must complete a Form I-983 training plan documenting how the role relates to your STEM degree. Get clarity on who owns this before accepting an offer. Employers unfamiliar with I-983 requirements can delay your extension even after hiring you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find entry level jobs that support STEM OPT?
Search Migrate Mate to find entry level roles at employers with verified E-Verify enrollment, which is required for STEM OPT authorization. Applying broadly without checking E-Verify status wastes time. Narrow by your SOC code to ensure the roles you target match your degree field, which USCIS requires for extension approval.
What does an employer actually have to do to hire me on STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, sign and co-develop a Form I-983 training plan with you, and report your employment status to your DSO every six months. They don't file a separate visa petition, which makes STEM OPT hires faster to process than H-1B hires. Many mid-size and large tech, engineering, and life sciences employers already have this infrastructure in place.
Is my STEM OPT tied to a specific employer?
Yes, your STEM OPT is employer-specific. If you change jobs, you must update your employment in SEVIS through your DSO and get a new I-983 signed by the new employer. You can change employers on STEM OPT, but the new employer must also be E-Verify enrolled and your role must still align with your STEM degree field.
What if my entry level job title doesn't obviously match my STEM degree?
USCIS evaluates the relationship between your degree's CIP code and your role's SOC code, not just job titles. A computer science graduate in a 'data operations analyst' role can qualify if the SOC code falls within an approved STEM designation. Check your job's SOC code against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list before filing your extension request.
Can I start working at a new entry level job before my STEM OPT extension is approved?
Yes, if you filed your STEM OPT extension on time, you receive an automatic 180-day cap-gap that lets you keep working while USCIS processes your application. This applies only if you filed before your initial OPT expired. Your new employer must be E-Verify enrolled from day one of your employment, not just after approval.