OPT Chemist Jobs
Chemist jobs on OPT are widely available in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, and environmental testing. Most roles require a degree in chemistry or a related field, and many employers are familiar with OPT work authorization. STEM OPT extensions of up to 24 months apply to chemistry degrees, giving you strong runway to build U.S. work experience.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.
Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.
Job Description
Summary
Responsible for analysis and reporting of various products such as crude oil, fuel oils, middle distillates, petroleum and petrochemicals, LPG & LNG gases, etc.
Job Functions
- Responsible for all Laboratory analysis (hands-on working on the Bench).
- Understand and keep current with all Laboratory safety and reporting techniques.
- Provide guidance to Laboratory Technicians to maintain proper level of training among Laboratory personnel, which can include supervisory duties.
- Understand and keep current with all Laboratory analysis methods.
- Responsible for the operation of Gas Chromatograph and other Laboratory equipment.
- Position requires a dependable and reliable individual; whose daily presence adds to the success of the Department.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or a related science preferred, or equivalent work experience, coupled with a minimum of one (1) year of direct transferable experience working in a laboratory.
- Valid Drivers License
- TWIC
Licenses and Certifications
- N/A
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledgeable in ASTM standards.
- Must be able to work with all chemical, petrochemical and petroleum products.
- Must be able to differentiate between colors accurately by sight.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from individuals and/or groups both within the organization.
- Ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources into solutions and work effectively under pressure while acting accordingly to the SGS standards of ethics and integrity.
- High level of accuracy is required, with special attention to details.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, while balancing numerous projects concurrently with different deadlines.
Physical Demands of the Job
- Stand: Constantly
- Move or traverse: Constantly
- Sit: Occasionally
- Use hands: Constantly
- Reach with hands and arms: Frequently
- Climb or balance: None
- Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: Occasionally
- Talk/hear: Frequently
- Taste/Smell: Occasionally
- Lift/carry/push or pull: Occasionally
Additional Information
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
Company Description
SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.
Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.
Job Description
Summary
Responsible for analysis and reporting of various products such as crude oil, fuel oils, middle distillates, petroleum and petrochemicals, LPG & LNG gases, etc.
Job Functions
- Responsible for all Laboratory analysis (hands-on working on the Bench).
- Understand and keep current with all Laboratory safety and reporting techniques.
- Provide guidance to Laboratory Technicians to maintain proper level of training among Laboratory personnel, which can include supervisory duties.
- Understand and keep current with all Laboratory analysis methods.
- Responsible for the operation of Gas Chromatograph and other Laboratory equipment.
- Position requires a dependable and reliable individual; whose daily presence adds to the success of the Department.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or a related science preferred, or equivalent work experience, coupled with a minimum of one (1) year of direct transferable experience working in a laboratory.
- Valid Drivers License
- TWIC
Licenses and Certifications
- N/A
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledgeable in ASTM standards.
- Must be able to work with all chemical, petrochemical and petroleum products.
- Must be able to differentiate between colors accurately by sight.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from individuals and/or groups both within the organization.
- Ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources into solutions and work effectively under pressure while acting accordingly to the SGS standards of ethics and integrity.
- High level of accuracy is required, with special attention to details.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, while balancing numerous projects concurrently with different deadlines.
Physical Demands of the Job
- Stand: Constantly
- Move or traverse: Constantly
- Sit: Occasionally
- Use hands: Constantly
- Reach with hands and arms: Frequently
- Climb or balance: None
- Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: Occasionally
- Talk/hear: Frequently
- Taste/Smell: Occasionally
- Lift/carry/push or pull: Occasionally
Additional Information
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
See all 121+ OPT Chemist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Chemist
Target STEM-designated programs first
A chemistry degree from a STEM-designated program qualifies you for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, as this significantly expands the time employers have to sponsor you.
Focus on industries with high sponsorship rates
Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and chemical manufacturers sponsor OPT workers far more frequently than other sectors. Research labs at major universities and national laboratories also hire chemists on OPT with structured onboarding for international students.
Lead with your lab skills in applications
Employers sponsoring OPT chemists want specific technical competencies: HPLC, GC-MS, spectroscopy, or synthesis experience. List instruments and techniques by name in your resume rather than describing general laboratory proficiency.
Clarify OPT authorization proactively
Many hiring managers confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship. In your cover letter or first outreach, briefly state you already have work authorization through OPT and that no immediate visa petition is required from the employer to hire you now.
Time your applications around your EAD
Apply for your EAD at least 90 days before your program end date so you have the physical card ready when employers run background checks. Chemist roles at regulated companies like pharmaceutical manufacturers often cannot onboard without seeing the physical EAD.
Pursue roles with H-1B sponsorship history
Search for employers who have previously sponsored H-1B visas for chemists, as these companies have established immigration processes and are more likely to extend your authorization after OPT ends. Migrate Mate surfaces sponsoring employers directly in its job board.
Chemist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do chemist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Chemistry degrees are classified under STEM CIP codes, so graduates are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond the initial 12 months of post-completion OPT. You must work for an E-Verify enrolled employer and have a formal training plan (Form I-983) in place. Confirm your specific degree program's STEM designation with your DSO before applying.
What types of employers hire chemists on OPT most often?
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are the most active OPT employers for chemists, followed by chemical manufacturers, contract research organizations, environmental testing labs, and materials science firms. Federal research agencies and university labs also hire on OPT. Migrate Mate lists chemist roles specifically filtered for OPT-friendly and H-1B sponsoring employers, making it easier to identify the right targets.
Can I work as a chemist at a government lab on OPT?
It depends on the specific agency and position. Many national laboratories operated by the Department of Energy, such as Argonne and Oak Ridge, hire OPT students for research roles. However, positions requiring a security clearance are typically restricted to U.S. citizens. Always check the citizenship requirements listed in the posting before applying to avoid wasted applications.
Does my chemist OPT job need to be directly related to my degree?
Yes. USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your degree field. For chemistry graduates, this means roles in chemical analysis, synthesis, quality control, research and development, or closely related scientific functions qualify. A marketing or administrative role at a chemical company would not meet the requirement. Your DSO can help you assess whether a specific job offer qualifies before you accept.
How do I find chemist jobs where employers are open to OPT candidates?
The most reliable approach is to focus on employers with a documented history of H-1B sponsorship for chemist roles, since those companies already have immigration infrastructure in place. Migrate Mate curates job listings specifically for OPT and visa-sponsored roles, so you can browse chemist openings without having to manually filter out employers unlikely to consider international candidates.