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 JobsWe are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the GSC R&D Colorant Strategy team working on a variety of projects related to colorant dispersions raw material and product development. Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to, formulation, testing and product application of colorant dispersion and/or paint products. This position requires the candidate to communicate effectively both orally and in written reports.
Job duties include contact with other employees and access to confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.
This role is not remote/hybrid. This role will report to Sherwin-Williams Morikis Global Technology Center located at 6745 Miller Road, Brecksville, OH 44141.
20% Travel
At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:
Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible
At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/. Click on “Candidates” to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.
Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.
Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.
Responsibilities Include:
- Application of dispersion/paint formulation knowledge to product development.
- Supporting R&D lab projects to evaluate, generate and confirm colorant formulas.
- Batch-making and testing to include weighing, mixing, pouring, tinting, drawing down and evaluating.
- Communicates with team, manufacturing and various support groups to ensure the successful commercialization of products; Utilizes internal networks.
- Developing knowledge and understanding of product lines and colorant systems.
- Participating in continuous improvement projects to benefit the group and company.
- Written documentation and verbal presentation of information and the ability to adapt to various audiences.
- Accurate documentation of lab results and technical information.
- Communication with R&D Colorant lab personnel and supported teams regarding project status and needs.
- Participating in continuous improvement projects to benefit the group and company.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (“STEM”) field
- 1 year of experience in pigment dispersion and/or coating formulation, application, and testing
- Basic knowledge of statistics and data analysis
- Project leadership/management experience
- Must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to determine the difference between colors
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters Degree in Chemistry, Chemical or Material Engineering
- 3 or more years of experience in pigment dispersion formulation/product development and/or raw material projects.
- Other relevant experience with pigment dispersions or coatings for both architectural and industrial applications.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of quality management skills such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, Six-sigma, and use of statistical software such as Minitab
We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the GSC R&D Colorant Strategy team working on a variety of projects related to colorant dispersions raw material and product development. Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to, formulation, testing and product application of colorant dispersion and/or paint products. This position requires the candidate to communicate effectively both orally and in written reports.
Job duties include contact with other employees and access to confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.
This role is not remote/hybrid. This role will report to Sherwin-Williams Morikis Global Technology Center located at 6745 Miller Road, Brecksville, OH 44141.
20% Travel
At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:
Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible
At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/. Click on “Candidates” to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.
Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.
Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.
Responsibilities Include:
- Application of dispersion/paint formulation knowledge to product development.
- Supporting R&D lab projects to evaluate, generate and confirm colorant formulas.
- Batch-making and testing to include weighing, mixing, pouring, tinting, drawing down and evaluating.
- Communicates with team, manufacturing and various support groups to ensure the successful commercialization of products; Utilizes internal networks.
- Developing knowledge and understanding of product lines and colorant systems.
- Participating in continuous improvement projects to benefit the group and company.
- Written documentation and verbal presentation of information and the ability to adapt to various audiences.
- Accurate documentation of lab results and technical information.
- Communication with R&D Colorant lab personnel and supported teams regarding project status and needs.
- Participating in continuous improvement projects to benefit the group and company.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (“STEM”) field
- 1 year of experience in pigment dispersion and/or coating formulation, application, and testing
- Basic knowledge of statistics and data analysis
- Project leadership/management experience
- Must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to determine the difference between colors
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters Degree in Chemistry, Chemical or Material Engineering
- 3 or more years of experience in pigment dispersion formulation/product development and/or raw material projects.
- Other relevant experience with pigment dispersions or coatings for both architectural and industrial applications.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of quality management skills such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, Six-sigma, and use of statistical software such as Minitab
See all 137+ 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.