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
Clean Earth is a leading provider of environmental services in the United States providing remediation, disposal, recycling, and beneficial reuse solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous waste, contaminated soil, and dredged material. Our vast portfolio of technologies and services touches nearly every industry that generates waste including energy, infrastructure, commercial, industrial, retail, and healthcare markets.
Every day our teams across the country take a hands-on, dedicated approach to recycling and beneficially reusing waste that would otherwise go into landfills. We value our employees as our most important asset, and this is reflected in many areas across our company including recently being named a 2024 Most Loved Workplace ®. We are committed to creating a positive work culture that fosters growth and development while ensuring the health and safety of our employees.
Why join Clean Earth?
In addition to competitive pay, we also offer:
- Health benefits available Day 1
- 401k available Day 1
- 10+ paid holidays/year
- Free HAZWOPER training and certification
- Overtime opportunities
- Ability to be cross-trained into different roles
Job Description
In this position you’ll be responsible for completing analysis of the waste stream samples per SOPs and waste analysis plan, inventory control for lab reagents, maintenance of the samples/instruments, data entry, analytical equipment usage, associated filing and administrative activities within the laboratory.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Follow permit requirements to collect and test compounds and samples, using applied methods techniques.
- Enter quantities, volumes and analytical results into waste management software.
- Perform QA/QC analytical screening parameters as dictated by permit. Follow all approved Laboratory SOPs.
- Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety standards including the proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemical agents.
- Operating and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Performs other reasonably related tasks as assigned by management.
The hourly pay for this position starts at $25.00, depending on experience and qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor degree in chemistry or biology
- Ability to work in team and fast paced environment
- Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically, both verbally and in writing
- Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods while conducting lab tests
- Ability to lift 50 pounds throughout the workday
- Ability to complete 40-hour OSHA training with 8-hour refresher courses
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1+ years Bench experience in analytical chemistry
- Knowledge OSHA Regulations
- 2+ years experience in Hazardous Waste Industry
Additional Information
Clean Earth offers competitive benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans starting on the first day of employment; paid time off, wellness benefits, employee discount program, tuition assistance, and a 401k with company matching.
We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
If you have a difficulty applying for any job posted on Enviri Clean Earth’s website because a disability prevents you from using the online system, Clean Earth offers the following alternate application procedure: Call toll free (833) 209-2659 and leave your name, phone number, city and state of residence. Clean Earth will arrange for an alternate method of applying and will consider your application together with all other applications received for the job. This line is dedicated to disability applications only. No other inquiries will receive a response.
Military veterans encouraged to apply.
Company Description
Clean Earth is a leading provider of environmental services in the United States providing remediation, disposal, recycling, and beneficial reuse solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous waste, contaminated soil, and dredged material. Our vast portfolio of technologies and services touches nearly every industry that generates waste including energy, infrastructure, commercial, industrial, retail, and healthcare markets.
Every day our teams across the country take a hands-on, dedicated approach to recycling and beneficially reusing waste that would otherwise go into landfills. We value our employees as our most important asset, and this is reflected in many areas across our company including recently being named a 2024 Most Loved Workplace ®. We are committed to creating a positive work culture that fosters growth and development while ensuring the health and safety of our employees.
Why join Clean Earth?
In addition to competitive pay, we also offer:
- Health benefits available Day 1
- 401k available Day 1
- 10+ paid holidays/year
- Free HAZWOPER training and certification
- Overtime opportunities
- Ability to be cross-trained into different roles
Job Description
In this position you’ll be responsible for completing analysis of the waste stream samples per SOPs and waste analysis plan, inventory control for lab reagents, maintenance of the samples/instruments, data entry, analytical equipment usage, associated filing and administrative activities within the laboratory.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Follow permit requirements to collect and test compounds and samples, using applied methods techniques.
- Enter quantities, volumes and analytical results into waste management software.
- Perform QA/QC analytical screening parameters as dictated by permit. Follow all approved Laboratory SOPs.
- Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety standards including the proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemical agents.
- Operating and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Performs other reasonably related tasks as assigned by management.
The hourly pay for this position starts at $25.00, depending on experience and qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor degree in chemistry or biology
- Ability to work in team and fast paced environment
- Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically, both verbally and in writing
- Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods while conducting lab tests
- Ability to lift 50 pounds throughout the workday
- Ability to complete 40-hour OSHA training with 8-hour refresher courses
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1+ years Bench experience in analytical chemistry
- Knowledge OSHA Regulations
- 2+ years experience in Hazardous Waste Industry
Additional Information
Clean Earth offers competitive benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans starting on the first day of employment; paid time off, wellness benefits, employee discount program, tuition assistance, and a 401k with company matching.
We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
If you have a difficulty applying for any job posted on Enviri Clean Earth’s website because a disability prevents you from using the online system, Clean Earth offers the following alternate application procedure: Call toll free (833) 209-2659 and leave your name, phone number, city and state of residence. Clean Earth will arrange for an alternate method of applying and will consider your application together with all other applications received for the job. This line is dedicated to disability applications only. No other inquiries will receive a response.
Military veterans encouraged to apply.
See all 351+ OPT Chemist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Chemist Jobs.
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.