OPT Microbiology Jobs
Microbiology OPT jobs span pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, government labs, and food safety operations. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers typically require hands-on lab experience, so co-ops and research assistantships on your resume matter.
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Get Access To All JobsWork Schedule
First Shift (Days)
Environmental Conditions
Laboratory Setting
Job Description
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
QC Scientist II – Microbiology
Location: Greenville, NC
DESCRIPTION
Join Thermo Fisher Scientific as a QC Scientist II – Microbiology, supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing operations at our Greenville, NC facility. In this role, you'll perform microbiological testing of raw materials, incoming components, and finished oral solid dosage (OSD) products while ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
You'll conduct compendial microbiological testing, review analytical data, troubleshoot technical issues, and support laboratory investigations and continuous improvement initiatives. Working within a collaborative Quality Control team, you'll also contribute to technical documentation, mentor junior staff, and help ensure product quality and patient safety.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform and review microbiological testing for product release and stability, including USP <61>/<62>, microbial identification, and growth promotion testing.
- Conduct microbial identification using MALDI-TOF and/or MicroSeq instrumentation.
- Support raw material, component, finished product, and environmental monitoring testing.
- Review laboratory data and author/revise SOPs, technical reports, and GMP documentation.
- Troubleshoot laboratory issues and participate in investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPAs.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, provide technical guidance to junior staff, and support continuous improvement.
- Interface with clients and regulatory authorities as needed.
REQUIREMENTS
- Advanced degree plus 1 year of experience, or bachelor's degree plus 3 years of experience in GMP pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical quality control.
- Preferred fields of study: Biology, Microbiology, or related scientific discipline.
- Hands-on experience with compendial microbiological testing, including USP <61>/<62>, microbial identification (MALDI-TOF/MicroSeq), and growth promotion testing.
- Strong understanding of GMP requirements, technical documentation, data review, and laboratory troubleshooting.
- Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of FDA/EMA regulatory guidance and experience with quality investigations and CAPAs.
- Experience with LIMS, data analysis, and Microsoft Office.
- Strong technical writing, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
- Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to laboratory personnel.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Onsite laboratory position requiring PPE and adherence to safety procedures.
- Weekend or flexible scheduling may be required.
- Physical requirements include standing, manual dexterity, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
Work Schedule
First Shift (Days)
Environmental Conditions
Laboratory Setting
Job Description
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
QC Scientist II – Microbiology
Location: Greenville, NC
DESCRIPTION
Join Thermo Fisher Scientific as a QC Scientist II – Microbiology, supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing operations at our Greenville, NC facility. In this role, you'll perform microbiological testing of raw materials, incoming components, and finished oral solid dosage (OSD) products while ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
You'll conduct compendial microbiological testing, review analytical data, troubleshoot technical issues, and support laboratory investigations and continuous improvement initiatives. Working within a collaborative Quality Control team, you'll also contribute to technical documentation, mentor junior staff, and help ensure product quality and patient safety.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform and review microbiological testing for product release and stability, including USP <61>/<62>, microbial identification, and growth promotion testing.
- Conduct microbial identification using MALDI-TOF and/or MicroSeq instrumentation.
- Support raw material, component, finished product, and environmental monitoring testing.
- Review laboratory data and author/revise SOPs, technical reports, and GMP documentation.
- Troubleshoot laboratory issues and participate in investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPAs.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, provide technical guidance to junior staff, and support continuous improvement.
- Interface with clients and regulatory authorities as needed.
REQUIREMENTS
- Advanced degree plus 1 year of experience, or bachelor's degree plus 3 years of experience in GMP pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical quality control.
- Preferred fields of study: Biology, Microbiology, or related scientific discipline.
- Hands-on experience with compendial microbiological testing, including USP <61>/<62>, microbial identification (MALDI-TOF/MicroSeq), and growth promotion testing.
- Strong understanding of GMP requirements, technical documentation, data review, and laboratory troubleshooting.
- Excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of FDA/EMA regulatory guidance and experience with quality investigations and CAPAs.
- Experience with LIMS, data analysis, and Microsoft Office.
- Strong technical writing, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
- Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to laboratory personnel.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Onsite laboratory position requiring PPE and adherence to safety procedures.
- Weekend or flexible scheduling may be required.
- Physical requirements include standing, manual dexterity, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
See all 42+ OPT Microbiology Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Microbiology Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Microbiology
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM OPT
Microbiology falls under CIP code 26.0502, which qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your degree program is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying to roles requiring extended authorization.
Apply to employers with E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting an offer. Pharmaceutical companies, federal contractors, and large biotech firms are almost always enrolled, making them safer targets.
Lead with specific techniques in your resume
Hiring managers scan for PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, aseptic technique, and cell culture experience. List the exact methods and instruments you used rather than generic lab skills to pass applicant tracking systems and impress reviewers.
Target industries with consistent OPT hiring history
Pharmaceutical manufacturing, contract research organizations, food and beverage quality labs, and public health agencies hire OPT students regularly. These sectors have established HR processes for managing work authorization timelines and documentation.
Time your application around your OPT start date
Most microbiology employers want candidates who can start within four to six weeks. Apply two to three months before your EAD arrives to align interview timelines with your authorized start date and avoid gaps in employment.
Prepare your I-20 and EAD documentation in advance
Employers will ask for your EAD card, most recent I-20 with OPT authorization, and a completed I-9. Having copies organized before your offer letter arrives speeds onboarding and signals professionalism to hiring coordinators.
Microbiology OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in a microbiology role on standard OPT before applying for the STEM extension?
Yes. Your initial 12-month OPT period authorizes any microbiology job directly related to your degree, including industry lab roles, quality control positions, and research assistant jobs. The STEM extension adds 24 months on top of that, but you do not need to wait for it before starting work.
What microbiology job titles typically qualify for STEM OPT?
Microbiologist, Research Associate, Quality Control Analyst, Clinical Lab Scientist, Fermentation Scientist, and Food Safety Technician are all common titles that qualify when the role requires applying microbiology principles from your degree. The key is demonstrating a direct connection between your job duties and your field of study on the I-983 training plan.
Where can I find microbiology employers that actively hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-eligible candidates, so you can browse microbiology openings without wasting time on postings that exclude international students. Employers listed there have demonstrated willingness to hire candidates on work authorization, which saves significant time in your job search.
Do I need my employer to file anything with USCIS for standard OPT?
No. Standard OPT is authorized by your DSO through your school, not by USCIS petition. Your employer does not file any immigration paperwork for standard OPT. They simply complete your I-9 using your EAD card. The STEM extension does require employer participation through the I-983 and E-Verify enrollment, but that comes later.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my microbiology employer conducts layoffs?
You have a 90-day aggregate unemployment limit during standard OPT and an additional 60 days during the STEM extension. If you lose your job, report the change to your DSO immediately and begin your search promptly. Time spent unemployed counts against these limits even if you are actively applying, so acting quickly is important.