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 JobsBuild Our Future Together
At Regeneron, we use science and innovation to develop life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases. We are seeking to fill a QA Microbiology Specialist position within our Advanced Therapies Quality Assurance team. This position provides technical expertise and quality oversight for microbiology, contamination control, and microbial quality programs supporting Advanced Therapies operations. This role supports developing and overseeing microbiological control strategies, supports regulatory and compliance activities, supports driving platform-level microbial testing approaches, and serves as a key quality partner for process development, technology transfer, and external manufacturing operations.
When & Where
Location: East Greenbush, New York, United States
Work schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Discover Your Role
Microbiology & Contamination Control Support
Provide technical support and oversight for microbiological quality systems and contamination control programs, including:
- Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of contamination control strategies aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Review and assess environmental monitoring programs and associated data trends.
- Provide oversight and technical assessment of bioburden, endotoxin, and other microbiological testing activities.
- Conduct microbiological risk assessments and support implementation of mitigation actions.
- Technical support for regulatory submissions, inspections, and responses to Regulatory Information Requests.
Microbiology Program Development & Continuous Improvement
Contribute to the advancement of microbiology programs and initiatives by:
- Supporting the development and standardization of microbiological practices across Advanced Therapies programs.
- Participating in cross-functional discussions to align microbiological requirements and contamination control expectations.
- Identifying opportunities for process improvements and enhancements to microbial quality programs.
- Monitoring industry and regulatory trends to recommend enhancements to microbiological programs.
Technology Transfer, Sampling Plans & Process Support
Provide microbiology expertise to support manufacturing and product lifecycle activities, including:
- Review and approve microbiology-related sampling plans.
- Review Process Transmittal Requirement documents and technical transfer documentation.
- Support development and optimization of in-process, raw material, buffer, and product testing strategies.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, and Quality teams during technology transfer activities.
- Evaluate microbiological considerations associated with process changes and new product introductions.
Quality Event Review & Investigation Support
Support Microbiology-related Quality Systems And Issue Resolution Activities, Including:
- Review batch, release, and in-process testing deviations for microbiological impact.
- Assess microbiology-related deviations, nonconformances, and quality events.
- Participate in investigations, root cause analyses, and development of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Support Quality Council discussions and other quality governance activities as needed.
- Assess microbiological impact of supplier changes, material changes, and manufacturing modifications.
- Provide technical recommendations to support product disposition and quality decisions.
Cross-Functional Partnership & Technical Expertise
- Serve as a microbiology subject matter expert within Quality and Manufacturing organizations.
- Provide technical guidance on microbiological testing, contamination control, and microbial risk management.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support microbiological compliance and quality objectives.
- Share knowledge and mentor colleagues on microbiology-related processes and best practices.
- Promote a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
This Role Requires
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience, and the following amount of relevant work experience for each level:
+ Associate Specialist – 0-2 years
+ Specialist – 2+ years
+ Senior Specialist – 5+ years
+ Level will be determined based on experience
- Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cell and gene therapy, or advanced therapies manufacturing environments.
- Strong knowledge of Environmental monitoring programs, Contamination control strategies, Bioburden and endotoxin testing, Aseptic processing principles, Microbiological quality systems.
- Experience supporting investigations, deviations, CAPAs, and risk assessments.
- Familiarity with regulatory expectations and inspection readiness activities.
- Strong technical writing, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to independently assess microbiological risks and provide scientifically sound recommendations.
Does this sound like you? Apply now to take your first step towards living the Regeneron Way!
We are committed to building a workplace with an inclusive culture. Regeneron is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief (or lack thereof), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, civil status, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, nationality, citizenship status, ethnic or national origin, membership of the Traveler community, familial status, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Where required, we will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with known disabilities or chronic illnesses during the recruitment process, unless such accommodation would impose undue hardship.
Where necessary, we disclose salary ranges for roles in all countries in which we operate. The final offer will be determined within the relevant range based on the country of employment, specific role level, and your skills and experience. In some countries, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) may apply and influence certain elements of pay or benefits.
Regeneron offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package which may include, depending on country and role: annual bonuses or other incentive plans, equity awards, pension or retirement benefits, 401(k) company match, health and wellness programs, fitness centers, insurance benefits (e.g. medical, dental, vision, life and disability), paid time off, and family support benefits.
For additional information about Regeneron benefits in the U.S., please visit the careers page. For other locations, additional information will be provided during the recruitment process. If you have any questions, please speak with your recruiter.
Please be advised that at Regeneron, we believe we do our best work when we are together. For that reason, many roles are required to be performed on-site. Please speak with your recruiter and hiring manager for more information about on-site expectations for your role and location.
As part of the recruitment process, certain background checks may be conducted in accordance with the laws of the country where the position is based. The purpose of such checks is to verify certain information prior to the commencement of employment such as identity, right to work and educational qualifications.
Salary Range (annually)
$62,355.00 - $128,700.00
Build Our Future Together
At Regeneron, we use science and innovation to develop life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases. We are seeking to fill a QA Microbiology Specialist position within our Advanced Therapies Quality Assurance team. This position provides technical expertise and quality oversight for microbiology, contamination control, and microbial quality programs supporting Advanced Therapies operations. This role supports developing and overseeing microbiological control strategies, supports regulatory and compliance activities, supports driving platform-level microbial testing approaches, and serves as a key quality partner for process development, technology transfer, and external manufacturing operations.
When & Where
Location: East Greenbush, New York, United States
Work schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Discover Your Role
Microbiology & Contamination Control Support
Provide technical support and oversight for microbiological quality systems and contamination control programs, including:
- Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of contamination control strategies aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Review and assess environmental monitoring programs and associated data trends.
- Provide oversight and technical assessment of bioburden, endotoxin, and other microbiological testing activities.
- Conduct microbiological risk assessments and support implementation of mitigation actions.
- Technical support for regulatory submissions, inspections, and responses to Regulatory Information Requests.
Microbiology Program Development & Continuous Improvement
Contribute to the advancement of microbiology programs and initiatives by:
- Supporting the development and standardization of microbiological practices across Advanced Therapies programs.
- Participating in cross-functional discussions to align microbiological requirements and contamination control expectations.
- Identifying opportunities for process improvements and enhancements to microbial quality programs.
- Monitoring industry and regulatory trends to recommend enhancements to microbiological programs.
Technology Transfer, Sampling Plans & Process Support
Provide microbiology expertise to support manufacturing and product lifecycle activities, including:
- Review and approve microbiology-related sampling plans.
- Review Process Transmittal Requirement documents and technical transfer documentation.
- Support development and optimization of in-process, raw material, buffer, and product testing strategies.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, and Quality teams during technology transfer activities.
- Evaluate microbiological considerations associated with process changes and new product introductions.
Quality Event Review & Investigation Support
Support Microbiology-related Quality Systems And Issue Resolution Activities, Including:
- Review batch, release, and in-process testing deviations for microbiological impact.
- Assess microbiology-related deviations, nonconformances, and quality events.
- Participate in investigations, root cause analyses, and development of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Support Quality Council discussions and other quality governance activities as needed.
- Assess microbiological impact of supplier changes, material changes, and manufacturing modifications.
- Provide technical recommendations to support product disposition and quality decisions.
Cross-Functional Partnership & Technical Expertise
- Serve as a microbiology subject matter expert within Quality and Manufacturing organizations.
- Provide technical guidance on microbiological testing, contamination control, and microbial risk management.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support microbiological compliance and quality objectives.
- Share knowledge and mentor colleagues on microbiology-related processes and best practices.
- Promote a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
This Role Requires
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience, and the following amount of relevant work experience for each level:
+ Associate Specialist – 0-2 years
+ Specialist – 2+ years
+ Senior Specialist – 5+ years
+ Level will be determined based on experience
- Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cell and gene therapy, or advanced therapies manufacturing environments.
- Strong knowledge of Environmental monitoring programs, Contamination control strategies, Bioburden and endotoxin testing, Aseptic processing principles, Microbiological quality systems.
- Experience supporting investigations, deviations, CAPAs, and risk assessments.
- Familiarity with regulatory expectations and inspection readiness activities.
- Strong technical writing, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to independently assess microbiological risks and provide scientifically sound recommendations.
Does this sound like you? Apply now to take your first step towards living the Regeneron Way!
We are committed to building a workplace with an inclusive culture. Regeneron is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief (or lack thereof), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, civil status, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, nationality, citizenship status, ethnic or national origin, membership of the Traveler community, familial status, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Where required, we will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with known disabilities or chronic illnesses during the recruitment process, unless such accommodation would impose undue hardship.
Where necessary, we disclose salary ranges for roles in all countries in which we operate. The final offer will be determined within the relevant range based on the country of employment, specific role level, and your skills and experience. In some countries, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) may apply and influence certain elements of pay or benefits.
Regeneron offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package which may include, depending on country and role: annual bonuses or other incentive plans, equity awards, pension or retirement benefits, 401(k) company match, health and wellness programs, fitness centers, insurance benefits (e.g. medical, dental, vision, life and disability), paid time off, and family support benefits.
For additional information about Regeneron benefits in the U.S., please visit the careers page. For other locations, additional information will be provided during the recruitment process. If you have any questions, please speak with your recruiter.
Please be advised that at Regeneron, we believe we do our best work when we are together. For that reason, many roles are required to be performed on-site. Please speak with your recruiter and hiring manager for more information about on-site expectations for your role and location.
As part of the recruitment process, certain background checks may be conducted in accordance with the laws of the country where the position is based. The purpose of such checks is to verify certain information prior to the commencement of employment such as identity, right to work and educational qualifications.
Salary Range (annually)
$62,355.00 - $128,700.00
See all 53+ 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.