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.
See All OPT Microbiology JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 92+ Microbiology jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 92+ Microbiology Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Microbiology roles.
Get Access To All JobsTitle: Microbiology Analyst I
Date: May 8, 2026
Location: Billerica, MA
Company: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc (USA)
Job Summary
Performs GMP testing of raw materials, in-process and finished products, stability samples, and non-routine sample analyses per established procedures and methodology.
Area Of Responsibility
- Record GMP data, monitor and evaluate QC systems and equipment
- Recommend improvements to procedures, and revise SOPs and GMP documentation as required
- Interact with internal and external auditors including government agencies and contract manufacturing representatives
- Perform release, stability, validation and complaint follow-up assays on raw materials, in-process and final products
- Perform microbial identification related to product and environmental testing
- Perform sampling of raw materials as required for QC testing
- Perform routine quality control testing as required and monitors or evaluate systems, equipment (i.e. water systems, environmental chambers, sample collection and testing instruments/equipment)
- Maintain records in paper based or computer based systems
- Execute method validation protocols related to product testing
- Author summary reports for executed method validations
- Author deviation reports and microbiological assessment reports related to departmental activities and product support
- Provide technical input on product testing issues and instrumentation/equipment
- Serve as liaison to service, calibration and technical representatives
- Conduct and document assay failure and complaint investigations
- Ensure that laboratory is in cGMP compliance and conduct inspections
- Other duties as assigned
Work Conditions:
- Lab
- Office
- Laminar flow and biosafety hoods
- Exposure to noise, bio-hazardous (live cultures), and chemicals
- May entail exposure to radiation within NRC limits
- Exposure to or use of syringes and needles
- Exposure to non-hazardous and hazardous chemicals and materials
- Exposure to biological safety cabinets
- Requires work in class 100K, 10K or 100 clean room (mask and boots in conformance with environmental dress codes)
- Moderate noise, oven heat, open flame, chemical fume hoods areas requiring wearing appropriate safety equipment (i.e. gloves, lab coat, safety glasses and respirator)
Physical Requirements:
- Stand, sit, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, reach with arms and hands, talk or hear, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
- Close vision; depth perception; ability to adjust focus
- Use of repetitive motion
- Able to operate computer/office machines
- Lift up to 25 lbs.
Travel Estimate
Up to 0%
Education and Job Qualification
BS in Microbiology or relevant experience required
Experience
- 0-2 years related experience in a Pharmaceutical/drug (FDA Regulated) industry preferred
- Experience in pharmaceutical microbiology and microbiology testing not limited to endotoxin, method validation, sterility, bioburden, microbial identification, growth promotion and environmental monitoring testing; ability to perform standard and non-standard microbiology techniques to analyze product
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficient at following specific instruction (i.e. written SOPs)
- Working knowledge of cGMP/GLP
- Good computer skills including word processing and working with spreadsheets
Compensation
- The presently-anticipated base compensation pay range for this position is $74,500 to $82,500. Actual base compensation may vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to geographical location and experience. In addition, this position is part of the Annual Performance Bonus Plan. Employees are eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs which include medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; and the employee assistance program. Employees also receive various paid time off benefits, including vacation time and sick time.
The compensation and benefits described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company, or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Title: Microbiology Analyst I
Date: May 8, 2026
Location: Billerica, MA
Company: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc (USA)
Job Summary
Performs GMP testing of raw materials, in-process and finished products, stability samples, and non-routine sample analyses per established procedures and methodology.
Area Of Responsibility
- Record GMP data, monitor and evaluate QC systems and equipment
- Recommend improvements to procedures, and revise SOPs and GMP documentation as required
- Interact with internal and external auditors including government agencies and contract manufacturing representatives
- Perform release, stability, validation and complaint follow-up assays on raw materials, in-process and final products
- Perform microbial identification related to product and environmental testing
- Perform sampling of raw materials as required for QC testing
- Perform routine quality control testing as required and monitors or evaluate systems, equipment (i.e. water systems, environmental chambers, sample collection and testing instruments/equipment)
- Maintain records in paper based or computer based systems
- Execute method validation protocols related to product testing
- Author summary reports for executed method validations
- Author deviation reports and microbiological assessment reports related to departmental activities and product support
- Provide technical input on product testing issues and instrumentation/equipment
- Serve as liaison to service, calibration and technical representatives
- Conduct and document assay failure and complaint investigations
- Ensure that laboratory is in cGMP compliance and conduct inspections
- Other duties as assigned
Work Conditions:
- Lab
- Office
- Laminar flow and biosafety hoods
- Exposure to noise, bio-hazardous (live cultures), and chemicals
- May entail exposure to radiation within NRC limits
- Exposure to or use of syringes and needles
- Exposure to non-hazardous and hazardous chemicals and materials
- Exposure to biological safety cabinets
- Requires work in class 100K, 10K or 100 clean room (mask and boots in conformance with environmental dress codes)
- Moderate noise, oven heat, open flame, chemical fume hoods areas requiring wearing appropriate safety equipment (i.e. gloves, lab coat, safety glasses and respirator)
Physical Requirements:
- Stand, sit, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, reach with arms and hands, talk or hear, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
- Close vision; depth perception; ability to adjust focus
- Use of repetitive motion
- Able to operate computer/office machines
- Lift up to 25 lbs.
Travel Estimate
Up to 0%
Education and Job Qualification
BS in Microbiology or relevant experience required
Experience
- 0-2 years related experience in a Pharmaceutical/drug (FDA Regulated) industry preferred
- Experience in pharmaceutical microbiology and microbiology testing not limited to endotoxin, method validation, sterility, bioburden, microbial identification, growth promotion and environmental monitoring testing; ability to perform standard and non-standard microbiology techniques to analyze product
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficient at following specific instruction (i.e. written SOPs)
- Working knowledge of cGMP/GLP
- Good computer skills including word processing and working with spreadsheets
Compensation
- The presently-anticipated base compensation pay range for this position is $74,500 to $82,500. Actual base compensation may vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to geographical location and experience. In addition, this position is part of the Annual Performance Bonus Plan. Employees are eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs which include medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; and the employee assistance program. Employees also receive various paid time off benefits, including vacation time and sick time.
The compensation and benefits described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company, or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
See all 92+ 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.