Microbiology Technician Jobs for OPT Students
Microbiology Technician roles sit squarely within specialty occupation territory, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in microbiology, biology, or a related life science. Most positions in clinical labs, biotech firms, and food safety testing facilities actively hire OPT candidates, and STEM OPT extension eligibility applies when the employer files a timely I-983 training plan.
See All Microbiology Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 21+ Microbiology Technician 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 21+ Microbiology Technician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Microbiology Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsPosting Number req25465
Department AZ Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Location Tucson Campus
Address 2831 N Freeway, Tucson, AZ 85705 USA
Position Highlights
The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AZVDL), with the University of Arizona, seeks a Microbiology Technician II, (Molecular Focus). This position performs professional-level microbiological diagnostic services, with a primary focus on executing PCR-based testing to support clinical diagnostics and disease surveillance for laboratory clients and regulatory agencies. The technician will maintain proficiency in BSL-2 environments and participate in cross-training support for serological, virological and other microbiology assays as needed. This role requires reliable adherence to biosafety, biosecurity, and quality management requirements while working collaboratively within a team-based laboratory environment.
AZVDL is also recruiting for a Microbiological Technician III, Molecular Focus via req25468. Please note the education minimum requirements when applying.
The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona. It is accredited for all species by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and is a member of the United States Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).
The AZVDL provides accurate and timely diagnostic assistance in animal health to veterinarians, animal owners, university researchers, and state and federal agencies. The submission of specimens through practicing veterinarians is encouraged, but specimens are also accepted from owners.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform microbiological assays for the detection and diagnosis of infections animal diseases in accordance with established protocols and regulatory standards.
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and traceable records of all testing activities; organize, analyze, and prepare data for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), database entry, reporting, and long-term archiving.
- Support equipment life-cycle management including preventative maintenance (PM), calibration coordination, troubleshooting, documentation, and service vendor communication to ensure operational readiness and compliance. Perform routine administrative and laboratory support functions, including quality control monitoring, reagent and solution preparation, inventory tracking, and proper biological and chemical waste disposal in accordance with biosafety and environmental regulations.
- Demonstrate and maintain proficiency in assigned microbiological, molecular, and/or immunological testing platforms, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards, regulatory requirements, and accreditation guidelines.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement activities, including SOP review and updates, corrective actions, and internal audits as assigned. Actively contribute to the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of new diagnostic assays and emerging methodologies to expand laboratory testing capabilities. Other lab support duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Accurately and consistently perform laboratory procedures with strong attention to detail
- Maintain thorough and reliable records to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance
- Demonstrate reliability, follow-through, and adaptability in a dynamic laboratory environment
- Work collaboratively as a part of a team while contributing a positive, professional attitude
- Apply aseptic techniques, laboratory safety protocols and quality assurance practices
- Understand and follow SOPs, regulatory requirements, and quality management systems
- Competent with laboratory information systems and general computer applications for data management and reporting.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
FLSA Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Veterinary and Animal Care
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $20.33 - $25.41
Compensation Type hourly rate
Grade 5
Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level PC2
Job Family Veterinary Lab
Job Function Veterinary & Animal Care
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates Katherine McCarthy | kmccarthy1@arizona.edu
Open Date 3/20/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
Posting Number req25465
Department AZ Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Location Tucson Campus
Address 2831 N Freeway, Tucson, AZ 85705 USA
Position Highlights
The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AZVDL), with the University of Arizona, seeks a Microbiology Technician II, (Molecular Focus). This position performs professional-level microbiological diagnostic services, with a primary focus on executing PCR-based testing to support clinical diagnostics and disease surveillance for laboratory clients and regulatory agencies. The technician will maintain proficiency in BSL-2 environments and participate in cross-training support for serological, virological and other microbiology assays as needed. This role requires reliable adherence to biosafety, biosecurity, and quality management requirements while working collaboratively within a team-based laboratory environment.
AZVDL is also recruiting for a Microbiological Technician III, Molecular Focus via req25468. Please note the education minimum requirements when applying.
The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona. It is accredited for all species by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and is a member of the United States Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).
The AZVDL provides accurate and timely diagnostic assistance in animal health to veterinarians, animal owners, university researchers, and state and federal agencies. The submission of specimens through practicing veterinarians is encouraged, but specimens are also accepted from owners.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform microbiological assays for the detection and diagnosis of infections animal diseases in accordance with established protocols and regulatory standards.
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and traceable records of all testing activities; organize, analyze, and prepare data for laboratory information management systems (LIMS), database entry, reporting, and long-term archiving.
- Support equipment life-cycle management including preventative maintenance (PM), calibration coordination, troubleshooting, documentation, and service vendor communication to ensure operational readiness and compliance. Perform routine administrative and laboratory support functions, including quality control monitoring, reagent and solution preparation, inventory tracking, and proper biological and chemical waste disposal in accordance with biosafety and environmental regulations.
- Demonstrate and maintain proficiency in assigned microbiological, molecular, and/or immunological testing platforms, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards, regulatory requirements, and accreditation guidelines.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement activities, including SOP review and updates, corrective actions, and internal audits as assigned. Actively contribute to the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of new diagnostic assays and emerging methodologies to expand laboratory testing capabilities. Other lab support duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Accurately and consistently perform laboratory procedures with strong attention to detail
- Maintain thorough and reliable records to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance
- Demonstrate reliability, follow-through, and adaptability in a dynamic laboratory environment
- Work collaboratively as a part of a team while contributing a positive, professional attitude
- Apply aseptic techniques, laboratory safety protocols and quality assurance practices
- Understand and follow SOPs, regulatory requirements, and quality management systems
- Competent with laboratory information systems and general computer applications for data management and reporting.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
FLSA Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Veterinary and Animal Care
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $20.33 - $25.41
Compensation Type hourly rate
Grade 5
Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level PC2
Job Family Veterinary Lab
Job Function Veterinary & Animal Care
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates Katherine McCarthy | kmccarthy1@arizona.edu
Open Date 3/20/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Microbiology Technician
Target STEM-designated degree holders first
Confirm your degree program carries a STEM CIP code before applying. Microbiology and biology degrees almost universally qualify, giving you 36 months of work authorization, which is a meaningful advantage over candidates on standard OPT.
Apply to employers with existing E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be E-Verify enrolled. Filter your search to labs, biotech companies, and hospitals already using E-Verify to avoid losing your extension window after accepting an offer.
Frame your lab skills in the job description language
Emphasize specific techniques like PCR, aseptic culture, and microscopy in your resume exactly as they appear in job postings. Matching terminology helps applicant tracking systems surface your profile and signals direct role readiness to hiring managers.
Start applying at least 90 days before OPT begins
Microbiology Technician hiring cycles often involve background checks and lab safety onboarding that add two to four weeks beyond a standard offer. Beginning your search early leaves room for these delays without risking an authorization gap.
Request a formal I-983 training plan conversation early
Bring up the STEM OPT training plan requirement before you accept an offer, not after. Most clinical and biotech employers are familiar with the process, and confirming their willingness upfront avoids a difficult conversation later.
Pursue certifications that signal long-term sponsorship value
Credentials like the AMT or ASCP certification examinations are recognized benchmarks in laboratory hiring. Employers weighing future H-1B sponsorship costs are more likely to invest in candidates who demonstrate commitment through industry certification.
Microbiology Technician jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Microbiology Technician JobsSee all 21+ Microbiology Technician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Microbiology Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Microbiology Technician role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?
Yes. Microbiology Technician positions typically require at minimum a bachelor's degree in microbiology, biology, or a closely related science, which meets the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies. Clinical lab roles may additionally require specific licensure, but the degree requirement itself satisfies the core OPT work authorization criterion of employment directly related to your major.
Can I work as a Microbiology Technician on STEM OPT extension?
Yes, provided your degree carries a qualifying STEM CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Microbiology (CIP 26.0502) and related biological science programs almost always qualify. Your employer must also complete a formal training plan on Form I-983 before your STEM extension is approved by your Designated School Official.
Where can I find Microbiology Technician jobs that accept OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists Microbiology Technician openings specifically filtered for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT candidates, so you can browse roles without having to guess at each employer's sponsorship posture. Searching there saves significant time compared to sorting through general job listings where OPT acceptance is rarely disclosed upfront.
What industries hire the most Microbiology Technicians on OPT?
Clinical and hospital laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturers, food and beverage safety testing firms, and environmental testing companies are the most active hirers. Biotech research organizations and contract research organizations also regularly bring on OPT candidates, particularly for roles involving quality control, culture maintenance, and specimen analysis under a senior scientist's supervision.
Does part-time Microbiology Technician work count toward OPT authorization?
Yes, but only during the first 12 months of pre-completion or post-completion OPT. During STEM OPT extension, USCIS requires at least 20 hours of work per week to maintain valid status. Verify that any part-time arrangement meets this threshold, and ensure the work remains directly related to your degree field to avoid a status violation.
See which Microbiology Technician employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Microbiology Technician Jobs