OPT Microbiology Technician Jobs
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.
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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 Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Microbiology Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 visa sponsorship costs are more likely to invest in candidates who demonstrate commitment through industry certification.
Microbiology Technician OPT: Frequently 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.