OPT Quality Control Microbiologist Jobs
Quality Control Microbiologist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in microbiology, biology, or related sciences. Most positions in pharma, biotech, and food manufacturing qualify for STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization to build regulated-industry experience.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.
Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Microbiologist I works independently on assigned Microbiological projects and conducts analyses of raw materials, finished products, and waters. As a professional scientist, the Microbiologist is expected to work under the guidance of supervisors and managers, develop skills and understanding of laboratory procedures, exhibit technical expertise, be able to document data and report findings; and stay current with Microbiological literature and standards for analyses. You will also conduct analyses of samples in accordance with USP, EP, ASTM, AOAC, FDA, EPA procedures, procedures supplied by the client, and other non-routine procedures as encountered.
- Prepares media and reagents required for the conduct of microbiological analyses
- Conducts analyses of samples in accordance with USP, EP ASTM, AOAC, FDA, EPA, or other compendia procedures, procedures supplied by the client, and other non-routine procedures as encountered
- Schedules analyses so that completion deadlines are met but also so that analyses are thoroughly and thoughtfully conducted
- Practices aseptic techniques and disinfection per laboratory SOPs
- Responsible for accurate and timely recordkeeping, diligently following standards for analysis and SOPs
- Accountable for quality assurance tasks vital to the position, including, but not limited to, lab area monitoring, media qualification, incubator, instrument and equipment calibration, and maintenance and sterilization procedures
- Access appropriate technical references and document data in notebooks and LIMS
- Data entry, receiving/returning calls, sending/receiving information, copying of documents, processing assignments
- Documents activities in accordance with cGMP
- Maintains orderly work area
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS degree in Microbiology or related sciences
- 0-2 years of experience
- Knowledge of scientific principles
COMPENSATION
- Salary: $23.00 - $25.00/Hour
OUR BENEFITS
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.
- Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee wellness programs
- Wealth: Competitive pay, 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment), employee referral program, annual bonus target
-
Happiness:
-
Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off (vacation, sick, company holidays, floating holidays, volunteer time)
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
INTRODUCTION
SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.
Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Microbiologist I works independently on assigned Microbiological projects and conducts analyses of raw materials, finished products, and waters. As a professional scientist, the Microbiologist is expected to work under the guidance of supervisors and managers, develop skills and understanding of laboratory procedures, exhibit technical expertise, be able to document data and report findings; and stay current with Microbiological literature and standards for analyses. You will also conduct analyses of samples in accordance with USP, EP, ASTM, AOAC, FDA, EPA procedures, procedures supplied by the client, and other non-routine procedures as encountered.
- Prepares media and reagents required for the conduct of microbiological analyses
- Conducts analyses of samples in accordance with USP, EP ASTM, AOAC, FDA, EPA, or other compendia procedures, procedures supplied by the client, and other non-routine procedures as encountered
- Schedules analyses so that completion deadlines are met but also so that analyses are thoroughly and thoughtfully conducted
- Practices aseptic techniques and disinfection per laboratory SOPs
- Responsible for accurate and timely recordkeeping, diligently following standards for analysis and SOPs
- Accountable for quality assurance tasks vital to the position, including, but not limited to, lab area monitoring, media qualification, incubator, instrument and equipment calibration, and maintenance and sterilization procedures
- Access appropriate technical references and document data in notebooks and LIMS
- Data entry, receiving/returning calls, sending/receiving information, copying of documents, processing assignments
- Documents activities in accordance with cGMP
- Maintains orderly work area
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS degree in Microbiology or related sciences
- 0-2 years of experience
- Knowledge of scientific principles
COMPENSATION
- Salary: $23.00 - $25.00/Hour
OUR BENEFITS
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.
- Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee wellness programs
- Wealth: Competitive pay, 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment), employee referral program, annual bonus target
-
Happiness:
-
Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off (vacation, sick, company holidays, floating holidays, volunteer time)
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
See all OPT Quality Control Microbiologist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Quality Control Microbiologist
Target STEM-designated programs first
Confirm your degree program's CIP code qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension before applying. QC Microbiology roles in pharma and biotech almost universally satisfy STEM OPT requirements, making you a longer-term hire for employers.
Emphasize GMP and regulatory lab experience
Employers in FDA-regulated industries prioritize candidates familiar with Good Manufacturing Practice environments. Highlight any GMP coursework, lab rotations, or internships on your resume. This signals you can contribute immediately without extensive onboarding in a compliance-heavy setting.
Frame your OPT timeline proactively with employers
When discussing work authorization, lead with your full timeline. A 12-month OPT period plus a 24-month STEM extension gives you up to three years, which covers most H-1B visa sponsorship cycles for life sciences employers who sponsor regularly.
Focus applications on mid-size and large pharma or biotech companies
Companies with established QC departments and regulatory affairs teams are far more likely to have prior experience sponsoring visas. Smaller contract labs may not have the infrastructure or HR capacity to navigate sponsorship, even when they want to hire.
Get certified in relevant quality systems
An ASQ Certified Quality Technician or similar credential strengthens your candidacy and demonstrates commitment to the QC field. Employers weighing sponsorship costs are more likely to invest in candidates who show initiative beyond their degree requirements.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly QC roles
Browse Quality Control Microbiologist openings on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship. This reduces time spent applying to positions where your work authorization will immediately disqualify you from consideration.
Quality Control Microbiologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Quality Control Microbiologist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. If your degree is in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, or a related STEM field with a qualifying CIP code, you're eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Combined with your initial 12-month OPT, that gives you up to three years of work authorization in a QC Microbiology role.
Which industries hire QC Microbiologists who are on OPT?
Pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotech, food and beverage, and medical device companies are the most active employers for QC Microbiologists. Pharma and biotech tend to have the most experience with visa sponsorship because they hire internationally at scale. Contract research and contract manufacturing organizations also hire OPT students regularly for QC roles.
How do I find Quality Control Microbiologist jobs open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended starting point. It surfaces QC Microbiology roles from employers who are open to OPT and visa sponsorship, so you're not filtering manually through listings that won't consider your work authorization status. Searching by industry or role type helps narrow to regulated-environment positions where your lab background is most relevant.
Will employers sponsor H-1B visas after my OPT period ends for this role?
Many do, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotech companies that rely heavily on international talent for lab and quality operations roles. H-1B sponsorship depends on company size, HR capacity, and how critical your role is to the team. The STEM OPT extension gives you two additional years after initial OPT, which is enough time to go through one or two H-1B lottery cycles.
What should I include on my resume to stand out as an OPT candidate for QC Microbiology roles?
Highlight laboratory techniques relevant to QC work: microbial identification, environmental monitoring, sterility testing, and any exposure to USP methods or FDA-regulated environments. Mention GMP training explicitly if you've completed it. Quantify your experience where possible, such as the number of samples processed or test methods you've been trained on, to give hiring managers a concrete sense of your readiness.