Scientist Jobs for OPT Students
Scientist roles in the U.S. span research, biotech, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and government labs, many of which actively hire on OPT. STEM-designated positions qualify for the 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization while building a research career.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting: Scientist – R&D Microbiology (2nd Shift)
Location: Durham, NC
Schedule: Sunday – Thursday, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Reports To: Associate Director R&D Microbiology
Position Summary
Responsible for creating, optimizing, developing, updating and sustaining diagnostic assays and reagents in a regulated environment, while driving innovative solutions. Design and develop new biomolecules or reagents, collect and manage biological samples to support method/product development. Identify emerging technologies and trends related to diagnostics. Provide technical assistance to support existing products, methods or techniques. Perform analytical verifications and document validation activities and outcomes for regulatory submissions.
Primary Duties
- Participate in experimental set-up, execution and data analysis.
- Prepare reagents, buffers, solutions, standards used for testing.
- Handle biological samples (e.g., human specimens, animal tissues and sterile body fluids).
- Prepare, maintain and manipulate microorganisms.
- Contribute to quality improvements and equipment management.
- Troubleshoot.
- Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Education, Training and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree required in a Science field, Microbiology or Biology preferred
Specific Field, Function, or Specialization: Science (Microbiology or Biology preferred)
Preferred Education, Training and Experience:
- Fields of Knowledge: Microbiology preferred, Biology, Clinical Microbiology, or Medical Technology
- Experience with automated/robotic test methods and interpretation (automated and reference methods preferred).
- Proficient in skills necessary for good laboratory practice, aseptic techniques, and basic microbiology techniques.
- Experience in product development is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Consistently upholds and reflects the core ethical principles and values that bioMérieux promotes.
- Ability to cooperate with others at all levels including leadership.
- Effective time management to allocate tasks, balance priorities, and meet deadlines efficiently.
- Effective verbal communication skills.
- Participate in a way that enhances team performance and cohesion.
- Basic determination to complete tasks without errors and produce high-quality work.
- Demonstrates fundamental awareness and can perform routine tasks with guidance.
- Teamwork and collaboration across diverse teams and fast-paced projects.
- Achievement orientation, analytical thinking, flexibility, information seeking.
Working Conditions
- Travel requirement: 0%
The estimated salary range for this role is between $68,000-$95,500. This role is eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and individual performance per bioMérieux’s bonus program. This range may differ from ranges offered for similar positions elsewhere in the country given differences in cost of living. Actual compensation within this range is determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and will be presented in writing at the time of the offer.
In addition, bioMérieux offers a competitive Total Rewards package that may include:
- A choice of medical (including prescription), dental, and vision plans providing nationwide coverage and telemedicine options
- Company-Provided Life and Accidental Death Insurance
- Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan including a generous non-discretionary employer contribution and employer match.
- Adoption Assistance
- Wellness Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Commuter Benefits
- Various voluntary benefit offerings
- Discount programs
- Parental leaves
LI-US
Job Posting: Scientist – R&D Microbiology (2nd Shift)
Location: Durham, NC
Schedule: Sunday – Thursday, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Reports To: Associate Director R&D Microbiology
Position Summary
Responsible for creating, optimizing, developing, updating and sustaining diagnostic assays and reagents in a regulated environment, while driving innovative solutions. Design and develop new biomolecules or reagents, collect and manage biological samples to support method/product development. Identify emerging technologies and trends related to diagnostics. Provide technical assistance to support existing products, methods or techniques. Perform analytical verifications and document validation activities and outcomes for regulatory submissions.
Primary Duties
- Participate in experimental set-up, execution and data analysis.
- Prepare reagents, buffers, solutions, standards used for testing.
- Handle biological samples (e.g., human specimens, animal tissues and sterile body fluids).
- Prepare, maintain and manipulate microorganisms.
- Contribute to quality improvements and equipment management.
- Troubleshoot.
- Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Education, Training and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree required in a Science field, Microbiology or Biology preferred
Specific Field, Function, or Specialization: Science (Microbiology or Biology preferred)
Preferred Education, Training and Experience:
- Fields of Knowledge: Microbiology preferred, Biology, Clinical Microbiology, or Medical Technology
- Experience with automated/robotic test methods and interpretation (automated and reference methods preferred).
- Proficient in skills necessary for good laboratory practice, aseptic techniques, and basic microbiology techniques.
- Experience in product development is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Consistently upholds and reflects the core ethical principles and values that bioMérieux promotes.
- Ability to cooperate with others at all levels including leadership.
- Effective time management to allocate tasks, balance priorities, and meet deadlines efficiently.
- Effective verbal communication skills.
- Participate in a way that enhances team performance and cohesion.
- Basic determination to complete tasks without errors and produce high-quality work.
- Demonstrates fundamental awareness and can perform routine tasks with guidance.
- Teamwork and collaboration across diverse teams and fast-paced projects.
- Achievement orientation, analytical thinking, flexibility, information seeking.
Working Conditions
- Travel requirement: 0%
The estimated salary range for this role is between $68,000-$95,500. This role is eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and individual performance per bioMérieux’s bonus program. This range may differ from ranges offered for similar positions elsewhere in the country given differences in cost of living. Actual compensation within this range is determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and will be presented in writing at the time of the offer.
In addition, bioMérieux offers a competitive Total Rewards package that may include:
- A choice of medical (including prescription), dental, and vision plans providing nationwide coverage and telemedicine options
- Company-Provided Life and Accidental Death Insurance
- Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan including a generous non-discretionary employer contribution and employer match.
- Adoption Assistance
- Wellness Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Commuter Benefits
- Various voluntary benefit offerings
- Discount programs
- Parental leaves
LI-US
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Scientist
Confirm your role qualifies for the STEM OPT extension
Scientist positions typically fall under STEM-designated CIP codes in life sciences, chemistry, or environmental fields. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer, this directly affects whether you qualify for 24 additional months.
Target employers with established research infrastructure
Large biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, national laboratories, and research universities have dedicated HR teams familiar with OPT and E-Verify requirements. These employers are far less likely to withdraw an offer due to work authorization concerns than smaller startups.
Disclose your OPT status early in the process
Bring up your OPT authorization before the offer stage, not after. Frame it clearly: you have current work authorization, and STEM-eligible roles give the employer up to three years before any sponsorship decision becomes necessary.
Align your job title to your degree field precisely
USCIS scrutinizes whether your role directly relates to your STEM degree for OPT extension eligibility. A title like 'Research Scientist' backed by a biology or chemistry degree is strong. Misaligned titles can jeopardize your extension application.
Get your training plan documented from day one
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan (Form I-983) signed by your employer. Ask your supervisor to outline specific learning objectives tied to your degree field before your extension start date, delays in this step can create serious compliance gaps.
Research employers who have sponsored scientists before
Prior H-1B sponsorship for research roles is a reliable signal that an employer understands immigration pathways. Employers who have sponsored Scientist and Research Scientist titles before are significantly more likely to do so again after your OPT period ends.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Scientist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but it depends on your degree's CIP code, not just the job title. Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and related STEM fields typically qualify. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your degree, not your employer's job description. Confirm this before accepting any offer.
How do I find Scientist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you're not wasting time applying to roles where work authorization is a dealbreaker. Search Scientist and Research Scientist listings on Migrate Mate to identify employers already comfortable with F-1 OPT candidates and familiar with E-Verify requirements.
What is the E-Verify requirement for my STEM OPT employer?
Any employer who hires you on a STEM OPT extension must be enrolled in E-Verify. This is a federal requirement, not optional. Before signing an offer letter for a role where you plan to use the 24-month extension, confirm your employer's E-Verify enrollment status. If they're not enrolled, you cannot legally work the extension there.
Can I work at a government lab or national research facility on OPT?
Yes, federal contractors and national laboratories can hire OPT students, though some positions require U.S. citizenship or security clearances that OPT students cannot obtain. Look for postdoctoral researcher or contractor scientist roles at facilities like national labs, these are commonly accessible to OPT holders with the right background clearance profile.
What happens to my OPT if my research contract ends before my authorization expires?
You enter a 60-day grace period once your employment ends. During this window, you can search for a new Scientist role and begin working once a new employer is reported to your DSO. You cannot work during the grace period itself. If you do not secure new employment within 60 days, you must leave the U.S. or change status.
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