STEM OPT Analytical Chemist Jobs
Analytical Chemist roles in quality control, pharmaceutical testing, and materials research are strong fits for STEM OPT. Your chemistry, biochemistry, or related STEM degree qualifies for the 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months total work authorization. Every employer you work with must be enrolled in E-Verify.
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SUMMARY:
Responsible for providing or overseeing the analysis, administration, and oversight of varied chemistry/biochemistry policies, programs, and practices. Provides feedback and guidance regarding the analysis of materials, products, and/or devices using intermediate to complex professional and technical knowledge of chemistry/biochemistry or related instrumentation, testing, and procedures.
Compensation: $65,000.00 - 80,000.00 per year
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provides intermediate to complex analysis in support of testing materials, products, and/or devices using a variety of analytical instrumentation; follows standard operating procedures and methods.
- Performs review, analysis, interpretation, and documentation of testing results.
- Oversees or reviews, completes, and processes various chemistry/biochemistry forms, documents, databases, and related materials.
- Provides analysis, interpretation, and guidance to staff and leadership regarding chemistry/biochemistry policies, programs, and practices; supports operational changes and implementation efforts.
- Conducts research and provides recommendations to resolve management, employee, and customer inquiries; coordinates responses and resources as needed.
- Analyzes operations, results, and related chemistry/biochemistry data to identify trends, interpret findings, and present recommendations to management.
- Ensures accuracy of tests, equipment, procedures, and operational data through audits, reviews, and collaboration with teams to resolve discrepancies.
- Assists with development and execution of chemistry/biochemistry or cross-functional projects, including budgets, timelines, materials, and staffing needs; provides updates to management.
- Cleans, maintains, prepares, and calibrates equipment, samples, and work areas.
- Interprets and applies department policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations, seeking guidance as needed.
- Contributes to department effectiveness by offering suggestions and participating as an active team member.
- Promotes and supports the mission of Pace Analytical through professional, cooperative interactions with customers and staff.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field; AND 3-5 years of related experience, including work with complex programs or operations; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Required Knowledge:
- Intermediate to advanced principles, practices, and techniques of chemistry/biochemistry.
- Understanding of the administration and oversight of chemistry/biochemistry programs, policies, and procedures.
- Methods for resolving chemistry/biochemistry-related problems and challenges.
- Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
- Familiarity with laboratory testing tools, equipment, and calibration processes.
- Computer applications and systems relevant to the work.
- Principles and practices of effective teamwork.
- Communication methods to ensure safe and effective operations with staff and customers.
- Proper use of business English, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Required Skills:
- Performing intermediate to complex chemistry/biochemistry duties across assigned areas.
- Overseeing and administering chemistry/biochemistry functions.
- Training others on policies and procedures.
- Contributing to project development and management as a team member.
- Operating effectively in both team-based and independent work environments.
- Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
- Preparing reports, correspondence, and technical documentation.
- Exercising initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Demonstrating tact and professionalism in all interactions.
- Delivering effective presentations to various audiences.
- Contributing to team goals and objectives.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships.
PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work in laboratory and office environments.
- Use of standard office and laboratory equipment.
- Ability to sit for extended periods.
- Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds and frequent lifting up to 10 pounds.
- Visual ability to read printed materials and computer screens.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and via telephone.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in both laboratory and office settings. The laboratory environment may involve exposure to chemicals, fumes, gases, and noxious odors.
Benefits
When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Analytical Chemist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code must map to a STEM-designated field. Chemistry degrees typically fall under CIP 40.05. Confirm your code with your DSO before your OPT start date to avoid extension delays.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify before you begin work. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name or location to confirm enrollment status before signing any offer letter.
Target labs with active DOL wage filings
Pharmaceutical companies, environmental testing firms, and contract research organizations frequently file LCAs for chemistry roles. Use the OFLC Wage Search to identify which employers have certified prevailing wages for analytical positions in your target market.
Build your I-983 training plan around analytical methods
Your I-983 must tie each training goal to a specific STEM skill from your degree program. For analytical chemistry roles, list techniques like HPLC, mass spectrometry, or titration and connect them explicitly to your coursework to satisfy USCIS training plan requirements.
Use Migrate Mate to filter roles by E-Verify status
Searching broadly wastes time on employers who can't legally hire STEM OPT students. Migrate Mate filters Analytical Chemist listings to show only E-Verify enrolled employers, so every application you submit is to a company already set up to hire you.
Protect your status during H-1B cap-gap
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your EAD expires, cap-gap extends your work authorization through September 30. Confirm your employer submits the petition before your OPT end date and get the I-797 receipt notice before your current EAD lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Analytical Chemist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or another STEM-designated field with the correct CIP code. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to your degree. Your DSO authorizes the extension based on both your degree classification and the training plan your employer signs, so confirm your CIP code with your school before filing.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my employer as an Analytical Chemist on STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT period begins. This applies to every site where you work, including contract lab placements through a third-party staffing agency. If the worksite employer is different from your payroll employer, both entities may need E-Verify enrollment. Verify enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search before accepting any offer.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an Analytical Chemist position?
The I-983 must describe how each training activity builds on your STEM degree curriculum. For analytical chemistry roles, this means listing specific laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and quality assurance protocols you'll develop on the job and connecting each to coursework you completed. Both you and your employer supervisor sign the plan, and USCIS requires it to be updated every 12 months during your STEM OPT period.
How do I find Analytical Chemist employers who are set up to hire STEM OPT students?
The challenge is identifying employers who are both E-Verify enrolled and open to STEM OPT hiring, since standard job postings rarely flag either. Migrate Mate filters Analytical Chemist listings to show only E-Verify enrolled employers, removing the guesswork before you apply. Pharmaceutical manufacturers, environmental labs, and contract research organizations are among the sectors with consistent STEM OPT hiring history.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B petition is filed but not yet approved?
If your employer files an H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT EAD expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year, or until USCIS adjudicates the petition if adjudication occurs earlier. You can continue working as an Analytical Chemist during this period without a separate filing. Keep your I-797 receipt notice and OPT EAD on hand as proof of authorized employment.