STEM OPT Biologist Jobs
Biologist roles in research, biotech, and environmental science qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. The 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months of F-1 work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and signs your I-983 training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Objective: The Biologist will provide services for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) within the National Institutes of Health.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform a wide variety of complex procedures and techniques which include cell tissue culture of malaria parasites including both blood stages and sexual stages, serological assays ELISA, column chromatography and flow cytometry
- Perform in vitro malaria parasite growth inhibition assays GIA, ELISAs, and mosquito membrane feeding assays various animal and human sera and purified IgGs
- Calibrate and operate a variety of laboratory instruments used to perform tests, and analyses such as ELISA readers and spectrophotometers
- Write reports of findings, state methods and procedures, including any modifications employed, specimens and materials involved, and results of experiments
- Analyze, evaluate, and discuss the results of each experiment with the project officers as part of the planning process for subsequent studies
- Prepare various media, stock supplies, and other reagents for use in the laboratory
- Provide training to students and other laboratory personnel in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment and in the performance of specialized procedures, techniques
- Perform QC of the laboratory including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment upon government approval; submit orders for processing and maintain government approved laboratory supplies and equipment including chemicals, biological materials, liquid nitrogen; handle biological materials, infectious agents, biological wastes
- Perform computer analysis of data and use computers and various software programs to prepare data for publication
- Develop and update SOPs for the lab
- Maintain accurate, daily records of experiments and results in pen in bound laboratory notebooks; make minor modifications or adaptations to established methods, procedures, and or techniques to solve problems in the work
- Work product and documents related to maintaining accurate, daily records of experiments in laboratory notebooks
- Work products and documents related to performing complex procedures and techniques in the laboratory and writing reports of findings
- Work products and documents related to performing quality control and maintenance of laboratory equipment
- Work products and documents related to developing and updating SOPs for the lab
Basic Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Biological Sciences with a field of study in Biology or equivalent
- 4 years of experience in Biology or a related field
- Skilled in MS Office
- Experience demonstrating knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written
- Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
This position is contingent upon contract award.
Position Objective: The Biologist will provide services for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) within the National Institutes of Health.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform a wide variety of complex procedures and techniques which include cell tissue culture of malaria parasites including both blood stages and sexual stages, serological assays ELISA, column chromatography and flow cytometry
- Perform in vitro malaria parasite growth inhibition assays GIA, ELISAs, and mosquito membrane feeding assays various animal and human sera and purified IgGs
- Calibrate and operate a variety of laboratory instruments used to perform tests, and analyses such as ELISA readers and spectrophotometers
- Write reports of findings, state methods and procedures, including any modifications employed, specimens and materials involved, and results of experiments
- Analyze, evaluate, and discuss the results of each experiment with the project officers as part of the planning process for subsequent studies
- Prepare various media, stock supplies, and other reagents for use in the laboratory
- Provide training to students and other laboratory personnel in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment and in the performance of specialized procedures, techniques
- Perform QC of the laboratory including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment upon government approval; submit orders for processing and maintain government approved laboratory supplies and equipment including chemicals, biological materials, liquid nitrogen; handle biological materials, infectious agents, biological wastes
- Perform computer analysis of data and use computers and various software programs to prepare data for publication
- Develop and update SOPs for the lab
- Maintain accurate, daily records of experiments and results in pen in bound laboratory notebooks; make minor modifications or adaptations to established methods, procedures, and or techniques to solve problems in the work
- Work product and documents related to maintaining accurate, daily records of experiments in laboratory notebooks
- Work products and documents related to performing complex procedures and techniques in the laboratory and writing reports of findings
- Work products and documents related to performing quality control and maintenance of laboratory equipment
- Work products and documents related to developing and updating SOPs for the lab
Basic Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Biological Sciences with a field of study in Biology or equivalent
- 4 years of experience in Biology or a related field
- Skilled in MS Office
- Experience demonstrating knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written
- Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
This position is contingent upon contract award.
See all 45+ STEM OPT Biologist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Biologist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Not every biology degree automatically qualifies for STEM OPT. Check your diploma or transcript CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Codes like 26.0101 (Biology) and 26.0202 (Biochemistry) are eligible, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes fall outside the list.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
An employer's interest doesn't matter if they're not enrolled in E-Verify. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name before you invest time in interviews. Many smaller biotech startups and environmental consulting firms aren't enrolled, even when they're hiring actively.
Target labs and employers with active LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Biologist openings by employers with verified STEM OPT compatibility. Employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for biological science roles have already cleared the administrative groundwork your extension depends on.
Structure your I-983 training goals around the role
Your I-983 must show a direct connection between your STEM degree and your Biologist responsibilities. Work with your DSO and hiring manager to map specific lab skills, research methods, or data analysis techniques from your coursework to the actual job duties before your start date.
Ask about OPT cap-gap coverage during federal hiring timelines
Federal agencies like the NIH, CDC, and EPA hire Biologists but run on slower hiring cycles. If your initial OPT expires during a federal offer process, cap-gap protection under a timely H-1B visa petition can bridge that gap. Clarify with USCIS guidance whether your situation qualifies before declining other offers.
Use the OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
STEM OPT regulations require employers to pay you the same wage as similarly situated U.S. workers. Pull prevailing wage data for your specific Biologist SOC code and geographic area from the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. An offer below prevailing wage can jeopardize your extension filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a biology degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most biology degrees qualify, but eligibility depends on your specific CIP code, not just the degree title. Programs classified under biological and biomedical sciences codes on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List are eligible. Degrees in general biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and ecology typically qualify. Check your transcript CIP code and confirm with your DSO before applying for the extension through USCIS.
Does my Biologist employer have to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes, E-Verify enrollment is a firm legal requirement for any employer sponsoring a STEM OPT extension, with no exceptions. Before you accept an offer, search the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm the specific company location is enrolled, not just the parent organization. If the employer isn't enrolled at the time of your I-983 submission, your DSO cannot authorize the extension.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Biologist role?
Your I-983 must identify concrete learning objectives that connect your STEM degree to your day-to-day Biologist responsibilities. For lab-based roles, this means listing specific techniques, instruments, or research methods you'll develop. For field or environmental roles, it includes data collection protocols, species identification skills, or regulatory compliance work. Your employer's supervisor and your DSO both sign the form, so align the language with your actual job duties.
How does cap-gap work if my OPT expires before an H-1B is approved?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. Your EAD becomes invalid, but your F-1 status and employment authorization continue. USCIS publishes cap-gap guidance each spring, and your DSO can note the extension in your SEVIS record.
Where can I find Biologist jobs from employers who support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 STEM OPT students and filters Biologist openings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and a history of supporting OPT workers. Searching there saves you from applying to roles where the employer can't legally authorize your extension, which is a common and avoidable setback for F-1 candidates in research and life science fields.