STEM OPT Microbiology Jobs
Microbiology roles in research, biotech, and public health qualify for STEM OPT work authorization, giving you up to 36 months of post-graduation employment eligibility. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree must fall under an eligible STEM CIP code to qualify for the 24-month extension.
Find STEM OPT Microbiology JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Microbiology jobs
See all Microbiology Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Microbiology roles.
Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
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.
Job Description
The QC Microbiology Data Reviewer II is responsible for the review of data generated in the laboratory and to assist Operations Management in the conduct of investigations and other specialized reviews and reports. In addition, the Quality Control Specialist must be sensitive to the demanding regulatory compliance requirements attending to the operation of a pharmaceutical testing laboratory. This job also requires the ability to demonstrate a high commitment to interpersonal relations.
- Perform special project data review following staff performance of customer test requests in a timely and effective manner. Customer test requests include wet chemistry, instrumentation, and/or microbiological data reviews
- Perform reviews for reagent and standard preparations and their assays or suitability testing and/or media preparation and associated media checks
- Perform equipment performance logs reviews, auxiliary logbook reviews, stability study pull reviews, audit trail reviews, and metrology reviews
- Perform Out of Specification (OOS) and Method Validation Failure (MVF) wet chemistry and/or microbiology investigations following staff performance of customer test requests in a timely and effective manner
- Ensure that all testing submitted by customers is completed within established parameters governing Company quality and regulatory compliance specifications
- Ensure that all reasonable requests from Department Management on the review of laboratory data supporting a given test or group of tests are met in a timely and effective manner
- Play a role in Departmental or company-wide projects designed to improve the internal efficiency and overall quality of work performed at the laboratory
- Participate in creating and maintaining an atmosphere of teamwork throughout the laboratory
- Maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the review process
- Maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of GMP/GLP/ISO requirements as these pertain to work performed in the laboratory
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science discipline
- 2+ years of experience in a regulated commercial lab environment
- Knowledge of scientific principles
- Must be able to think analytically
- Problem-solving skills are essential
- Knowledge of and familiarity with word processing and LIMS
Salary: $28.00 - $32.00/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 assistance programs.
- Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment).
-
Happiness:
-
Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave
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 online 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.
Company Description
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.
Job Description
The QC Microbiology Data Reviewer II is responsible for the review of data generated in the laboratory and to assist Operations Management in the conduct of investigations and other specialized reviews and reports. In addition, the Quality Control Specialist must be sensitive to the demanding regulatory compliance requirements attending to the operation of a pharmaceutical testing laboratory. This job also requires the ability to demonstrate a high commitment to interpersonal relations.
- Perform special project data review following staff performance of customer test requests in a timely and effective manner. Customer test requests include wet chemistry, instrumentation, and/or microbiological data reviews
- Perform reviews for reagent and standard preparations and their assays or suitability testing and/or media preparation and associated media checks
- Perform equipment performance logs reviews, auxiliary logbook reviews, stability study pull reviews, audit trail reviews, and metrology reviews
- Perform Out of Specification (OOS) and Method Validation Failure (MVF) wet chemistry and/or microbiology investigations following staff performance of customer test requests in a timely and effective manner
- Ensure that all testing submitted by customers is completed within established parameters governing Company quality and regulatory compliance specifications
- Ensure that all reasonable requests from Department Management on the review of laboratory data supporting a given test or group of tests are met in a timely and effective manner
- Play a role in Departmental or company-wide projects designed to improve the internal efficiency and overall quality of work performed at the laboratory
- Participate in creating and maintaining an atmosphere of teamwork throughout the laboratory
- Maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the review process
- Maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of GMP/GLP/ISO requirements as these pertain to work performed in the laboratory
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science discipline
- 2+ years of experience in a regulated commercial lab environment
- Knowledge of scientific principles
- Must be able to think analytically
- Problem-solving skills are essential
- Knowledge of and familiarity with word processing and LIMS
Salary: $28.00 - $32.00/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 assistance programs.
- Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment).
-
Happiness:
-
Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave
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 online 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 STEM OPT Microbiology Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Microbiology Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Microbiology
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Microbiology degrees typically fall under CIP 26.05, but exact codes vary by institution and program name.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting
Ask your hiring contact or HR team to confirm E-Verify company ID during the offer stage, not after signing. Employers can verify their own enrollment through the E-Verify employer search portal before you commit.
Target labs with active federal contracts
Federal contractors and subcontractors are legally required to use E-Verify, making them reliable options for STEM OPT eligibility. Pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies, and university research labs operating under federal grants often meet this requirement automatically.
Draft your I-983 training plan early
Your Form I-983 must outline specific learning objectives tied to your microbiology degree, not just your job duties. Work with your supervisor to map techniques like PCR, cell culture, or genomic sequencing directly to competencies from your academic program.
Search Migrate Mate for E-Verify confirmed roles
Filter Migrate Mate by STEM OPT eligibility to find microbiology positions at employers already enrolled in E-Verify. This removes the guesswork of vetting sponsorship readiness before you spend time on an application.
File your extension request 90 days before OPT ends
Your DSO must recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Missing this window means a gap in work authorization, so align your job search timeline to that deadline, not your start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a microbiology degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, provided your degree is listed under an eligible CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Microbiology degrees most commonly fall under CIP 26.05, but programs labeled biological sciences, molecular biology, or medical microbiology may use adjacent codes. Confirm the exact CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension, since the determination is made based on your specific degree as recorded in SEVIS.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my microbiology employer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify for the specific work site where you'll be employed, not just at the corporate level. This matters for microbiology roles because contract research organizations, hospital laboratories, and government-affiliated research centers sometimes operate across multiple entities with separate E-Verify registrations. Ask HR to confirm the E-Verify company ID for your physical work location before your start date.
How should I complete the I-983 training plan for a lab-based microbiology role?
The I-983 requires you and your employer to document how the practical training directly relates to your STEM degree. For microbiology positions, tie specific lab techniques and research responsibilities, such as microbial culturing, immunoassay development, or bioinformatics analysis, to learning goals from your academic program. USCIS expects the training plan to demonstrate a genuine connection between your coursework and your job duties, not just a job description restatement.
What happens to my work authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery during STEM OPT?
If your H-1B visa petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires and your status is properly maintained, the cap-gap provision extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year, or until your H-1B petition is adjudicated if it's denied or withdrawn. This lets you continue in your microbiology role without interruption. Confirm the cap-gap timeline with your DSO and keep your employer's HR team informed so they don't inadvertently terminate employment during the extension period.
How do I find microbiology employers who are already set up for STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters microbiology job listings by STEM OPT eligibility, surfacing positions at employers enrolled in E-Verify. Targeting employers who have previously hired OPT students in life sciences or research roles reduces the onboarding friction around I-983 compliance and E-Verify verification, since those teams already understand the documentation requirements.