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.
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Get Access To All JobsDESCRIPTION
Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team!
POSITION PURPOSE
This position is a member of the R&D Microbiology team to conduct antimicrobial testing, method development and scientific research in support of New and Existing Product Development (NPD/EPD) pipeline for products in drug (OTC, DIN, NHP), medical device, cosmetic, disinfectant (EPA, DIN) and general household products areas.
The primary function of this position is to plan, execute, and document disinfectant efficacy (e.g., AOAC 961.02 Germicidal Spray/Towelette, ASTM E2362, ASTM E2967, ASTM E3218 for C. difficile spores, ASTM 3363), preservative effectiveness for cosmetics/personal care (USP <51>, PCPC M5), and GMP microbiological quality testing (USP <60>/<61>/<62>, bioburden/objectionables).
The position is a key component of scientific advancement and supports new market launches with input across all facets of project progression including scientific insights, prototype assessment and registration testing to meet regulatory requirements. In addition, this role will contribute to studies that enhance PDI’s current portfolio and will be encouraged to take ownership of assigned workstreams and deliver high-quality results that support competitive differentiation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT:
- Perform antimicrobial testing according to regulatory (FDA/EPA) requirements in a BioSafety Level-2 laboratory.
- Support development of novel methodologies.
- Support projects and scientific endeavors.
- Analyze experimental data, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
- Draw meaningful conclusions and guides further development.
- Evaluate root causes and create investigation plans for complex research problems.
- Management of external studies at 3rd party labs.
- Record data in a coherent and reproducible manner.
- Capable of presenting experimental data.
LABORATORY SUPPORT:
- Responsible for equipment calibration/verification and associated documentation.
- Optimize laboratory space to ensure an efficient flow of work.
- Media preparation and glassware processing.
- Perform regularly scheduled testing of R&D water systems.
- Manage the laboratory’s documentation for chemical and organism inventory.
- Perform testing with proper aseptic technique to avoid contamination.
- Culture maintenance and management.
- Lab notebook entry and approval.
- Maintain stocks of organisms relevant to the upcoming studies.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
- Ability to work in partnership with product development and regulatory functions.
- Support work stream timelines and be able to balance priorities according to stakeholder needs.
- Able to communicate and cooperate with other team members and cross function teams effectively.
- Demonstrate ability to add value to the organization through scientific excellence.
- Take ownership of assigned tasks and demonstrate initiative in managing deliverables with minimal supervision.
- Maintain accountability for data integrity, documentation, and timely execution of lab work.
- Apply sound judgment in experimental design and troubleshooting, with support from senior scientists.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION
- University Degree in a Biological Science required.
REQUIRED/KNOWLEDGE
- Previous experience in a regulated R&D environment supporting Antimicrobial Products.
- Strong Microbiology understanding.
- Working knowledge of EPA or FDA regulations.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Previous internship/experience in a Microbiology Laboratory strongly preferred.
- Ability to articulate previous Microbiology projects, their goals, techniques used and conclusions.
- Proficient with a variety of antimicrobial test methods.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Analytical and continuous improvement mindset.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal / written).
- Ability to explain science to management.
- Prudent risk taker. Identifies opportunities and takes risks to achieve objectives.
SALARY RANGE:
- $60k-$68k
BENEFITS
PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:
- Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
- Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Short & long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Advocacy Program
PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.
At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
DESCRIPTION
Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team!
POSITION PURPOSE
This position is a member of the R&D Microbiology team to conduct antimicrobial testing, method development and scientific research in support of New and Existing Product Development (NPD/EPD) pipeline for products in drug (OTC, DIN, NHP), medical device, cosmetic, disinfectant (EPA, DIN) and general household products areas.
The primary function of this position is to plan, execute, and document disinfectant efficacy (e.g., AOAC 961.02 Germicidal Spray/Towelette, ASTM E2362, ASTM E2967, ASTM E3218 for C. difficile spores, ASTM 3363), preservative effectiveness for cosmetics/personal care (USP <51>, PCPC M5), and GMP microbiological quality testing (USP <60>/<61>/<62>, bioburden/objectionables).
The position is a key component of scientific advancement and supports new market launches with input across all facets of project progression including scientific insights, prototype assessment and registration testing to meet regulatory requirements. In addition, this role will contribute to studies that enhance PDI’s current portfolio and will be encouraged to take ownership of assigned workstreams and deliver high-quality results that support competitive differentiation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT:
- Perform antimicrobial testing according to regulatory (FDA/EPA) requirements in a BioSafety Level-2 laboratory.
- Support development of novel methodologies.
- Support projects and scientific endeavors.
- Analyze experimental data, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
- Draw meaningful conclusions and guides further development.
- Evaluate root causes and create investigation plans for complex research problems.
- Management of external studies at 3rd party labs.
- Record data in a coherent and reproducible manner.
- Capable of presenting experimental data.
LABORATORY SUPPORT:
- Responsible for equipment calibration/verification and associated documentation.
- Optimize laboratory space to ensure an efficient flow of work.
- Media preparation and glassware processing.
- Perform regularly scheduled testing of R&D water systems.
- Manage the laboratory’s documentation for chemical and organism inventory.
- Perform testing with proper aseptic technique to avoid contamination.
- Culture maintenance and management.
- Lab notebook entry and approval.
- Maintain stocks of organisms relevant to the upcoming studies.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
- Ability to work in partnership with product development and regulatory functions.
- Support work stream timelines and be able to balance priorities according to stakeholder needs.
- Able to communicate and cooperate with other team members and cross function teams effectively.
- Demonstrate ability to add value to the organization through scientific excellence.
- Take ownership of assigned tasks and demonstrate initiative in managing deliverables with minimal supervision.
- Maintain accountability for data integrity, documentation, and timely execution of lab work.
- Apply sound judgment in experimental design and troubleshooting, with support from senior scientists.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION
- University Degree in a Biological Science required.
REQUIRED/KNOWLEDGE
- Previous experience in a regulated R&D environment supporting Antimicrobial Products.
- Strong Microbiology understanding.
- Working knowledge of EPA or FDA regulations.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Previous internship/experience in a Microbiology Laboratory strongly preferred.
- Ability to articulate previous Microbiology projects, their goals, techniques used and conclusions.
- Proficient with a variety of antimicrobial test methods.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Analytical and continuous improvement mindset.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal / written).
- Ability to explain science to management.
- Prudent risk taker. Identifies opportunities and takes risks to achieve objectives.
SALARY RANGE:
- $60k-$68k
BENEFITS
PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:
- Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
- Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Short & long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Advocacy Program
PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts.
At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including: sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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.