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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Bring more to life.
Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?
At Aldevron, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.
You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.
At Aldevron, we deliver world-class CDMO services that accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies. Our mission is to be the engine of innovation for genomic medicine pioneers. As a member of our team, you’ll help bring life-changing innovations to life—impacting millions around the world. We bring together deep scientific expertise, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit to drive progress. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, we value the unique perspective you bring. Join us and become part of a mission-driven team advancing science and unlocking human potential—one discovery at a time.
Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Analyst I QC Microbiology is responsible for performing various QC assays and sampling to support manufacturing, validation, process development and stability studies in a GMP laboratory environment.
This position reports to the QC Microbiology Lab Supervisor and is part of the QC Team located in Fargo, ND and will be an on-site role.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Perform advanced microbiological and chemical assays, analyze and interpret results, and document findings in compliance with specifications and quality standards.
- Investigate Out-of-Specification (OOS) results, conduct root cause analysis, develop hypotheses, and collaborate on Quality Events and CAPAs.
- Maintain training compliance, uphold laboratory safety and cleanliness, and support non-routine testing as required.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The essential requirements of the job include:
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field required; biology preferred
- Experience operating precision laboratory instruments and performing analytical assays
- Ability to perform accurate calculations using basic math and algebra.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Experience with GMP documentation practices, including batch record review and deviation handling in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment.
- Experience with sterility testing or use of barrier isolator technology.
COMPENSATION
This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.
INTRODUCTION
Bring more to life.
Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?
At Aldevron, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.
You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.
At Aldevron, we deliver world-class CDMO services that accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies. Our mission is to be the engine of innovation for genomic medicine pioneers. As a member of our team, you’ll help bring life-changing innovations to life—impacting millions around the world. We bring together deep scientific expertise, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit to drive progress. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, we value the unique perspective you bring. Join us and become part of a mission-driven team advancing science and unlocking human potential—one discovery at a time.
Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Analyst I QC Microbiology is responsible for performing various QC assays and sampling to support manufacturing, validation, process development and stability studies in a GMP laboratory environment.
This position reports to the QC Microbiology Lab Supervisor and is part of the QC Team located in Fargo, ND and will be an on-site role.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Perform advanced microbiological and chemical assays, analyze and interpret results, and document findings in compliance with specifications and quality standards.
- Investigate Out-of-Specification (OOS) results, conduct root cause analysis, develop hypotheses, and collaborate on Quality Events and CAPAs.
- Maintain training compliance, uphold laboratory safety and cleanliness, and support non-routine testing as required.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The essential requirements of the job include:
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field required; biology preferred
- Experience operating precision laboratory instruments and performing analytical assays
- Ability to perform accurate calculations using basic math and algebra.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Experience with GMP documentation practices, including batch record review and deviation handling in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment.
- Experience with sterility testing or use of barrier isolator technology.
COMPENSATION
This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.
See all 36+ STEM OPT Microbiology Jobs
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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.