STEM OPT Quality Control Chemist Jobs
Quality Control Chemist roles in pharmaceutical, food, and manufacturing industries align directly with STEM OPT eligibility. Your STEM degree qualifies you for the 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your role maps to an approved CIP code.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.
JOB SUMMARY
The QC Chemist is responsible for performing routine and non-routine chemical and biochemical assays on protein-based therapeutics and raw materials.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Perform various QC / Quality Control testing (i.e. product release testing, stability testing, in-process testing, and other protocol testing) as directed by the laboratory supervisor or senior chemist.
- Compile and enter data into computer database (i.e. LIMS - Laboratory Information Management System) to be used for reporting and trending purposes.
- Review test results against specifications.
- Will share general responsibilities for laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration, housekeeping, and other lab support functions (e.g., inventory of consumables and reagents).
- Maintain sample logs on a daily basis to ensure timely testing and tracking of all samples.
- Maintain Instrument Usage and Calibration Logs based on instrument usage during the preparation and testing of samples.
- Strict adherence to procedures and practices according to FDA regulations.
- Strong emphasis on documentation according to FDA regulations.
- Adhere to departmental corporate safety policies.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or closely related scientific discipline is required.
- Related experience in a pharmaceutical, GMP, or FDA regulated testing laboratory is preferred.
- Requires a basic understanding of analytical methodologies and protein biochemistry (e.g. IC, HPLC, GC, etc.).
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make structured decisions on a routine basis.
- Must be proactive, results oriented, and have strong attention to detail.
- Self-starter with strong work ethic and the ability to exercise good judgment.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet targeted deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with personnel at all levels in a team environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
- Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Specific experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is preferred.
- Must be flexible with working hours / shifts in order to accommodate the 24 hour, 7 day plant operation.
This job description is accurate at the date of publication. It is intended to provide information essential to understanding the scope and general nature of the work performed by job holders within this position. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Other duties may be assigned and qualifications required may change over time.
COMPENSATION
- The estimated pay scale for the QC Chemist role based in California, is $26.22-$28.00. Additionally, the position is eligible to participate in up to 5% of the company bonus pool.
We offer a wide variety of benefits including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays and up to 5% 401(K) match and tuition reimbursement. Final compensation packages will ultimately depend on education, experience, skillset, knowledge, where the role is performed, internal equity and market data. We are committed to offering our employees opportunities for professional growth and career progression. Grifols is a global healthcare organization with employees in 30 countries focused on patient health and providing impactful results. Since our humble beginnings in 1909, Grifols has been a family company that prides itself on its family-like culture. Our company has more than tripled over the last 10 years, and you can grow with us!
LOCATION
Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : CA-Los Angeles:US403 - LA CA-QC Building
Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:
Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.
EEO STATEMENT
Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws, including but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
INTRODUCTION
Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.
JOB SUMMARY
The QC Chemist is responsible for performing routine and non-routine chemical and biochemical assays on protein-based therapeutics and raw materials.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Perform various QC / Quality Control testing (i.e. product release testing, stability testing, in-process testing, and other protocol testing) as directed by the laboratory supervisor or senior chemist.
- Compile and enter data into computer database (i.e. LIMS - Laboratory Information Management System) to be used for reporting and trending purposes.
- Review test results against specifications.
- Will share general responsibilities for laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration, housekeeping, and other lab support functions (e.g., inventory of consumables and reagents).
- Maintain sample logs on a daily basis to ensure timely testing and tracking of all samples.
- Maintain Instrument Usage and Calibration Logs based on instrument usage during the preparation and testing of samples.
- Strict adherence to procedures and practices according to FDA regulations.
- Strong emphasis on documentation according to FDA regulations.
- Adhere to departmental corporate safety policies.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or closely related scientific discipline is required.
- Related experience in a pharmaceutical, GMP, or FDA regulated testing laboratory is preferred.
- Requires a basic understanding of analytical methodologies and protein biochemistry (e.g. IC, HPLC, GC, etc.).
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make structured decisions on a routine basis.
- Must be proactive, results oriented, and have strong attention to detail.
- Self-starter with strong work ethic and the ability to exercise good judgment.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet targeted deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with personnel at all levels in a team environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
- Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Specific experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is preferred.
- Must be flexible with working hours / shifts in order to accommodate the 24 hour, 7 day plant operation.
This job description is accurate at the date of publication. It is intended to provide information essential to understanding the scope and general nature of the work performed by job holders within this position. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Other duties may be assigned and qualifications required may change over time.
COMPENSATION
- The estimated pay scale for the QC Chemist role based in California, is $26.22-$28.00. Additionally, the position is eligible to participate in up to 5% of the company bonus pool.
We offer a wide variety of benefits including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays and up to 5% 401(K) match and tuition reimbursement. Final compensation packages will ultimately depend on education, experience, skillset, knowledge, where the role is performed, internal equity and market data. We are committed to offering our employees opportunities for professional growth and career progression. Grifols is a global healthcare organization with employees in 30 countries focused on patient health and providing impactful results. Since our humble beginnings in 1909, Grifols has been a family company that prides itself on its family-like culture. Our company has more than tripled over the last 10 years, and you can grow with us!
LOCATION
Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : CA-Los Angeles:US403 - LA CA-QC Building
Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:
Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.
EEO STATEMENT
Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws, including but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
See all 45+ STEM OPT Quality Control Chemist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Quality Control Chemist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Chemistry and chemical engineering degrees fall under CIP codes 40.05 and 14.07, both STEM-designated. Confirm your specific degree maps to an approved CIP code through your DSO before targeting QC Chemist postings, since mismatches delay your I-983 approval.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
STEM OPT requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name before your offer stage, not after, to avoid accepting a role that disqualifies your extension.
Document your training plan around QC-specific tasks
Your I-983 training plan must tie your work activities to learning objectives from your STEM degree. For QC Chemist roles, map tasks like spectroscopic analysis, method validation, and SOP authorship directly to your coursework in analytical chemistry or biochemistry.
Target regulated industries with structured QC functions
Pharmaceutical, medical device, and food and beverage manufacturers operate under FDA or USDA oversight, which requires dedicated QC headcount. These employers run established compliance teams and are far more likely to have E-Verify enrollment and experience onboarding STEM OPT candidates than smaller contract labs.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for STEM OPT-eligible QC roles
Search Quality Control Chemist positions on Migrate Mate to find employers with verified E-Verify enrollment. Filtering by STEM OPT eligibility at the start saves you from advancing through interview rounds with companies that can't legally support your extension.
Time your application around your OPT expiration window
Your STEM OPT extension application must be filed before your initial 12-month OPT EAD expires. Submit your I-765 and I-983 at least 90 days before that date. If your employer later files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf, cap-gap rules protect your authorization through October 1 of that year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quality Control Chemist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. The role itself must also relate directly to your degree, which you document through the I-983 training plan. Your DSO confirms degree eligibility based on your CIP code before approving the extension request.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a QC Chemist position?
Your I-983 must detail the specific skills you'll develop and how they connect to your STEM degree. For a QC Chemist, that means listing activities like HPLC method development, stability testing, out-of-specification investigations, and regulatory compliance documentation, then mapping each to coursework from your degree program. Both you and your employer supervisor sign the form, and your DSO reviews it.
Is my employer required to be enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement under STEM OPT rules, not a preference. Your employer must be enrolled and in good standing with E-Verify before USCIS will approve your extension. You can verify enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search before accepting an offer. Working for a non-enrolled employer during your STEM OPT period puts your status at risk.
What happens to my work authorization if my employer files an H-1B petition?
If your employer files a timely H-1B cap-subject petition before your STEM OPT expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. If the petition is selected and approved, your status transitions to H-1B on October 1. You don't need to take separate action to trigger cap-gap, but confirm your I-20 reflects the extension.
Where can I find Quality Control Chemist jobs that support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists QC Chemist roles filtered for STEM OPT eligibility, showing employers with E-Verify enrollment so you're not spending time on companies that can't support your extension. Pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract research organizations, and food safety labs are the most active hiring sectors. The O*NET profile for Quality Control Chemists can also help you understand which industries post the most openings.