STEM OPT Quality Control Microbiologist Jobs
Quality Control Microbiologist roles in pharmaceutical, biotech, and food manufacturing qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree is in microbiology, biology, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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INTRODUCTION
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.
DESCRIPTION
The Microbiologist I conducts testing on raw materials, mass, and finished products, following standard operating procedures and laboratory testing methods.
EXECUTION OF QC LAB TESTING (85%)
- Monitor Critical Control Parameters (pH, balances, etc.) through daily equipment verification checks and alert QC lab manager of any out of trend events.
- Conduct microbiological testing of raw materials, mass, and finished goods following standard operation procedures and laboratory test methods.
- Preparation of media and reagents to perform microbiological testing.
- Collection of environmental monitoring samples (Viable & Non-Viable Air, Surfaces, etc.).
- Performing microbiological testing of water.
- Entering information in LIMS/SAP as required for job activities.
LAB DOCUMENTATION & SUPPLIES (10%):
- Review of laboratory documentation
- Receiving supplies, performing inventory, and stocking laboratory.
COLLABORATION & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT (5%)
- Identify quality problems & escalate to leadership
- Communicate areas of improvement to leadership
- Independent decision-making ability required in straightforward situations
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors Degree
- 2-3 years of applicable work experience
- Experience in a microbiology laboratory in Quality Control for a global consumer goods or pharmaceutical
- Conduct work in accordance with lab safety standards.
- Knowledge of laboratory testing techniques (GMP, GDP and Good Lab Practices) and proficient use of all laboratory equipment (e.g., Autoclave, balances, pH meter, etc.)
- Knowledge of Environmental Monitoring collection (Viable & Non-viable Air, Surfaces, etc.)
- Proficient oral and written communication skills and ability to appropriately communicate information to management
- Ability to write SOPs, deviations, change controls and OOS reports
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to work in high pace work environment
- Knowledge of cosmetic ingredients & manufacturing procedures preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SAP systems, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is preferred
- Must be flexible to work different shifts and overtime as needed
- Must be able to lift 35 lbs.
PAY RANGE:
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $30.00 to $49.25. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results.
In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time, and many others. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is Company's policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Company will endeavor to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the law to otherwise qualified employees and prospective employees with a disability and to employees and prospective employees with needs related to their religious observance or practices. Should you wish to apply for this position or any other position with the Company and you believe you require assistance to complete an application or participate in an interview, please contact USApplicantAccommodations@Estee.com.
MICHIGAN APPLICANTS: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for employment must notify the company in writing of the need for an accommodation within 182 days after the date the person with a disability knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed.
PHILADELPHIA APPLICANTS: Philadelphia's Fair Chance Hiring Law
RHODE ISLAND APPLICANTS: The company is subject to chapters 29-38 of title 28 of the general laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state's workers' compensation law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Quality Control Microbiologist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code determines STEM OPT eligibility. Microbiology (26.0503), biology (26.0101), and biochemistry (26.0202) all qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before targeting roles to avoid authorization gaps.
Check E-Verify status before accepting offers
STEM OPT requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension is approved. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm enrollment. Pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers typically enroll, but contract labs and smaller testing firms often don't.
Tailor your I-983 to QC microbiology duties
Your training plan must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just job duties. Map tasks like sterility testing, environmental monitoring, and method validation directly to the scientific skills your degree program covered.
Target employers with active LCA filings for your role
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by verified DOL Labor Condition Application history for microbiologist and life sciences roles, so you focus your applications on companies already familiar with work authorization requirements for STEM graduates.
Research prevailing wages before negotiating
Your offer must meet or exceed the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up wage levels for your specific occupation code before negotiating salary, so you can identify whether an offer is compliant.
Time your extension application around GMP facility timelines
STEM OPT extension applications must be filed with USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT end date. GMP-regulated employers in pharma and food processing often require lengthy onboarding and background checks, so account for that lead time in your start date negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a microbiology or biology degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Quality Control Microbiologist?
Yes, if your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM OPT designated degree program list. Microbiology (26.0503), biochemistry (26.0202), and biology (26.0101) all qualify. Your DSO can confirm your exact CIP code. The job title itself doesn't determine eligibility, your degree field does, so verify the code before you apply for the extension.
Is E-Verify enrollment required for my QC Microbiologist employer, and how do I check?
Yes. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before USCIS can approve your STEM OPT extension. You can search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm enrollment status. Large pharmaceutical manufacturers and contract research organizations typically comply, but smaller clinical labs and independent testing facilities may not be enrolled.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Quality Control Microbiologist role?
Your I-983 must describe specific learning objectives that connect your daily QC duties to the STEM knowledge from your degree. For this role, relevant objectives include applying microbiological testing methods, interpreting out-of-specification results, and developing competency in Good Manufacturing Practice protocols. Generic job descriptions won't satisfy USCIS, each objective should name a concrete skill tied to your academic training.
Can I stay authorized if my STEM OPT extension is pending when my initial OPT expires?
Yes, if you filed your extension application before your initial OPT EAD expired. USCIS provides a 180-day cap-gap period that maintains your work authorization while the extension is pending. You must remain employed with the same E-Verify-enrolled employer during this period. Switching employers while in cap-gap status is not permitted and could interrupt your authorization.
Where can I find Quality Control Microbiologist jobs from employers who understand STEM OPT requirements?
Migrate Mate lists Quality Control Microbiologist positions from employers with verified DOL LCA filing history, so you can identify companies already experienced with work authorization for STEM graduates. Filtering by E-Verify enrollment status and STEM-relevant occupation codes before applying saves time and reduces the risk of accepting an offer from an employer who can't support your extension.