Biotech & Pharma STEM OPT Jobs in Michigan
Michigan's biotech and pharma sector spans Ann Arbor's research corridor, Kalamazoo's legacy pharmaceutical hub anchored by Pfizer and Perrigo, and Detroit's growing life sciences cluster. F-1 students on STEM OPT will find employers here filing Labor Condition Applications across research, manufacturing, and regulatory roles, with state university partnerships adding additional recruiting pipelines.
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QC Chemist I
Agility, Impact, Methodology. Do you exhibit these values and wish to be around others that do too? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where agility, adaptability, and high standards go hand in hand? Are you driven to make a meaningful impact, whether through your work, your support of others, or your commitment to your community? Are you motivated by a disciplined, science-based approach that ensures consistent excellence, safety, and integrity in everything you do? If these statements resonate with you, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM) welcomes you to apply to join our community of dedicated individuals improving lives every day!
Overview of this Position:
The QC Chemist I supports quality systems as they relate to the manufacturing and testing of cGMP drug products. These duties include, but are not limited to, providing general laboratory support for raw materials and excipient testing used in the finished product.
Non-Negotiable Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and/or other related discipline (e.g. Biochemistry, Biotechnology).
- Minimum of 1-3 years pharmaceutical or testing experience.
- Qualification for use of a full-face respirator is required.
- Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Preferred Requirements:
- Excellent written and verbal skills; Ability to communicate effectively with management, staff, and regulatory agencies by exhibiting excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):
- Perform physical, chemical, and instrumental analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients and finished pharmaceutical products and excipients.
- Prepare standards and samples for analysis.
- Run instrumentation independently including, but not limited to, HPLC, FTIR, UV VIS, and physical testing on pharmaceutical products according to client/compendia procedures and departmental SOPs.
- Review laboratory data for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to GMP and/or GLP regulations.
- Process data, generate reports, and evaluate data.
- Perform all job responsibilities in compliance with cGMPs, company SOP’s, and current industry practice.
Full job description available during formal interview process.
What Sets GRAM Apart from Other Employers:
BENEFITS starting day 1: Medical, prescription, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits are available to you and your family on your first day of work, with the company paying a portion of the cost! Once eligible for the 401(k) program, all your contributions are immediately 100% vested, and you are immediately vested in GRAM contributions as well. We also offer generous off-shift premiums!
Paid VOLUNTEERISM starting day 1: GRAM encourages giving back to our community by offering 16 hours of paid volunteer time per calendar year!
PAID TIME OFF: You choose how to use this time for your vacation, sick, or mental health needs! Full-time employees accrue up to 104 hours of paid time off per calendar year, with this amount being prorated your first year. WELLNESS TIME OFF (WTO): In addition to PTO, employees earn 1 hour of wellness time off for every 30 hours worked, to use how you choose.
PAID HOLIDAYS: We offer 10 paid holidays per calendar year with immediate eligibility!
PAY: Depends on Experience and is discussed during the interview process.
If you meet the required criteria listed above, GRAM welcomes you to apply today!
STEM OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Michigan
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in MichiganBiotech & Pharma STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies in Michigan sponsor F-1 STEM OPT workers?
Michigan has a concentrated base of biotech and pharma employers with documented STEM OPT sponsorship activity. Pfizer's Kalamazoo operations, Perrigo, Stryker, and Zoetis have all appeared in DOL Labor Condition Application disclosures for life sciences roles. Ann Arbor hosts several mid-size biotech firms and contract research organizations that regularly recruit from University of Michigan's graduate programs and hire on OPT authorization.
Which Michigan cities have the most biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Ann Arbor is Michigan's most active city for biotech and pharma STEM OPT hiring, driven by proximity to the University of Michigan and a dense cluster of research-stage companies and contract research organizations. Kalamazoo ranks second, supported by established pharmaceutical manufacturers. Grand Rapids has a growing medical device and life sciences presence, while Detroit's Midtown and New Center areas are attracting early-stage biotech tenants.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa type and industry, making it straightforward to search for biotech and pharma roles in Michigan where employers have verified F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history. Because STEM OPT authorization is employer-initiated, filtering by companies with prior DOL Labor Condition Application filings in Michigan life sciences, which Migrate Mate surfaces, saves significant time compared to applying broadly and asking about sponsorship later.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Michigan?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT must fall under a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code tied to the student's degree. In Michigan's biotech and pharma sector, qualifying positions commonly include research scientist, computational biologist, process development engineer, regulatory affairs specialist, quality assurance engineer, and data analyst roles, provided the degree field aligns with the position. O*NET occupation profiles can help confirm whether a specific role meets the STEM designation criteria.
Are there Michigan-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in biotech and pharma?
Michigan employers sponsoring STEM OPT workers must be enrolled in E-Verify, a federal requirement that applies statewide. Michigan's biotech sector is split between large established manufacturers in Kalamazoo and smaller research-stage firms in Ann Arbor, and sponsorship capacity can differ significantly between these employer types. STEM OPT extensions require a formal training plan submitted through your Designated School Official, and University of Michigan and Michigan State University both have ISSO offices that guide students through this process.