Science & Research OPT Jobs in South Carolina
Science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in South Carolina span academic medical centers, federal defense contractors, and private biotech firms. Employers like Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Booz Allen Hamilton have active OPT hiring histories in cities including Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston.
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Work Schedule
First Shift (Days)
Environmental Conditions
- Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance
- Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
- Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc... allowed
- Laboratory Setting
- Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
- Standing for full shift
- Will work with hazardous/toxic materials
Job Description
How will you make an impact?
The Scientist I conducts laboratory work as necessary to assure that products are prepared as instructed by their manager per operating procedures. Ensure that work is carried out in an efficient and safe manner. Utilizes judgment in making adaptations and modifications on all assignments. Performs chemical experiments as assigned for preparation and purification of process intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients in a process chemistry laboratory following standard practices. Supports internal development and/or manufacturing operations. Makes detailed observations and reviews, documents, and communicates experimental results.
Location: Florence, SC
Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm (must be flexible)
What will you do?
- Assembles and operates laboratory (bench scale) equipment and carries out experiments under guidance of a scientist.
- Accurately records and reports experiments and scientific findings per assigned departmental standards in a timely manner to meet project objectives.
- Prepares, edits, and reviews documentation for client updates and pilot plant operations.
- Consistently complies with housekeeping standards.
- Maintains a clean and safe work environment including work area, instrumentation, and testing materials.
- Understands and works in compliance with all cGMP, OSHA, and safety regulations, BOPs and SOPs.
- Executes cGMP procedures, lab procedures, BOPs and SOPs.
- Responsible for weekly/monthly inspection of safety equipment.
- Solves problems related to chemical processes.
- Handles chemicals, equipment, and maintains required PPE under protocols established by EHS.
- Ability to drive functional, technical and operational excellence. Ability to inspire and drive team effectiveness. Good knowledge of medical terminology, clinical data, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Effective written, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
How will you get here?
- Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check to include drug screening.
Education:
- BA or BS in chemistry or related field
Experience:
- Experience working in Pharmaceutical Industry preferred.
- New Graduates are considered
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Good knowledge and understanding of chemistry and analytical instrumental technologies.
- Good knowledge of qualitative and quantitative chemical or microbiological analysis.
- Good knowledge of quality and regulatory requirements in the pharmaceutical industry, including pharmaceutical GMPs and descriptive organic chemistry.
- Good problem solving skills and logical approach to solving scientific problems.
- Proficiency with HPLC, GC, LC/MS and Dissolution techniques.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written).
- Good presentation skills to present information to customers, clients, and other employees.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and governmental regulations.
- Ability to write standard operating procedures, simple protocols, and reports.
- Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers or regulatory agencies.
- Ability to apply mathematical operations, to such tasks as determination of test reliability, analysis of variance and correlation techniques.
Physical Requirements:
Position requires ordinary ambulatory skills and physical coordination sufficient to move about office locations; ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch periodically for prolonged periods of time; manipulation (lift, carry, move) of light to medium weights of 10-35 pounds; arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp and type for prolonged periods of time; visual acuity to use a keyboard, computer monitor, operate equipment, and read materials for prolonged periods of time; ability to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear for prolonged periods of time. Safety glasses, safety shoes, lab coat, latex or similar gloves, safety apron, organic respirator occasionally.
Disclaimer:
“The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.”
Competitive wages & Excellent benefits package
- Review our company’s Total Rewards
- Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits - effective Day 1
- Paid Time Off & Holidays
- 401K Company Match up to 6% (after 1 year)
- Tuition Reimbursement – eligible after 90 days
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Employee Discount Program
- Recognition Program
- Charitable Gift Matching
- Company Paid Parental Leave
- We will provide the vital equipment for your role including: computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
- We also provide any Personal Protective Equipment you may need including: lab coats, safety glasses, safety shoes, etc.
OPT Science & Research Job Roles in South Carolina
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Search Science & Research Jobs in South CarolinaScience & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in South Carolina?
South Carolina's science and research OPT sponsors include academic institutions such as Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, and the Medical University of South Carolina, alongside defense and aerospace contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton and SAIC operating near military installations. Private biotech and environmental testing firms in the Greenville-Spartanburg corridor and the Charleston metro also show consistent OPT hiring activity. Sponsorship patterns vary by employer size and role type, so reviewing each employer's actual filing history is worthwhile.
Which cities in South Carolina have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Columbia concentrates the largest share of science and research OPT opportunities, anchored by the University of South Carolina's research programs and state government agencies. Charleston follows, driven by the Medical University of South Carolina, the Naval Information Warfare Center, and growing life sciences activity. Greenville and Clemson offer roles tied to Clemson University's applied research institutes and the region's advanced manufacturing and materials science sector.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in South Carolina?
Roles commonly filled under F-1 OPT in South Carolina's science and research sector include research scientists, laboratory analysts, biomedical engineers, environmental scientists, data scientists supporting research operations, and research program coordinators. Positions requiring a directly related bachelor's or advanced degree in a STEM field generally meet OPT eligibility requirements. Many qualifying roles are posted at universities, federal contractor labs, and hospital-affiliated research centers throughout the state.
How do I find science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in South Carolina?
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for science and research roles in South Carolina that have F-1 OPT sponsorship history, so you're not sifting through listings from employers who have never sponsored international students. The platform surfaces employer-level OPT filing data, which is especially useful for identifying smaller research firms and contractors in the state that actively hire OPT candidates but may not advertise widely. Focusing on employers with verified filing histories in your specific science or research discipline saves significant time.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in South Carolina's science sector?
South Carolina's defense contractor presence near installations like Fort Jackson and the Charleston Naval Weapons Station means some research roles carry security clearance requirements, which can limit OPT eligibility for certain positions. Additionally, STEM OPT extension candidates should confirm their employing organization is enrolled in E-Verify, a federal requirement for the 24-month extension. University-based research roles often provide stronger institutional support for OPT paperwork, making them a practical starting point for F-1 students new to the state.