CPT Scientist Jobs
Scientist roles in research labs, biotech firms, and government agencies qualify for CPT when the work is directly tied to your degree program and authorized by your DSO. Your I-20 must reflect the CPT authorization before your start date, and full-time CPT lasting 12 months or more reduces your OPT eligibility.
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Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
Envision working with energetic colleagues and inspirational leaders, all while gaining world-class experience in one of the most dynamic organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. This is a reality for AbbVie’s Co-Ops. This is a work experience and is not intended to support a thesis.
The PDS&T Toxins group within Operations Science & Technology - Biologics organization supports manufacturing, process validation, regulatory submission, and continuous improvement for late-stage and commercial manufacturing of biological toxins products in AbbVie. We have an exciting opportunity for a bioassay scientist position based in Irvine, CA. This role involves leveraging scientific and bioengineering principles to develop bioassay methods with next-generation cell lines. The candidate must possess in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in a range of techniques, including but not limited to cell culture, bioassay, genetic editing, cell line development, cell sorting, cell-cycle control, PCR, Western blot, fluorescence microscopy, etc. Moreover, excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional team environment are essential for success in this role.
Key responsibilities include:
- Function as an Analytical Scientist: Generate original technical ideas and research or development strategies related to bioassay and cell engineering.
- Project Understanding: Understand the broad objectives of the project and the specific role in achieving them. Modify the experimental plan as needed to respond to new data or project needs.
- Design and Execute Experiments: Independently design, execute, and interpret critical experiments to address scientific questions.
- Innovate Experimental Protocols: Innovate and implement new experimental protocols to advance the project.
- Demonstrate Proficiency: Exhibit a high level of proficiency in relevant scientific and technical fields.
- Set and Meet Timelines: Establish and adhere to experimental timelines to ensure timely progress and results.
- Engage with Scientific Literature: Regularly read and apply relevant scientific literature to stay updated on advancements. Contribute to writing and the conceptual framework of publications, presentations, and patents.
- Organize and Present Data: Effectively organize and present scientific plans and data in meetings, reports, and presentations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in university, pursuing a Master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmacology or other related fields.
- Must be enrolled in university at the time of the Co-Op.
- Must be able to commit to a 6-month program at AbbVie’s Irvine, CA (June- December).
- Expected graduation date between May 2028 – Dec 2028.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with scientists and cross-functional team members.
- Ability to develop comprehensive test plans and evaluate design concepts.
- Understanding of relevant scientific literature and ability to apply the theoretical framework to solving problems within the scientific discipline in a timely manner.
- Detail-oriented with a good track record of delivering reliable and consistent results.
- Good oral communication skills, as well as sound technical writing and documentation competencies, are required.
- Practical experience and knowledge of cell culture, bioassay, cell-cycle control, PCR, Western blot, fluorescence microscopy, etc.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with neuronal or other differentiated cell models.
- Knowledge on genome editing, cell line development, cell sorting is a plus.
- Experience with fluorescence microscopy, gene-editing techniques, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and qPCR.
- Experience using statistical or data-analysis software, such as JMP, PLA, or comparable tools.
Benefits and Amenities
- Competitive pay
- Housing support for eligible students
- Select wellness benefits and paid holiday / sick time
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
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, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
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Get Access To All JobsScientist CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Scientist internship at a federal lab qualify for CPT?
Yes, federal research labs such as national laboratories and agency-run facilities can serve as CPT employers as long as the work is integral to your curriculum and your DSO authorizes the placement. The federal employer still needs to issue a formal offer or training agreement for your DSO to process the I-20 endorsement. Some federal positions also require security clearances, which may affect your eligibility independently of CPT rules.
Can I do CPT as a Scientist while taking fewer than a full course load?
CPT requires you to maintain full-time enrollment during fall and spring semesters. The exception is your final semester, where you may drop below full-time if your DSO certifies it. Part-time CPT is available and doesn't count against your OPT eligibility the way full-time CPT does, so if your research role allows it, a part-time CPT designation protects your post-graduation options.
How do I find Scientist employers who regularly hire CPT students?
Migrate Mate surfaces Scientist roles from employers with documented CPT and OPT hiring history, which narrows your list to labs and research organizations already familiar with the authorization process. Applying to employers who have hired international students before reduces the risk of an offer falling through because HR doesn't know how to process CPT paperwork.
What happens to my CPT authorization if my Scientist role changes scope mid-internship?
CPT is authorized for a specific employer, location, and job description tied to your curriculum. If your responsibilities shift significantly, such as moving from bench research to data analysis in a different department, you need a new CPT authorization from your DSO before the change takes effect. Starting work under an unauthorized scope violates your F-1 status, so communicate any role changes to your international student office promptly.
Does part-time CPT as a Scientist count toward future H-1B sponsorship eligibility?
Part-time CPT doesn't affect your OPT eligibility, and OPT is typically the authorization you'd use while an employer files your H-1B visa petition. Any amount of part-time CPT leaves your 12 months of OPT fully intact. Full-time CPT totaling 12 months or more eliminates OPT, which would remove the cap-gap protection that bridges your status between OPT expiration and an approved H-1B change of status.