OPT Associate Scientist Jobs
Associate Scientist roles in biotech, pharma, and research labs are among the most OPT-friendly positions in STEM. Most qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers in these fields routinely sponsor H-1B visas for strong performers.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.
Cardiometabolic Research at Eli Lilly and Company advances preclinical research aimed at understanding and treating obesity and related metabolic diseases.
We are seeking a skilled, motivated, and versatile individual who can help to build a highly collaborative, successful drug discovery and development team in the Obesity research group in Boston. The successful candidate will use a strong in vivo pharmacology background and complementary wet laboratory experience to play a critical role in supporting end-to-end discovery efforts and established pipeline projects with an emphasis on anti-obesity therapeutics. The candidate will be responsible for setting up critical capabilities in the laboratory setting and working with other scientists within and across departments to achieve project and department goals.
Responsibilities
The Research Associate will perform and support in vivo pharmacology studies in rodent models, working under the direction of project scientists. In this role, you will implement study procedures with precision, collect and process biological samples, and document results accurately so that they can be analyzed and shared with the broader research team. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform rodent handling, blood collection, and dosing by subcutaneous (SC), oral (PO), and intraperitoneal (IP) routes according to study protocols.
- Measure and record body weight, body composition, and food intake throughout the course of in vivo studies.
- Collect tissues at study termination and complete downstream sample processing for analysis.
- Perform molecular and biochemical assessments (qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, etc).
- Function independently, work within a team-oriented lab environment, and work within cross-functional project teams.
- Analyze data independently, keep accurate records, and report data in written and oral formats. Perform work in full compliance with Lilly Research Policies and complete all required training activities in the timeframe specified.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
B.S. and/or M.S. in biology or a related scientific field with 2+ years of laboratory experience including hands-on in vivo rodent research experience
ADDITIONAL SKILLS/PREFERENCES
- Demonstrated proficiency in rodent handling and dosing, tissue collection, and downstream sample processing
- Previous experience with metabolic disease models
- Prior work with jugular vein cannulation and continuous infusion models
- Familiarity with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) concepts
- Experience with tissue culture of adipose, liver, or muscle cells
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $72,000 - $189,200
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
INTRODUCTION
At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.
Cardiometabolic Research at Eli Lilly and Company advances preclinical research aimed at understanding and treating obesity and related metabolic diseases.
We are seeking a skilled, motivated, and versatile individual who can help to build a highly collaborative, successful drug discovery and development team in the Obesity research group in Boston. The successful candidate will use a strong in vivo pharmacology background and complementary wet laboratory experience to play a critical role in supporting end-to-end discovery efforts and established pipeline projects with an emphasis on anti-obesity therapeutics. The candidate will be responsible for setting up critical capabilities in the laboratory setting and working with other scientists within and across departments to achieve project and department goals.
Responsibilities
The Research Associate will perform and support in vivo pharmacology studies in rodent models, working under the direction of project scientists. In this role, you will implement study procedures with precision, collect and process biological samples, and document results accurately so that they can be analyzed and shared with the broader research team. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform rodent handling, blood collection, and dosing by subcutaneous (SC), oral (PO), and intraperitoneal (IP) routes according to study protocols.
- Measure and record body weight, body composition, and food intake throughout the course of in vivo studies.
- Collect tissues at study termination and complete downstream sample processing for analysis.
- Perform molecular and biochemical assessments (qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, etc).
- Function independently, work within a team-oriented lab environment, and work within cross-functional project teams.
- Analyze data independently, keep accurate records, and report data in written and oral formats. Perform work in full compliance with Lilly Research Policies and complete all required training activities in the timeframe specified.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
B.S. and/or M.S. in biology or a related scientific field with 2+ years of laboratory experience including hands-on in vivo rodent research experience
ADDITIONAL SKILLS/PREFERENCES
- Demonstrated proficiency in rodent handling and dosing, tissue collection, and downstream sample processing
- Previous experience with metabolic disease models
- Prior work with jugular vein cannulation and continuous infusion models
- Familiarity with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) concepts
- Experience with tissue culture of adipose, liver, or muscle cells
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $72,000 - $189,200
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Associate Scientist
Target STEM-designated programs first
Your degree field determines STEM OPT eligibility. Life sciences, chemistry, biology, and biomedical engineering degrees qualify. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you know exactly how much OPT runway you're working with.
Apply to companies with active H-1B sponsorship history
Biotech and pharmaceutical employers like large CROs and research institutions file H-1B petitions regularly. Prioritize companies where Associate Scientists have historically transitioned from OPT to full sponsorship. Their internal processes for international employees are already established.
Address OPT status clearly and early
Don't wait for the offer stage to bring up work authorization. Mention your OPT status and STEM extension eligibility in cover letters. Hiring managers in research labs want to plan headcount without surprises during the background check phase.
Connect your degree directly to the role
Associate Scientist roles require a degree in a relevant scientific field. Make the connection explicit on your resume. A biochemistry degree applying to a cell biology role needs visible overlap in coursework, lab techniques, and research focus areas.
Start your job search 90 days before OPT starts
USCIS recommends applying for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date. Use that lead time to interview actively. Research lab hiring moves slower than tech, so building pipeline early prevents gaps in your employment authorization timeline.
Document your lab skills with specificity
Generic resumes don't get Associate Scientist interviews. List specific instruments, assays, and software platforms you've used. PCR, flow cytometry, HPLC, and ELN experience are concrete qualifiers that let screeners verify your fit without calling a reference.
Associate Scientist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Associate Scientist on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Associate Scientist roles are directly tied to STEM degree fields like biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and biomedical engineering, which means they qualify for standard OPT and typically for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That gives you up to three years of work authorization without employer sponsorship, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.
Do Associate Scientist employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly in pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and established biotech firms. These organizations hire internationally at scale and have legal infrastructure in place for H-1B petitions. Smaller startups vary significantly. When browsing roles on Migrate Mate, you can filter specifically for employers with a verified sponsorship track record to focus your applications where conversion is most realistic.
What happens if my OPT expires before H-1B sponsorship comes through?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you have a valid EAD, you're covered under cap-gap protection through September 30 of that year. If the H-1B isn't filed in time, you'd need to stop working. This makes timing critical: your employer should initiate the H-1B process well before your STEM OPT end date.
Does my Associate Scientist job need to match my degree field exactly?
Not exactly, but it needs to be directly related. USCIS and your DSO review whether the role is in a field closely connected to your degree. A chemistry graduate working in analytical method development has a clear connection. A biology graduate moving into clinical data coordination may need a stronger written justification from both employer and DSO to satisfy OPT requirements.
How do I find Associate Scientist roles that are open to OPT candidates?
Many job postings don't specify OPT explicitly, but STEM-heavy employers in biotech, pharma, and contract research are the most receptive. Migrate Mate is designed specifically for F-1 OPT job seekers and surfaces Associate Scientist roles from employers who actively consider international candidates, saving you from spending hours filtering out positions that won't sponsor.