OPT Bioinformatics Jobs
Bioinformatics roles sit at the intersection of biology, computer science, and data analysis, making them a strong fit for OPT work authorization. Most positions require a relevant degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related STEM field, which also qualifies you for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Find OPT Bioinformatics JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 34+ Bioinformatics jobs
See all 34+ Bioinformatics Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Bioinformatics roles.
Get Access To All JobsWork Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
How will you make an impact?
We are seeking to hire a highly motivated Bioinformatics Scientist with hands-on experience in knowledgebase management. The successful candidate will join a multi-functional team and help support the expansion and maintenance of an in-house biological knowledge database, with a focus on metabolic pathways, knowledge extraction, and structured knowledgebase development. The successful candidate will combine a strong cell biology foundation with bioinformatics and database skills and an understanding of upstream bioprocessing applications. Working in a collaborative environment, you'll contribute to innovative projects while supporting our mission of enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.
What will you do?
- Expand, curate, and maintain an in-house biological knowledge database focused on metabolic pathways, cellular processes, and related biological features.
- Extract, evaluate, and organize biological knowledge from approved scientific, technical, and internal sources into structured knowledge assets.
- Analyze biological data and computational outputs to ensure biological relevance, accuracy, and consistency within the knowledge base.
- Collaborate with scientists, bioinformatics, and digital technology teams to support knowledge extraction, pathway interpretation, and upstream bioprocessing applications.
Education
Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related biological science field. PhD is preferred but not required.
Experience
- At least three (3) years of related experience
- Strong background in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related life science discipline, with an understanding of cellular metabolism and biological pathways.
- Experience working with biological databases, bioinformatics tools, biological data analysis, or scientific data management.
- Knowledge of upstream bioprocessing, including cell culture, fermentation, process development, media optimization, or biologics manufacturing workflows.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Hands-on experience with Python or other scripting languages for biological data processing, workflow automation, or data analysis.
- Experience with knowledge extraction, text mining, NLP, knowledge graphs, ontology-based data models, or biological network analysis.
- Present data for review, group discussions, and team meetings.
- Multi-task effectively and prioritize multiple projects with guidance.
- Proven track record that could work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a cross-functional and interdisciplinary team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with metabolic pathway analysis and pathway resources such as KEGG, Reactome, MetaCyc, WikiPathways, UniProt, or Gene Ontology.
- Experience evaluating outputs from computational algorithms, machine learning models, knowledge graph systems, RAG, or LLM-based workflows.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in New York is $87,200.00–$116,200.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
How will you make an impact?
We are seeking to hire a highly motivated Bioinformatics Scientist with hands-on experience in knowledgebase management. The successful candidate will join a multi-functional team and help support the expansion and maintenance of an in-house biological knowledge database, with a focus on metabolic pathways, knowledge extraction, and structured knowledgebase development. The successful candidate will combine a strong cell biology foundation with bioinformatics and database skills and an understanding of upstream bioprocessing applications. Working in a collaborative environment, you'll contribute to innovative projects while supporting our mission of enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.
What will you do?
- Expand, curate, and maintain an in-house biological knowledge database focused on metabolic pathways, cellular processes, and related biological features.
- Extract, evaluate, and organize biological knowledge from approved scientific, technical, and internal sources into structured knowledge assets.
- Analyze biological data and computational outputs to ensure biological relevance, accuracy, and consistency within the knowledge base.
- Collaborate with scientists, bioinformatics, and digital technology teams to support knowledge extraction, pathway interpretation, and upstream bioprocessing applications.
Education
Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related biological science field. PhD is preferred but not required.
Experience
- At least three (3) years of related experience
- Strong background in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related life science discipline, with an understanding of cellular metabolism and biological pathways.
- Experience working with biological databases, bioinformatics tools, biological data analysis, or scientific data management.
- Knowledge of upstream bioprocessing, including cell culture, fermentation, process development, media optimization, or biologics manufacturing workflows.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Hands-on experience with Python or other scripting languages for biological data processing, workflow automation, or data analysis.
- Experience with knowledge extraction, text mining, NLP, knowledge graphs, ontology-based data models, or biological network analysis.
- Present data for review, group discussions, and team meetings.
- Multi-task effectively and prioritize multiple projects with guidance.
- Proven track record that could work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a cross-functional and interdisciplinary team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with metabolic pathway analysis and pathway resources such as KEGG, Reactome, MetaCyc, WikiPathways, UniProt, or Gene Ontology.
- Experience evaluating outputs from computational algorithms, machine learning models, knowledge graph systems, RAG, or LLM-based workflows.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in New York is $87,200.00–$116,200.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
See all 34+ OPT Bioinformatics Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Bioinformatics Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Bioinformatics
Target STEM-designated programs
Your bioinformatics degree likely qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before job searching, so you can accurately communicate your full authorization window to employers.
Lead with your technical stack
Hiring managers in bioinformatics screen for tools like Python, R, Nextflow, and cloud platforms. Listing these prominently on your resume signals immediate productivity and reduces hesitation around OPT authorization timelines.
Focus on research-driven employers
Pharmaceutical companies, genomics firms, and academic medical centers file OPT and H-1B visa paperwork regularly. These organizations have established immigration processes, making them far more receptive to candidates on work authorization.
Quantify your research contributions
Employers respond to measurable impact. Frame your work around datasets processed, pipeline runtime improvements, or publications contributed to. Concrete outcomes shift the conversation away from visa status toward your value.
Apply before your OPT start date
Bioinformatics hiring processes at research institutions can run eight to twelve weeks. Starting your search three to four months before graduation gives you enough runway to have an offer in hand before OPT begins.
Clarify E-Verify requirements early
STEM OPT extension employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Before investing time in an application, confirm the company meets this requirement, especially at smaller biotech startups where compliance processes are less established.
Bioinformatics OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do bioinformatics jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do. Bioinformatics, computational biology, and biostatistics degrees are commonly classified under STEM CIP codes that qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your specific eligibility depends on your program's CIP code, not just the degree title, so verify with your DSO before assuming you qualify.
How do I find bioinformatics employers willing to sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship, which saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering authorization issues late in the process. Pharmaceutical companies, genomics research labs, and large hospital systems are the most consistent sources of OPT-friendly bioinformatics roles.
Can I work as a bioinformatics contractor or freelancer on OPT?
Self-employment is technically permitted on OPT if you own at least 50 percent of the business and the work is directly related to your degree. However, contract work for a single client without that structure may not qualify. STEM OPT extension specifically prohibits self-employment, so consult your DSO before pursuing contract arrangements.
What happens to my OPT if my bioinformatics job is remote for an employer based outside the U.S.?
OPT requires that the job be with a US-based employer. Working remotely for a company incorporated and operating outside the United States does not satisfy OPT employment requirements, even if you are physically located in the U.S.. The employer must have a legitimate U.S. presence and the work must be in your field of study.
Does part-time bioinformatics work count toward OPT employment requirements?
Yes, but with conditions. During pre-completion OPT you are limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. During post-completion OPT you must work at least 20 hours per week to remain in valid status. Part-time bioinformatics roles at research institutions or biotech companies can satisfy this threshold.