Bioinformatics Jobs for OPT Students
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.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Bioinformatics and Scientific Affairs team. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in bioinformatics and data analysis, with hands-on experience working with multiomic and single-cell data. This role focuses on generating high-quality analyses that support scientific publications, conference presentations, and customer-facing enablement. The candidate will collaborate closely with internal scientific teams and external partners to advance our multiomics platform and drive impactful research outcomes. This role will report to the VP, Bioinformatics and Scientific Affairs and is a 1-year post-doc program with the possibility of conversion to a full-time employment at the end of the program. If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
- Design, execute, and interpret multiomic and single-cell data analyses to generate publication-quality scientific insights
- Develop and maintain bioinformatics pipelines and software tools to support platform development and customer enablement
- Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations, including manuscript preparation, figure generation, and data visualization
- Collaborate closely with wet-lab scientists, product teams, and external partners to design experiments and interpret results
- Apply statistical methods and exploratory data analysis to large multiomic datasets to identify biologically meaningful patterns
- Communicate scientific findings to internal stakeholders and external audiences through reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
- Stay current with advances in sequencing technologies, multiomics methods, and bioinformatics best practices
Education And Experience
- PhD degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, or a related field with 0-3 years of experience
- Demonstrated experience in bioinformatics data analysis, including RNA-seq, single-cell, and/or multiomic workflows
- Proficiency in working with multiomic and single-cell data (e.g., scRNA-seq, CITE-seq, spatial transcriptomics)
- Strong background in statistics and experimental design, including experience with differential expression and multi-group comparisons
- Proficiency in programming languages and tools such as Python, R, and Bash, with experience in relevant bioinformatics libraries (e.g., Seurat, Scanpy, DESeq2)
- Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS)
- Familiarity with standard bioinformatics tools, databases, and pipelines (e.g., STAR, GATK, CellRanger, cloud-based HPC environments such as AWS)
- Track record of scientific contribution, including peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations
- Experience with next-generation sequencing platforms and genomics workflows; familiarity with sequencing data QC and benchmarking is a plus
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Location:
- San Diego onsite (hybrid potential)
Travel
- Domestic travel up to 10%
Job Type
- Post-doc program (1 year contract)
Base Compensation Pay Range
- $95,000 - $110,000
In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off. Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Bioinformatics Scientist to join our Bioinformatics and Scientific Affairs team. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in bioinformatics and data analysis, with hands-on experience working with multiomic and single-cell data. This role focuses on generating high-quality analyses that support scientific publications, conference presentations, and customer-facing enablement. The candidate will collaborate closely with internal scientific teams and external partners to advance our multiomics platform and drive impactful research outcomes. This role will report to the VP, Bioinformatics and Scientific Affairs and is a 1-year post-doc program with the possibility of conversion to a full-time employment at the end of the program. If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
- Design, execute, and interpret multiomic and single-cell data analyses to generate publication-quality scientific insights
- Develop and maintain bioinformatics pipelines and software tools to support platform development and customer enablement
- Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations, including manuscript preparation, figure generation, and data visualization
- Collaborate closely with wet-lab scientists, product teams, and external partners to design experiments and interpret results
- Apply statistical methods and exploratory data analysis to large multiomic datasets to identify biologically meaningful patterns
- Communicate scientific findings to internal stakeholders and external audiences through reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
- Stay current with advances in sequencing technologies, multiomics methods, and bioinformatics best practices
Education And Experience
- PhD degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, or a related field with 0-3 years of experience
- Demonstrated experience in bioinformatics data analysis, including RNA-seq, single-cell, and/or multiomic workflows
- Proficiency in working with multiomic and single-cell data (e.g., scRNA-seq, CITE-seq, spatial transcriptomics)
- Strong background in statistics and experimental design, including experience with differential expression and multi-group comparisons
- Proficiency in programming languages and tools such as Python, R, and Bash, with experience in relevant bioinformatics libraries (e.g., Seurat, Scanpy, DESeq2)
- Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS)
- Familiarity with standard bioinformatics tools, databases, and pipelines (e.g., STAR, GATK, CellRanger, cloud-based HPC environments such as AWS)
- Track record of scientific contribution, including peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations
- Experience with next-generation sequencing platforms and genomics workflows; familiarity with sequencing data QC and benchmarking is a plus
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Location:
- San Diego onsite (hybrid potential)
Travel
- Domestic travel up to 10%
Job Type
- Post-doc program (1 year contract)
Base Compensation Pay Range
- $95,000 - $110,000
In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off. Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
How to Get Visa 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.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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