OPT Biologist Jobs
Biologist roles in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and government research agencies regularly hire F-1 OPT students, and many qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under SOC codes 19-1020 and 19-1029. Your 12-month OPT clock starts on your EAD start date, so targeting employers with active E-Verify enrollment is non-negotiable from day one.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!
Your Role: Research Scientist - Computational Biologist
As a Research Scientist on our Discovery Research team, you will be at the forefront of Elanco’s mission to deliver innovative biologics that improve animal health. You will leverage and develop state-of-the-art AI and structural modeling tools to predict, design, and optimize therapeutic antibodies and proteins. Partnering closely with our principal Computational Scientist and wet-lab teams, you will directly impact the speed and success of our pipeline, helping to create the next generation of animal health therapies. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow your skills in a rapidly evolving field while contributing to tangible, real-world outcomes.
Your Responsibilities:
- Utilize and develop AI-driven tools (e.g., AlphaFold, Rosetta) to predict and design high-resolution structures of antibodies and other proteins, directly supporting our therapeutic biologics pipeline.
- Apply generative AI and structural modeling techniques to design novel antibody and protein modalities from scratch, optimizing them for high-precision epitope targeting, affinity, and specificity.
- Proactively identify and engineer out potential liabilities (e.g., aggregation, immunogenicity) and train novel structure-based ML architectures to enhance the developability of our biologic candidates.
- Partner closely with wet-lab scientists to analyze experimental data, validate computational predictions, and rapidly iterate on designs to accelerate antibody selection and optimization.
- Stay current with the evolving AI landscape by evaluating new tools, maintaining thorough documentation, and effectively communicating complex findings to cross-functional teams.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Structural Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Experience: 0-3 years of post-graduate experience applying computational methods to biological problems.
- Top Skills: A strong foundation in structural bioinformatics and AI/ML modeling, with proficiency in a programming language like Python, and the communication skills to work effectively in a cross-functional scientific environment.
What will give you a strong edge (preferred qualifications):
- Experience with de novo protein design tools, such as diffusion models or physics-based approaches.
- A track record of applying computational tools to solve biological problems, evidenced by publications or significant project contributions.
- Familiarity with cloud computing environments (e.g., AWS, GCP) and MLOps principles.
- Experience in antibody or protein engineering and a foundational understanding of immunology.
- A proactive mindset with a passion for staying current with the rapidly evolving AI landscape and a motivation to test and evaluate new methodologies.
Additional Information:
- Travel: Minimal
- Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
- Multiple relocation packages
- Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
- 8-week parental leave
- 9 Employee Resource Groups
- Annual bonus offering
- Flexible work arrangements
- Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!
Your Role: Research Scientist - Computational Biologist
As a Research Scientist on our Discovery Research team, you will be at the forefront of Elanco’s mission to deliver innovative biologics that improve animal health. You will leverage and develop state-of-the-art AI and structural modeling tools to predict, design, and optimize therapeutic antibodies and proteins. Partnering closely with our principal Computational Scientist and wet-lab teams, you will directly impact the speed and success of our pipeline, helping to create the next generation of animal health therapies. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow your skills in a rapidly evolving field while contributing to tangible, real-world outcomes.
Your Responsibilities:
- Utilize and develop AI-driven tools (e.g., AlphaFold, Rosetta) to predict and design high-resolution structures of antibodies and other proteins, directly supporting our therapeutic biologics pipeline.
- Apply generative AI and structural modeling techniques to design novel antibody and protein modalities from scratch, optimizing them for high-precision epitope targeting, affinity, and specificity.
- Proactively identify and engineer out potential liabilities (e.g., aggregation, immunogenicity) and train novel structure-based ML architectures to enhance the developability of our biologic candidates.
- Partner closely with wet-lab scientists to analyze experimental data, validate computational predictions, and rapidly iterate on designs to accelerate antibody selection and optimization.
- Stay current with the evolving AI landscape by evaluating new tools, maintaining thorough documentation, and effectively communicating complex findings to cross-functional teams.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Structural Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Experience: 0-3 years of post-graduate experience applying computational methods to biological problems.
- Top Skills: A strong foundation in structural bioinformatics and AI/ML modeling, with proficiency in a programming language like Python, and the communication skills to work effectively in a cross-functional scientific environment.
What will give you a strong edge (preferred qualifications):
- Experience with de novo protein design tools, such as diffusion models or physics-based approaches.
- A track record of applying computational tools to solve biological problems, evidenced by publications or significant project contributions.
- Familiarity with cloud computing environments (e.g., AWS, GCP) and MLOps principles.
- Experience in antibody or protein engineering and a foundational understanding of immunology.
- A proactive mindset with a passion for staying current with the rapidly evolving AI landscape and a motivation to test and evaluate new methodologies.
Additional Information:
- Travel: Minimal
- Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
- Multiple relocation packages
- Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
- 8-week parental leave
- 9 Employee Resource Groups
- Annual bonus offering
- Flexible work arrangements
- Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
See all 47+ OPT Biologist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Biologist
Verify your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Check your job title against the STEM Designated Degree Program List using O*NET before accepting an offer. Biologist roles under SOC 19-1029 typically qualify, but job descriptions framed around general lab technician duties can disqualify you.
Target E-Verify enrolled research employers
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify on your extension start date. Filter your search to federal labs, NIH-funded universities, and biotech firms that already run Form I-9 verification through E-Verify.
Use OFLC Wage Search to validate offer salaries
Before signing an offer, look up the prevailing wage for your specific SOC code and work location using OFLC Wage Search. Employers sponsoring H-1B visa later must meet this threshold, and starting below it complicates future petitions.
Request your employer file the I-983 early
The I-983 training plan must be signed by both you and your employer before your DSO can recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS. Build at least two weeks into your timeline for internal HR approvals before your submission deadline.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days before expiration
USCIS allows you to apply up to 90 days before your OPT EAD expires. Filing early triggers an automatic 180-day cap-gap extension of work authorization, protecting you against USCIS processing backlogs common for biology-field petitions.
Use Migrate Mate to identify H-1B sponsoring employers
When your OPT window is closing, you need employers with active H-1B filing history in biological sciences. Use Migrate Mate to filter companies that have sponsored roles matching your SOC code, so you're not guessing at sponsorship willingness.
Biologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Biologist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Most Biologist positions qualify if your degree is in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related STEM field on the official Designated Degree Program List. The role must also fall under an eligible SOC code, typically 19-1020 or 19-1029. Your DSO confirms eligibility before recommending the extension in SEVIS, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
Can I work at a federal research agency like the NIH or USDA on OPT?
Yes, federal research agencies hire OPT students, but hiring timelines are often longer than private sector employers and some positions require security clearances that take months to process. Confirm that the specific agency office is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer, since STEM OPT extension requires verified employer enrollment on your extension start date.
What happens to my OPT if my biotech employer does a layoff or closes?
You have a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment to find a new qualifying position, transfer to a new visa status, or depart the U.S. Notify your DSO immediately when employment ends. Any days of unemployment count against your total allowable unemployment limit, which is 90 days on standard OPT and 150 days on STEM OPT.
How do I find Biologist employers that will sponsor an H-1B after my OPT ends?
Look for employers with a documented history of filing H-1B petitions for biological sciences roles rather than relying on promises made during the interview process. Migrate Mate surfaces employers with active H-1B sponsorship history filtered by role and SOC code, so you can prioritize companies that have already navigated the process for candidates in your field.
Does contract or per diem research work count as valid OPT employment?
Contract and per diem roles can qualify as valid OPT employment if the work is directly related to your degree field and meets USCIS requirements for authorized OPT work. However, employment through staffing agencies adds complexity to the I-983 training plan required for STEM OPT. Your DSO needs to confirm the arrangement is structured correctly before you begin.