Biology Jobs for OPT Students
Biology OPT jobs span research, biotech, clinical labs, and environmental science, giving F-1 students broad options during their 12-month standard OPT window. STEM-designated biology programs qualify graduates for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided the employer enrolls in E-Verify and submits a formal training plan.
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Columbia University's Pre-College Programs offer high-achieving high school students the opportunity to engage in exploratory coursework at the college level, studying alongside peers from around the world. This highly selective program is open to students entering grades 9 and through the summer following their senior year.
Job Description
Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for high school students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus courses during Summer ’26.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Pre-College Programs, Pre-College instructors develop and deliver immersive non-credit courses for high-achieving high school students. They guide and supervise students when classes are in session, and write a holistic evaluation of each course participant after classes conclude.
For more information on the program–including course sessions and times–please see here.
Course Description
The field of biology has expanded rapidly over the past fifty years. New discoveries are happening almost every day. In this course we explore the basic elements of molecular biology, genetics, and evolution and how these sciences affect modern medicine, agriculture, and ecology.
The course begins with a full description of the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Students then apply this information to a wide range of topics such as modern biological research techniques, data interpretation, genetic engineering, immunology, cancer, and virology. The course also includes mini-units on bioethics and the biology of global warming, and we connect modern biology to fields such as anthropology, history, and economics. A variety of group activities, online labs, and videos supplement the student experience.
Please note, this course does not include a wet lab component.
Approximately a third of the material covered in this course will already be familiar to students who have taken AP Biology.
Course Schedule(s)
Session A: June 29 - July 17 -- 11:10am - 1:00pm & 3:10 - 5:00pm
Session B: July 21 - August 7 -- 9:10 - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm
Session C: August 3 - August 7 -- 9:10 - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm
Please note: Course(s) and course availability are subject to change. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET). Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change.
Responsibilities:
- Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work, in accordance with Pre-College templates and regulations
- Lead and attend all class sessions, including escorting students to and from campus for field trips
- Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population
- Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends
- Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (typical class size is 20-24 students)
- Attend and complete all required online trainings
Qualifications
- Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
- Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
- Aptitude for teaching
Additional Information
Hiring Salary Ranges:
- Session A & B (Campus, 3 Week): $7,000 - $9,000
- Session C (Campus, 1 Week): $3,000 - $3,500
Please specify which session(s) you would be interested in teaching in the Message to Hiring Manager field.
- Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)
- Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching
- Columbia Affiliates: There may be restrictions when hiring individuals who hold a concurrent appointment at Columbia University during the Summer term. Generally, PhD students and Officers of Research are not eligible. Please check with us during the hiring process regarding your eligibility. Please note, Pre-College courses do not count towards the maximum course loads for adjuncts.
- Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Company Description
Columbia University's Pre-College Programs offer high-achieving high school students the opportunity to engage in exploratory coursework at the college level, studying alongside peers from around the world. This highly selective program is open to students entering grades 9 and through the summer following their senior year.
Job Description
Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for high school students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus courses during Summer ’26.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Pre-College Programs, Pre-College instructors develop and deliver immersive non-credit courses for high-achieving high school students. They guide and supervise students when classes are in session, and write a holistic evaluation of each course participant after classes conclude.
For more information on the program–including course sessions and times–please see here.
Course Description
The field of biology has expanded rapidly over the past fifty years. New discoveries are happening almost every day. In this course we explore the basic elements of molecular biology, genetics, and evolution and how these sciences affect modern medicine, agriculture, and ecology.
The course begins with a full description of the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Students then apply this information to a wide range of topics such as modern biological research techniques, data interpretation, genetic engineering, immunology, cancer, and virology. The course also includes mini-units on bioethics and the biology of global warming, and we connect modern biology to fields such as anthropology, history, and economics. A variety of group activities, online labs, and videos supplement the student experience.
Please note, this course does not include a wet lab component.
Approximately a third of the material covered in this course will already be familiar to students who have taken AP Biology.
Course Schedule(s)
Session A: June 29 - July 17 -- 11:10am - 1:00pm & 3:10 - 5:00pm
Session B: July 21 - August 7 -- 9:10 - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm
Session C: August 3 - August 7 -- 9:10 - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm
Please note: Course(s) and course availability are subject to change. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET). Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change.
Responsibilities:
- Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work, in accordance with Pre-College templates and regulations
- Lead and attend all class sessions, including escorting students to and from campus for field trips
- Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population
- Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends
- Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (typical class size is 20-24 students)
- Attend and complete all required online trainings
Qualifications
- Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
- Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
- Aptitude for teaching
Additional Information
Hiring Salary Ranges:
- Session A & B (Campus, 3 Week): $7,000 - $9,000
- Session C (Campus, 1 Week): $3,000 - $3,500
Please specify which session(s) you would be interested in teaching in the Message to Hiring Manager field.
- Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)
- Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching
- Columbia Affiliates: There may be restrictions when hiring individuals who hold a concurrent appointment at Columbia University during the Summer term. Generally, PhD students and Officers of Research are not eligible. Please check with us during the hiring process regarding your eligibility. Please note, Pre-College courses do not count towards the maximum course loads for adjuncts.
- Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Biology
Confirm your program's STEM eligibility before applying
Not every biology degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Check that your CIP code falls under an approved STEM designation with your DSO before targeting roles that assume a longer authorization window.
Prioritize employers enrolled in E-Verify
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to participate in E-Verify. Research company hiring pages or HR departments in advance to confirm enrollment, since many smaller biotech firms and independent labs are not yet registered.
Align your job title to your degree on your resume
OPT requires employment directly related to your field of study. Frame your resume so the connection between your biology coursework and the target role is explicit, reducing any ambiguity during employer screening or DSO review.
Apply to research universities, hospitals, and federal agencies early
Academic medical centers, NIH-affiliated labs, and government agencies like the EPA and CDC regularly hire OPT students for research roles. These institutions are experienced with work authorization timelines and often have structured onboarding processes.
Use Migrate Mate to find biology roles that explicitly sponsor OPT
Generic job boards rarely filter for OPT-friendly employers. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 students, surfacing biology roles at companies already open to candidates who need work authorization support and STEM extension accommodation.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do biology jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your specific degree's CIP code rather than the job title itself. Biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and related fields are commonly STEM-designated. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and agree to submit a formal training plan for the extension to be approved.
Can I work in a clinical lab or hospital setting on OPT?
Yes, provided the role is directly related to your biology degree. Clinical research assistant, laboratory technician, and research coordinator positions at hospitals and diagnostic labs are common OPT placements. Roles requiring a clinical license you don't yet hold may restrict your scope of work, so clarify the job description with the employer before accepting an offer.
How do I find biology employers who are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 students and surfaces biology roles at employers already open to OPT candidates. Larger biotech firms, research universities, and federal contractors tend to have established processes for OPT hiring. When applying elsewhere, look for postings that mention E-Verify enrollment or explicitly state they consider candidates requiring work authorization.
What happens to my OPT status if my biology job ends unexpectedly?
You're allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT, or 150 combined days across standard and STEM extension periods. Report the job loss to your DSO immediately and document your active job search. Exceeding the unemployment limit puts your status at risk, so it's important to begin the search for a new position without delay.
Can I work for a startup or small biotech company on OPT?
Yes, OPT permits employment at small companies, including startups, as long as the work is related to your degree and you're classified as a paid employee rather than an independent contractor in most cases. For STEM OPT extension eligibility, the company must be enrolled in E-Verify, which some early-stage startups haven't completed, so verify enrollment with their HR team before accepting an offer.
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