OPT Biology Jobs
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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Get Access To All JobsScientist – Cell Biology / Immunology (CAR-T Research)
Location: Santa Monica, CA (Onsite, 5 days/week)
Overview: Support preclinical CAR-T and solid tumor research within a fast-paced translational R&D environment, contributing to Pre-IND/IND stage programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Culture, QC, and banking of solid tumor cell lines
- Engineer, culture, and assess CAR-T cell function in vitro
- Perform assays: ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry, Luminex/MSD, ELISA, and cell-based immunoassays
- Design and execute hypothesis-driven experiments; analyze and interpret data
- Maintain accurate lab documentation (Benchling experience a plus)
- Translate experimental data into actionable research insights
- Collaborate cross-functionally across multiple research teams
- Support IND-enabling and time-sensitive development studies
- Communicate findings via written reports and presentations
Basic Qualifications:
- Master’s + 2 years experience
- OR
- Bachelor’s + 4 years experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- BS 6+ years or MS 3+ years in Cell Biology / Immunology
- Hands-on CAR-T or ex vivo T cell work preferred
- Experience with primary T cell isolation, cytotoxicity & proliferation assays
- Flow cytometry expertise (FlowJo, FACSDiva, GraphPad Prism, Excel)
- Experience with SCLC or solid tumor cell lines
- Strong experimental design, data analysis, and presentation skills
- Familiarity with CAR-T manufacturing processes preferred
- Strong collaboration, adaptability, and communication skills
Work Environment:
Onsite, team-based translational research setting focused on innovation and IND-stage development
Scientist – Cell Biology / Immunology (CAR-T Research)
Location: Santa Monica, CA (Onsite, 5 days/week)
Overview: Support preclinical CAR-T and solid tumor research within a fast-paced translational R&D environment, contributing to Pre-IND/IND stage programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Culture, QC, and banking of solid tumor cell lines
- Engineer, culture, and assess CAR-T cell function in vitro
- Perform assays: ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry, Luminex/MSD, ELISA, and cell-based immunoassays
- Design and execute hypothesis-driven experiments; analyze and interpret data
- Maintain accurate lab documentation (Benchling experience a plus)
- Translate experimental data into actionable research insights
- Collaborate cross-functionally across multiple research teams
- Support IND-enabling and time-sensitive development studies
- Communicate findings via written reports and presentations
Basic Qualifications:
- Master’s + 2 years experience
- OR
- Bachelor’s + 4 years experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- BS 6+ years or MS 3+ years in Cell Biology / Immunology
- Hands-on CAR-T or ex vivo T cell work preferred
- Experience with primary T cell isolation, cytotoxicity & proliferation assays
- Flow cytometry expertise (FlowJo, FACSDiva, GraphPad Prism, Excel)
- Experience with SCLC or solid tumor cell lines
- Strong experimental design, data analysis, and presentation skills
- Familiarity with CAR-T manufacturing processes preferred
- Strong collaboration, adaptability, and communication skills
Work Environment:
Onsite, team-based translational research setting focused on innovation and IND-stage development
See all 314+ OPT Biology Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Biology Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Understand the 90-day unemployment limit during standard OPT
USCIS allows a maximum of 90 unemployed days during standard OPT, and 150 days combined across standard and STEM extension. Track your gap days carefully and notify your DSO if a position falls through to stay compliant.
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.
Biology OPT: Frequently 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.