OPT Biomedical Jobs
Biomedical OPT jobs span medical device companies, research labs, pharmaceutical firms, and hospital systems. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers typically need to file an E-Verify certification, and roles must directly apply your biomedical engineering or science degree.
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Get Access To All JobsPostdoctoral/Predoctoral Positions in Biomedical Research (Vascular Biology, Immunology, and Regenerative Medicine)
Position Overview
The Zhou Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is seeking both postdoctoral and predoctoral fellows (PhD students). We are looking for candidates eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine. Our lab is well-supported by multiple NIH R01 grants and institutional funding, providing an excellent environment for innovative and impactful science.
Research Focus
Our research centers on the lung vascular niche—a complex microenvironment composed of endothelial cells (ECs), perivascular cells, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigate how these components interact to regulate lung injury, repair, and regeneration. A major goal of our work is to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatment strategies for severe inflammatory lung diseases such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)—a critical condition associated with severe COVID-19, sepsis, and pneumonia—and other life-threatening illnesses that currently lack effective therapies.
About the University and Department
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a premier urban public research institution with a Carnegie R1 classification, reflecting its very high research activity. Located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, just minutes from downtown, the lakefront, and Grant Park, UIC offers a dynamic academic and cultural environment.
The UIC College of Medicine, the largest medical school in the United States, houses the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine. For the past two decades, our department has consistently ranked among the top 10 pharmacology departments nationwide in NIH funding. Faculty in the department are leaders in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, cell signaling, vascular biology, lung biology, inflammation signaling, and thrombosis & platelet signaling, with frequent publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Immunology, Nature Communications, PNAS, Immunity, and Cell Stem Cell.
The department leads the NIH T32 Training Program in Lung Biology and Pathobiology and participates in six additional university training grants, fostering a highly collaborative environment with abundant training and funding opportunities. Predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows routinely secure competitive individual awards from organizations including the NIH, American Heart Association, Chicago Biomedical Consortium, and Parker B. Francis Foundation. Our trainees commonly move on to faculty positions or research-intensive roles in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow(s) will:
- Design and execute experiments aligned with the Zhou Lab’s research program in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant applications.
- Work collaboratively with other lab members and departmental colleagues in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Qualifications
For Postdoctoral Fellow:
- Education: Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, physiology, or related disciplines).
- Track Record: At least one first-author research article in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
- Soft Skills: Strong motivation, scientific rigor, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
For Predoctoral Fellow (PhD Student/Research Assistant):
- Context: This position is offered as a transitioning role for candidates who wish to pursue a PhD degree at UIC in Biomedical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering (BME).
- Education: M.S. in a relevant field (e.g., Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, or related disciplines) with a strong academic record, including a high GPA and co-author publications.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
- Commitment: Must be able to commit to the position for at least one year, with workdays focused on laboratory research.
- Priority: Preference will be given to candidates intending to pursue a PhD degree within the Zhou Laboratory.
Application Process
Interested candidates should email their CV to bisheng@uic.edu. A brief research statement and contact information for three referees will be requested as needed.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Postdoctoral/Predoctoral Positions in Biomedical Research (Vascular Biology, Immunology, and Regenerative Medicine)
Position Overview
The Zhou Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is seeking both postdoctoral and predoctoral fellows (PhD students). We are looking for candidates eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine. Our lab is well-supported by multiple NIH R01 grants and institutional funding, providing an excellent environment for innovative and impactful science.
Research Focus
Our research centers on the lung vascular niche—a complex microenvironment composed of endothelial cells (ECs), perivascular cells, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigate how these components interact to regulate lung injury, repair, and regeneration. A major goal of our work is to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatment strategies for severe inflammatory lung diseases such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)—a critical condition associated with severe COVID-19, sepsis, and pneumonia—and other life-threatening illnesses that currently lack effective therapies.
About the University and Department
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a premier urban public research institution with a Carnegie R1 classification, reflecting its very high research activity. Located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, just minutes from downtown, the lakefront, and Grant Park, UIC offers a dynamic academic and cultural environment.
The UIC College of Medicine, the largest medical school in the United States, houses the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine. For the past two decades, our department has consistently ranked among the top 10 pharmacology departments nationwide in NIH funding. Faculty in the department are leaders in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, cell signaling, vascular biology, lung biology, inflammation signaling, and thrombosis & platelet signaling, with frequent publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Immunology, Nature Communications, PNAS, Immunity, and Cell Stem Cell.
The department leads the NIH T32 Training Program in Lung Biology and Pathobiology and participates in six additional university training grants, fostering a highly collaborative environment with abundant training and funding opportunities. Predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows routinely secure competitive individual awards from organizations including the NIH, American Heart Association, Chicago Biomedical Consortium, and Parker B. Francis Foundation. Our trainees commonly move on to faculty positions or research-intensive roles in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow(s) will:
- Design and execute experiments aligned with the Zhou Lab’s research program in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant applications.
- Work collaboratively with other lab members and departmental colleagues in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Qualifications
For Postdoctoral Fellow:
- Education: Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, physiology, or related disciplines).
- Track Record: At least one first-author research article in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
- Soft Skills: Strong motivation, scientific rigor, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
For Predoctoral Fellow (PhD Student/Research Assistant):
- Context: This position is offered as a transitioning role for candidates who wish to pursue a PhD degree at UIC in Biomedical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering (BME).
- Education: M.S. in a relevant field (e.g., Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, or related disciplines) with a strong academic record, including a high GPA and co-author publications.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
- Commitment: Must be able to commit to the position for at least one year, with workdays focused on laboratory research.
- Priority: Preference will be given to candidates intending to pursue a PhD degree within the Zhou Laboratory.
Application Process
Interested candidates should email their CV to bisheng@uic.edu. A brief research statement and contact information for three referees will be requested as needed.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Biomedical
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM OPT
Biomedical roles must align with your degree's CIP code to qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Check with your DSO before accepting an offer. Titles like biomedical engineer, clinical research associate, and regulatory affairs specialist typically qualify.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers first
Only employers enrolled in E-Verify can sponsor STEM OPT extensions. Medical device companies, CROs, and large hospital networks are usually enrolled. Confirm enrollment before investing time in applications. A promising role at an unenrolled employer cannot support your extension.
Apply to regulated industries with higher sponsorship rates
FDA-regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices have strong demand for biomedical talent and established visa processes. Companies like Medtronic, Abbott, and Boston Scientific regularly hire OPT candidates and have HR teams familiar with work authorization requirements.
Highlight regulatory and technical skills employers value
Proficiency in FDA 510(k) submissions, ISO 13485, GMP compliance, or biocompatibility testing signals immediate value. These specialized competencies reduce employer hesitation around OPT timelines because they address skill gaps that are genuinely hard to fill with other candidates.
File your STEM OPT extension application 90 days early
USCIS recommends filing at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Delays are common and a gap in authorization means you must stop working. Your DSO must issue an updated I-20 before you can file, so start that conversation at least 120 days out.
Use your university's biomedical alumni network strategically
Biomedical engineering programs often have strong industry alumni networks at device and pharma companies. A referral from a former student carries real weight and can route your application past automated screening. Prioritize outreach to alumni at companies already known to hire OPT candidates.
Biomedical OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do biomedical jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most biomedical roles do qualify, but it depends on whether your degree's CIP code is on the official STEM designated degree list and whether your job duties are directly related to that field of study. Biomedical engineering (CIP 14.0501) is on the list. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific degree and job combination qualifies before you accept an offer.
How do I find biomedical employers who are already comfortable hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most efficient way to find biomedical OPT jobs with employers who actively sponsor work authorization. Beyond job boards, large medical device and pharmaceutical companies like Stryker, Becton Dickinson, and Thermo Fisher have established OPT hiring pipelines and dedicated immigration support teams, making them lower-friction targets than smaller startups.
Can I work in a hospital or clinical setting on OPT as a biomedical engineer?
Yes. Hospitals frequently employ biomedical engineers in clinical engineering and medical equipment management roles. These positions typically qualify for STEM OPT as long as the work directly uses your degree. Confirm the hospital is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer, as not all healthcare employers are enrolled, particularly smaller or regional systems.
What happens to my OPT if my biomedical employer is acquired or merges with another company?
Your OPT authorization is tied to you, not your employer, so a merger or acquisition does not automatically invalidate your work authorization. However, if your STEM OPT extension is active, you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and confirm the successor entity is still E-Verify enrolled. If enrollment lapses, your STEM extension is at risk.
Do research-focused biomedical roles at universities or nonprofits count for OPT?
Yes, postdoctoral research positions, lab associate roles, and research engineer positions at universities and nonprofit research institutes all count toward OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree. These employers are usually E-Verify enrolled and are often more familiar with international student work authorization than private sector employers of similar size.