OPT Biostatistician Jobs
Biostatistician roles are strong OPT fits because they require a specific graduate degree in statistics, biostatistics, or a related field, making H-1B visa sponsorship straightforward to justify. Most positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience while pursuing long-term sponsorship.
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The Position
Biostatistician (Translational and Exploratory Biostatistics), On Site
This role is within Biostatistics, a core function within Product Development Data Science and Analytics (PDD) that provides strategic leadership and scientific rigor across Development at Roche. Biostatistics identifies opportunities to apply the full breadth of data, digital, and design capabilities to deploy innovative methods across PDD, PD and the broader Roche Pharma organization.
As trusted analytical partners in end-to-end drug development, Biostatistics leverages data to drive scientifically rigorous programmatic decisions across Roche’s Development portfolio; Biostatistics designs robust trials and analysis plans that increase the probability of technical success, accelerating timelines to advance Roche’s clinical pipeline and promote regulatory success — ultimately bringing medicines to our patients faster.
This position is based in South San Francisco, on site.
The Opportunity
The Biostatistician will work across diverse therapeutic areas including Ophthalmology, Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM), and Immunology portfolios, contributing to projects at the intersection of statistics, data science, and clinical development. In this dynamic role, you will balance support for core clinical trial operations with translational research. You will assist in providing statistical input and hands-on execution for both traditional studies and complex exploratory initiatives, utilizing multimodal data – including biomarkers, imaging, and digital health measurements – to advance high-value work and inform molecule-level development decisions.
As a statistical partner within cross-functional teams, you will help ensure scientific rigor and analytical excellence. You will support the analysis of diverse and complex datasets, apply established methodologies, and help build the evidence required to support strategic decision-making and global regulatory submissions.
Your Responsibilities
- You contribute to the statistical execution and analytical strategy for a diverse portfolio of work, ranging from clinical study deliverables to translational and exploratory initiatives under guidance, ensuring scientific integrity across all deliverables.
- You perform or support hands-on analysis of multimodal data, researching and applying statistical methodologies and predictive modeling to address clinical challenges, escalating issues when needed.
- You support statistical execution for traditional clinical trials under guidance, which includes assisting with study design, protocol development, drafting Statistical Analysis Plans (SAPs), and supporting Clinical Study Reports (CSRs) for regulatory submissions.
- You participate as a statistical team member on cross-functional teams, helping to translate complex data into clear communications and actionable insights with support from senior colleagues.
- You represent Biostatistics and PDD on cross-functional project teams, ensuring the statistical rigor of study deliverables under guidance.
- You maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest developments within the fields of statistics, machine learning, and data science to ensure the application of appropriate analytical approaches.
- You apply judgment to address moderately complex statistical or data issues, balancing scientific rigor with appropriate flexibility, and seek guidance when facing novel or ambiguous situations.
- You adhere to functional standards by participating in peer review and mentoring relationships to uphold quality and build methodological expertise.
Who You Are (Required)
- You hold a PhD or MSc in Statistics, Biostatistics, Machine Learning, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
- You have 0-2 years of relevant experience in clinical trial statistics or applied data science within a pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO setting.
- You possess an understanding of statistical principles and methodology relevant to the analysis of multimodal data to drive data-informed decision-making.
- You are proficient in programming using R, Python, and/or SAS to solve analytical problems.
- You demonstrate capacity for independent thinking and the ability to make decisions based upon sound principles.
- You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to summarize findings clearly and explain technical concepts to diverse stakeholders with support from senior colleagues.
- You thrive in a global environment, demonstrating respect for cultural differences and the ability to work effectively within a matrixed team structure.
Preferred
- Experience in at least one specialized data domain: biomarkers, imaging, or digital health measurements.
- Experience or academic background in translational and exploratory analyses.
- Familiarity or academic knowledge of operating as a study-level statistician, including regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH), CDISC standards, and standard clinical trial deliverables.
- Knowledge of multiple drug development phases (early and late stage), clinical trial design, and an understanding of the broader pharmaceutical industry context.
- Experience working in cross-functional or scientific project teams.
Relocation benefits are not available for this posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is 120,800.00 - 224,400.00 USD Annual. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Biostatistician
Target employers with established OPT hiring pipelines
Pharmaceutical companies, academic medical centers, and federal agencies like the NIH and CDC regularly hire biostatisticians on OPT. These organizations have immigration counsel on retainer and understand the authorization timeline, making them far less likely to hesitate on sponsorship.
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension early
Biostatistician positions almost universally qualify for the 24-month STEM extension under CIP code 27.0501. Verify this with your DSO before accepting an offer so your employer knows you have three years of authorized work, not one.
Emphasize your specific degree field during interviews
Biostatistician is a specialty occupation requiring a degree in biostatistics, statistics, or a closely related field. Naming your exact degree and its alignment with the role removes a key objection employers raise when weighing whether to sponsor an H-1B visa petition.
Raise sponsorship after demonstrating technical fit, not before
Bring up OPT and future H-1B sponsorship after you've established that your statistical methods, software proficiency, and domain knowledge match the role. Employers sponsor candidates they've already mentally hired, not candidates who lead with visa questions.
Understand your OPT reporting obligations to reassure employers
OPT requires you to report any employer change, job title change, or unemployment exceeding 90 days to your DSO. Walking an employer through these rules confidently signals that you'll stay compliant, which reduces their perceived risk of hiring you.
Use E-Verify enrollment as a sponsorship signal
STEM OPT extension employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Before applying, confirm a company participates. E-Verify enrollment also correlates strongly with broader sponsorship willingness, making it a reliable proxy when researching whether a biostatistics team hires internationally.
Biostatistician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a biostatistician role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in nearly all cases. Biostatistician positions align with CIP code 27.0501 (Statistics, General) and related codes, which appear on the official STEM Designated Degree Program list. As long as your degree field matches and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you can apply for the extension through your DSO before your initial 12-month OPT expires.
What degree fields support a biostatistician OPT position?
Degrees in biostatistics, statistics, mathematics, or epidemiology with a strong quantitative focus are the most accepted. Some employers will also consider degrees in public health or data science if your coursework included graduate-level statistical theory and methods. Your degree field needs to directly support the role to satisfy both OPT reporting requirements and eventual H-1B specialty occupation criteria.
How do I find biostatistician employers willing to sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate lists biostatistician jobs from employers with documented sponsorship histories, so you're not guessing which companies will support your immigration status. Pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and academic health systems are the most active sponsors in this field. Filtering by STEM OPT eligibility on Migrate Mate helps you focus on roles where the employer infrastructure for sponsorship is already in place.
Can I work as a biostatistician for a university or research institution on OPT?
Yes, and academic medical centers are among the most OPT-friendly employers for biostatisticians. Universities and affiliated research institutions regularly hire international graduates, often have dedicated international scholar offices, and frequently sponsor H-1B cap-exempt petitions, which bypass the annual lottery entirely. Cap-exempt sponsorship is a significant advantage worth asking about during the offer stage.
What happens if I'm between biostatistician contracts or projects during my OPT period?
OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during the initial 12-month period, and an additional 60 days if you're approved for the STEM extension. Any gap must be reported to your DSO promptly. If your position is project-based or grant-funded, confirm with your employer before starting that the contract duration covers at least enough time to file an H-1B petition if needed.