OPT Biotech Jobs
Biotech OPT jobs span drug discovery, clinical research, biomanufacturing, and regulatory affairs, making them a strong fit for STEM OPT students who can access a 24-month extension. Many biotech employers are experienced H-1B visa sponsors, which matters when your OPT clock is running.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.
Corteva Agriscience™ is seeking a highly motivated individual who is comfortable working in a hands-on lab environment to join the Media Preparation Lab as a Biotech Lab Operations ECLS Specialist, a specialized unit within the Expert Central Lab Services (ECLS) team. This hands-on role is essential to supporting crop transformation and R&D programs through the preparation of high-quality culture media in a dynamic lab setting. While this position is focused in the media lab, it is part of the broader ECLS team that supports lab operations across campus. The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative, service-oriented environment that values safety, precision, and reliability.
ABOUT THE TEAM
As part of the Expert Central Lab Services (ECLS) team, you’ll be joining the backbone of research operations across the Johnston campus. ECLS provides:
- Complete media production for both research and production needs
- Precision calibration of pipettes, scales, laminar flow hoods, and biological safety cabinets
- Sterile glassware services ensuring clean, ready-to-use labware
- Comprehensive autoclave and boiler operations, from small units to large bulk DECON autoclaves
- Compliant waste handling, including hazardous and PPQ waste
- Expert-level support that touches every research project with reliability, safety, and efficiency
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Media Preparation & Collaboration:
- Prepare and formulate culture media using detailed specifications and the media management system.
- Collaborate with researchers to develop and refine media recipes.
- Communicate with internal teams to ensure media quality and delivery expectations.
Compliance & Safety:
- Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, including Corteva Agriscience Management System (CAMS).
- Follow aseptic techniques and lab safety practices.
- Manage chemical inventory and ensure proper handling of hazardous materials.
Lab Operations & Equipment:
- Maintain and clean lab equipment used in media preparation.
- Perform basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Multitask efficiently in a fast-paced lab environment.
Physical Requirements:
- Stand for extended periods.
- Lift and carry 20–45 lbs. regularly.
- Perform repetitive hand and arm movements with ergonomic awareness.
WHAT SKILLS YOU NEED:
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, biology or related field—or equivalent experience.
- Strong foundation in chemistry, math, and biology.
- Experience in media preparation or production labs preferred (training provided).
- Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.
BENEFITS – HOW WE’LL SUPPORT YOU:
- Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills.
- Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place.
- Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment.
- Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays.
- Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father.
- Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program.
Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.
Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.
INTRODUCTION
At Corteva Agriscience, you will help us grow what’s next. No matter your role, you will be part of a team that is building the future of agriculture – leading breakthroughs in the innovation and application of science and technology that will better the lives of people all over the world and fuel the progress of humankind.
Corteva Agriscience™ is seeking a highly motivated individual who is comfortable working in a hands-on lab environment to join the Media Preparation Lab as a Biotech Lab Operations ECLS Specialist, a specialized unit within the Expert Central Lab Services (ECLS) team. This hands-on role is essential to supporting crop transformation and R&D programs through the preparation of high-quality culture media in a dynamic lab setting. While this position is focused in the media lab, it is part of the broader ECLS team that supports lab operations across campus. The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative, service-oriented environment that values safety, precision, and reliability.
ABOUT THE TEAM
As part of the Expert Central Lab Services (ECLS) team, you’ll be joining the backbone of research operations across the Johnston campus. ECLS provides:
- Complete media production for both research and production needs
- Precision calibration of pipettes, scales, laminar flow hoods, and biological safety cabinets
- Sterile glassware services ensuring clean, ready-to-use labware
- Comprehensive autoclave and boiler operations, from small units to large bulk DECON autoclaves
- Compliant waste handling, including hazardous and PPQ waste
- Expert-level support that touches every research project with reliability, safety, and efficiency
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Media Preparation & Collaboration:
- Prepare and formulate culture media using detailed specifications and the media management system.
- Collaborate with researchers to develop and refine media recipes.
- Communicate with internal teams to ensure media quality and delivery expectations.
Compliance & Safety:
- Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, including Corteva Agriscience Management System (CAMS).
- Follow aseptic techniques and lab safety practices.
- Manage chemical inventory and ensure proper handling of hazardous materials.
Lab Operations & Equipment:
- Maintain and clean lab equipment used in media preparation.
- Perform basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Multitask efficiently in a fast-paced lab environment.
Physical Requirements:
- Stand for extended periods.
- Lift and carry 20–45 lbs. regularly.
- Perform repetitive hand and arm movements with ergonomic awareness.
WHAT SKILLS YOU NEED:
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, biology or related field—or equivalent experience.
- Strong foundation in chemistry, math, and biology.
- Experience in media preparation or production labs preferred (training provided).
- Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.
BENEFITS – HOW WE’LL SUPPORT YOU:
- Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills.
- Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place.
- Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment.
- Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays.
- Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father.
- Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program.
Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.
Corteva Agriscience is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing our differences to enrich lives, advance innovation, and boost company performance. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, military or veteran status, pregnancy related conditions (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), disability or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, or local laws.
See all 3,125+ OPT Biotech Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Biotech
Target STEM-designated degree holders first
If your degree is in biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related STEM field, confirm your program's CIP code qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension before applying. That extra runway changes how employers evaluate your sponsorship timeline.
Prioritize companies with active H-1B filing history
Search for biotech employers who filed H-1B visa petitions in recent years. Companies like Genentech, Regeneron, and Moderna have consistent sponsorship track records. Prior filings signal that immigration infrastructure is already in place, reducing friction when your OPT period ends.
Apply to contract research organizations strategically
CROs like ICON, Covance, and Charles River Laboratories frequently hire OPT students for clinical and lab roles. They often have in-house immigration counsel and sponsor H-1B visas regularly, making them practical targets even when large pharma companies move slowly.
Frame your OPT timeline clearly in early conversations
Tell recruiters upfront that you have OPT work authorization and, if applicable, are eligible for the STEM extension. Biotech hiring managers are generally familiar with these timelines and appreciate transparency rather than discovering authorization questions late in the process.
Highlight regulatory and compliance skills explicitly
FDA-regulated environments require documentation discipline, GMP familiarity, and attention to detail that not every candidate has. Calling these out on your resume signals immediate value to biotech employers, which makes sponsorship feel like a worthwhile investment from their perspective.
Use your university's industry connections before graduation
Many biotech companies actively recruit through university research partnerships and career fairs. Faculty advisors often have direct contacts at local biotech firms. A warm introduction from a principal investigator carries more weight than a cold application and can accelerate hiring timelines.
Biotech OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do biotech companies typically sponsor OPT students for H-1B visas?
Many established biotech companies do sponsor H-1B visas, particularly for roles in research, clinical operations, and regulatory affairs where specialized degrees are required. Larger employers like Amgen, Biogen, and Pfizer have dedicated immigration teams. Smaller startups are less consistent, so it's worth confirming sponsorship policy before accepting an offer. Browse OPT-friendly biotech employers on Migrate Mate to narrow your search.
Which biotech roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Roles must be directly related to your STEM degree field to qualify for the extension. Positions in bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and laboratory research typically qualify. You'll need a formal training plan signed by your employer and submitted through your DSO. Roles that are primarily administrative, even at a biotech company, may not meet the direct-relationship requirement.
What does the OPT reporting requirement mean for biotech employees?
While on OPT, you must report any change of employer, job title, or work location to your DSO within 10 days. In biotech, this matters if you transition between a contract research role and a full-time position, or move between company sites. Failing to update your record can jeopardize your status even if your work authorization is otherwise valid.
Can I work on multiple biotech projects or for multiple clients while on OPT?
OPT requires employment with a single authorized employer unless you're working as a legitimate independent contractor. In biotech, some consulting or CRO arrangements may involve client site work, which is generally permissible as long as the staffing agency or CRO remains your employer of record. Unauthorized self-employment or unreported employer changes can create serious status issues.
How do I find biotech companies that are open to hiring OPT students?
The most efficient approach is filtering specifically for OPT-friendly employers rather than applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late. Migrate Mate lists biotech jobs from employers who actively hire international students on OPT work authorization, so you can identify companies already comfortable with the authorization process before reaching out.