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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INTRODUCTION
Are you gifted at assessing value and risk? Do you have a strong interest in analyzing companies? We’re looking for someone like that who can:
- Work closely with Senior analysts in a variety of different roles
- Assist in the construction, accuracy and maintenance of detailed company specific financial models
- Draft individual company and sector-wide research reports for distribution to the UBS sales force, as well as clients
- Analyze industry data to describe current and long-term trends
- Provide investment recommendations based on earnings projections, valuation and risk assessment
- Conduct extensive valuation analysis on stocks in a given sector
- Create exhibits and presentations for sales and clients
- Update and maintain analyst marketing presentations
- Communicate with both institutional clients and internal clients to convey investment recommendations and ideas
YOUR TEAM
You’ll be working in the Global Research team in New York, NY. Your role will work in partnership with a Lead Analyst and team to perform equity research and analysis of publicly traded companies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree or international equivalent in Finance, Economics or Accounting, MBA preferred but not essential
- You’re curious to explore how AI can improve how we build, deliver, and optimize workflows. You do this with sound judgment – validating outputs and aligning with policies, risk standards, and ethical use.
- Prior experience in biopharma equity research preferred
- M.D. or Ph.D. preferred but not essential
- Experience in the evaluation of companies an advantage
- Top-notch customer service focus and attitude for client engagement
- The ability to perform under pressure and meet time sensitive deadlines
- A good handle on accounting, including reviewing and interpreting annual reports and financial statements also an advantage although training will be provided on the job
- Solid know-how of Microsoft Excel, and understanding other programming languages an advantage
- An excellent communicator, able to educate through the creation of innovative models, reports and presentations
- Inquisitive, organized and detail-oriented
- A self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience in biopharma equity research preferred
- M.D. or Ph.D. preferred but not essential
- Experience in the evaluation of companies an advantage
- Solid know-how of Microsoft Excel, and understanding other programming languages an advantage
About us
UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. We also provide diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, UBS is present in more than 50 markets around the globe.
We know that great work is never done alone. That’s why we place collaboration at the heart of everything we do. Because together, we’re more than ourselves. Want to find out more? Visit ubs.com/careers.
SALARY INFORMATION
The indicative gross base salary range as a full-time equivalent role:
- United States - New York - New York min USD 98750 - max USD 116250 /annum
The expected salary for this role will be determined by relevant factors which may include but are not limited to, role-required experience, qualifications, education, location and skill level. UBS offers a range of competitive benefits and for further information, please visit ubs.com/employee-benefits. We may, at our sole discretion, provide additional variable compensation or awards.
JOIN US
At UBS, we know that it's our people, with their diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds, who drive our ongoing success. We’re dedicated to our craft and passionate about putting our people first, with new challenges, a supportive team, opportunities to grow and flexible working options when possible. Our inclusive culture brings out the best in our employees, wherever they are on their career journey. And we use artificial intelligence (AI) to work smarter and more efficiently. We also recognize that great work is never done alone. That’s why collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Because together, we’re more than ourselves.
We’re committed to disability inclusion and if you need reasonable accommodation/adjustments throughout our recruitment process, you can always contact us.
DISCLAIMER / POLICY STATEMENTS
UBS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.
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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.