OPT Principal Scientist Jobs
Principal Scientist roles qualify for F-1 OPT because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related scientific field, meeting STEM OPT extension eligibility in most cases. Many positions in biotech, pharma, and research institutions actively sponsor H-1B visa and other long-term visas after OPT.
Find OPT Principal Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 312+ Principal Scientist jobs
See all 312+ Principal Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsThe Position
A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech!
Join our global Analytical Development and Quality Control team as a Technical Development Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry Characterization Lead, driving analytical strategies that transform cutting-edge biologic therapeutics from early development to commercialization. In this role, you will bridge strategic leadership with hands-on laboratory expertise within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to delivering life-changing medicines. You will lead mass spectrometry characterization, solve complex analytical challenges, and guide cross-functional teams with scientific excellence and impact.
The Opportunity
- Lead the mass spectrometry (MS) characterization strategy and execution across all stages of biologic therapeutic development, from early development through to commercial launch.
- Design, execute, and interpret complex liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses to establish deep structural understanding of protein modalities and resolve technical root causes.
- Develop and implement phase-appropriate MS methods and advanced multi-attribute method (MAM) strategies where standard analytical assays fall short.
- Identify, monitor, and quantify critical quality attributes (CQAs) and post-translational modifications (PTMs) to ensure reliable analytical control.
- Support process development milestones, including cell line selection, purification, formulation, stability, minor variant characterization, and structure-function elucidation.
- Author filing-ready MS characterization sections for global regulatory submissions (IND, BLA, and MAA) and represent technical packages in regulatory interactions.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, analytical leads, and external research/manufacturing partners to achieve project delivery milestones.
- Mentor scientific team members in MS data interpretation and champion modern analytical capabilities and best practices.
Who you are
You hold a Ph.D. with 4–6+ years of relevant experience, or an M.S./B.S. with 6–10+ years of experience in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. You bring deep analytical expertise in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) applied to the characterization of proteins or related therapeutic modalities. You possess strong working knowledge of chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) drug development and regulatory filing processes (IND/BLA). You demonstrate excellent collaborative, organizational, and communication skills, thriving both as an independent lead and as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team. You are an agile problem-solver motivated by scientific curiosity, technical quality, and delivering meaningful results in a fast-paced environment.
Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $120,800 - $224,300. 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.
The Position
A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech!
Join our global Analytical Development and Quality Control team as a Technical Development Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry Characterization Lead, driving analytical strategies that transform cutting-edge biologic therapeutics from early development to commercialization. In this role, you will bridge strategic leadership with hands-on laboratory expertise within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to delivering life-changing medicines. You will lead mass spectrometry characterization, solve complex analytical challenges, and guide cross-functional teams with scientific excellence and impact.
The Opportunity
- Lead the mass spectrometry (MS) characterization strategy and execution across all stages of biologic therapeutic development, from early development through to commercial launch.
- Design, execute, and interpret complex liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses to establish deep structural understanding of protein modalities and resolve technical root causes.
- Develop and implement phase-appropriate MS methods and advanced multi-attribute method (MAM) strategies where standard analytical assays fall short.
- Identify, monitor, and quantify critical quality attributes (CQAs) and post-translational modifications (PTMs) to ensure reliable analytical control.
- Support process development milestones, including cell line selection, purification, formulation, stability, minor variant characterization, and structure-function elucidation.
- Author filing-ready MS characterization sections for global regulatory submissions (IND, BLA, and MAA) and represent technical packages in regulatory interactions.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, analytical leads, and external research/manufacturing partners to achieve project delivery milestones.
- Mentor scientific team members in MS data interpretation and champion modern analytical capabilities and best practices.
Who you are
You hold a Ph.D. with 4–6+ years of relevant experience, or an M.S./B.S. with 6–10+ years of experience in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. You bring deep analytical expertise in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) applied to the characterization of proteins or related therapeutic modalities. You possess strong working knowledge of chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) drug development and regulatory filing processes (IND/BLA). You demonstrate excellent collaborative, organizational, and communication skills, thriving both as an independent lead and as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team. You are an agile problem-solver motivated by scientific curiosity, technical quality, and delivering meaningful results in a fast-paced environment.
Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $120,800 - $224,300. 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.
See all 312+ OPT Principal Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Principal Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Principal Scientist
Target STEM-designated employers first
Principal Scientist roles at biotech and pharmaceutical companies almost always fall under STEM OPT, giving you 36 months of work authorization. Prioritize employers who have filed H-1B visa petitions before, which signals established sponsorship infrastructure.
Align your degree field to the job description
USCIS requires your degree field to directly relate to your Principal Scientist role. A PhD in biochemistry supporting a drug discovery position is straightforward. Misalignment between degree and role is one of the most common OPT authorization challenges.
Raise sponsorship before the offer stage
Ask about long-term visa support during the second or third interview round, not at offer. Framing it as planning ahead rather than a demand signals professionalism and gives HR time to confirm their sponsorship policy without pressure.
Document your STEM OPT training plan thoroughly
The Form I-983 training plan for STEM OPT must describe how your Principal Scientist work directly applies your degree. Be specific about research methods, technical skills, and learning goals. Vague plans increase the risk of employer non-compliance issues.
Use your publication record as leverage
Published research strengthens both your job applications and future O-1 visa or EB-1A petitions. Highlight first-author papers, citations, and patents in your application materials. Strong research credentials make sponsorship an easier conversation for employers.
Understand your OPT end date before you start interviewing
Principal Scientist hiring timelines often run three to five months. If your OPT expires in under six months, communicate that timeline early. Some employers will accelerate offers or explore cap-exempt H-1B filing through research institutions.
Principal Scientist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Principal Scientist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Principal Scientist positions in biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and related fields typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you 36 months total. Your degree must be on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and must directly relate to your specific role and responsibilities.
How do I find Principal Scientist jobs where employers are open to OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters Principal Scientist roles by OPT and visa sponsorship status, so you're not wasting time applying to employers who won't support your work authorization. Biotech, pharmaceutical, and government research employers are among the most active sponsors. Searching by sector helps you focus on organizations with established immigration infrastructure.
Can I work as a Principal Scientist at a university or national lab on OPT?
Yes. Universities and national laboratories are among the most OPT-friendly employers for research scientists. They frequently qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, which means they can file H-1B petitions at any time of year without waiting for the annual lottery. This is a significant advantage if your OPT is running short.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files an H-1B petition?
If your STEM OPT is still active when your employer submits an H-1B petition before April 1, you're covered by the cap-gap rule, which automatically extends your OPT authorization through September 30. If your OPT expires before that window, you'll need to stop working until the H-1B takes effect or explore alternative visa categories like O-1.
Is the Principal Scientist title specific enough for OPT authorization, or do I need a different job title?
The job title itself doesn't determine OPT eligibility. What matters is that your actual duties require and directly apply your specific degree field. A Principal Scientist role involving computational drug discovery supports a bioinformatics or chemistry degree. Your employer should document the connection clearly in any OPT or STEM OPT paperwork to avoid authorization questions.