Principal Scientist Jobs for OPT Students
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 and other long-term visas after OPT.
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LI_Hybrid
Location: Cambridge or San Diego (USA)
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PK Sciences project team representative to develop and implement translational or clinical pharmacology strategies to support the pursuit of transformative new medicines through late clinical development. Our unique organizational structure enables colleagues to work seamlessly in the translational and/or clinical space, offering opportunities for development and bench-to-bedside-to-bench translation. Experience in late discovery into clinical development is preferred. The scope of the role potentially includes small molecules, biologics/therapeutic proteins, antibody drug-conjugates, radioligand therapies and/or cell therapies across major therapeutic areas in Novartis, including oncology, immunology, cardiovascular renal metabolism, neuroscience, and global health. This position drives close interdisciplinary collaboration among the PK Science disciplines, Drug Disposition (ADME, BA), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and Operations through PK science sub-teams to achieve a holistic and integrative perspective of the ADME/clinical pharmacology properties of candidates and drugs. Collaborates effectively with broader, cross-disciplinary project teams to ensure PKS strategies are well integrated into project plans and scientific discussions.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Key responsibilities:
- Represent the PK Sciences function in project teams, interactions with stakeholders within the organization and interactions with regulatory agencies, as appropriate
- Proactively contributes to developing drug candidates across Research Development and Commercial continuum, providing expert pharmacokinetic / drug metabolism and clinical pharmacology input
- Work with teams to elucidate the understanding of PK/PD relationships and develop dosing strategies and predictions
- Develop and execute clinical pharmacology strategies, including input into nonclinical and clinical study design, and analyzing PK and PK/PD data, to support compound development from discovery through late development
- Provide PK, dosage, and PK/PD components of study protocols, reports, project summaries and development plans, and author pharmacokinetic/clinical pharmacology/biopharmaceutics sections of IND/IMPDs and NDA/BLAs as well as prepare appropriate responses to Health Authority questions
- Drive close interdisciplinary collaboration among the PK Science disciplines, Drug Disposition (ADME, BA), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), through PK science sub-teams.
- Works in close collaboration with clinicians and clinical development colleagues to integrate PKS insights into study design, data interpretation, and project decision-making
- Use of Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches to enable model guided molecular design, preclinical and clinical data automation, authoring regulatory documents, and the use of predictive models
This role reports to Therapeutic Area group in PK Sciences within Translational Medicine (TM) in Biomedical Research. PKS is a global organization situated within Translational Medicine (TM), the clinical research arm of Biomedical Research within Novartis. PK Sciences plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative medicines to patients, by building on research advances to develop new therapies, bridging drug discovery and clinical application. PK Science is an enterprise-wide organization, working across both Biomedical Research and the Development organizations to advance the scientific knowledge of pharmacokinetics, metabolism and clinical pharmacology.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ph.D. / Pharm.D. with relevant experience in clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics or a related background.
- A minimum of 0-2 years of experience in drug discovery and/or development in a relevant environment (academia, CRO, biotech or Pharma). 2+ years of experience preferably in a lead role overseeing ADME/DMPK project strategy, either in discovery or clinical development to be considered for Principal Scientist II
- Extensive and in-depth knowledge of pharmacokinetics including, drug metabolism and PK/PD evaluation, experience in working in project teams (preferably global) as well as sound awareness of recent developments in drug development and regulatory sciences.
- Exposure to working in a cross-functional, matrixed, project-team environment.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
- Hands-on project experience with Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches is a plus
LEADERSHIP / NOVARTIS BEHAVIORS IN ACTION
- Delivers results through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on value and outcomes.
- Demonstrates an enterprise mindset and strong ownership by prioritizing resources and decisions for maximum Novartis and patient impact.
- Role models Novartis leadership behaviors through visible actions, continuous self reflection, and openness to feedback
- Builds trust through transparent communication, clear accountability, and consistent delivery against commitments.
AI FLUENCY:
- Brings strong AI and digital fluency, using enterprise tools to enhance insight generation, decision making, and team productivity.
This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered.
The salary for this position is expected to range between:
Principal Scientist I: $108,500 and $201,500 per year.
Principal Scientist II: $119,700 and $222,300 per year.
The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves. To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
WHY NOVARTIS: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
BENEFITS AND REWARDS: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
EEO STATEMENT:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
ACCESSIBILITY & REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Division
Biomedical Research
Business Unit
Research
Location
USA
State
Massachusetts
Site
Cambridge (USA)
Company / Legal Entity
U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.
Alternative Location 1
San Diego, California, USA
Functional Area
Research & Development
Job Type
Full time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No
SUMMARY
LI_Hybrid
Location: Cambridge or San Diego (USA)
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PK Sciences project team representative to develop and implement translational or clinical pharmacology strategies to support the pursuit of transformative new medicines through late clinical development. Our unique organizational structure enables colleagues to work seamlessly in the translational and/or clinical space, offering opportunities for development and bench-to-bedside-to-bench translation. Experience in late discovery into clinical development is preferred. The scope of the role potentially includes small molecules, biologics/therapeutic proteins, antibody drug-conjugates, radioligand therapies and/or cell therapies across major therapeutic areas in Novartis, including oncology, immunology, cardiovascular renal metabolism, neuroscience, and global health. This position drives close interdisciplinary collaboration among the PK Science disciplines, Drug Disposition (ADME, BA), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and Operations through PK science sub-teams to achieve a holistic and integrative perspective of the ADME/clinical pharmacology properties of candidates and drugs. Collaborates effectively with broader, cross-disciplinary project teams to ensure PKS strategies are well integrated into project plans and scientific discussions.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Key responsibilities:
- Represent the PK Sciences function in project teams, interactions with stakeholders within the organization and interactions with regulatory agencies, as appropriate
- Proactively contributes to developing drug candidates across Research Development and Commercial continuum, providing expert pharmacokinetic / drug metabolism and clinical pharmacology input
- Work with teams to elucidate the understanding of PK/PD relationships and develop dosing strategies and predictions
- Develop and execute clinical pharmacology strategies, including input into nonclinical and clinical study design, and analyzing PK and PK/PD data, to support compound development from discovery through late development
- Provide PK, dosage, and PK/PD components of study protocols, reports, project summaries and development plans, and author pharmacokinetic/clinical pharmacology/biopharmaceutics sections of IND/IMPDs and NDA/BLAs as well as prepare appropriate responses to Health Authority questions
- Drive close interdisciplinary collaboration among the PK Science disciplines, Drug Disposition (ADME, BA), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), through PK science sub-teams.
- Works in close collaboration with clinicians and clinical development colleagues to integrate PKS insights into study design, data interpretation, and project decision-making
- Use of Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches to enable model guided molecular design, preclinical and clinical data automation, authoring regulatory documents, and the use of predictive models
This role reports to Therapeutic Area group in PK Sciences within Translational Medicine (TM) in Biomedical Research. PKS is a global organization situated within Translational Medicine (TM), the clinical research arm of Biomedical Research within Novartis. PK Sciences plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative medicines to patients, by building on research advances to develop new therapies, bridging drug discovery and clinical application. PK Science is an enterprise-wide organization, working across both Biomedical Research and the Development organizations to advance the scientific knowledge of pharmacokinetics, metabolism and clinical pharmacology.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ph.D. / Pharm.D. with relevant experience in clinical pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics or a related background.
- A minimum of 0-2 years of experience in drug discovery and/or development in a relevant environment (academia, CRO, biotech or Pharma). 2+ years of experience preferably in a lead role overseeing ADME/DMPK project strategy, either in discovery or clinical development to be considered for Principal Scientist II
- Extensive and in-depth knowledge of pharmacokinetics including, drug metabolism and PK/PD evaluation, experience in working in project teams (preferably global) as well as sound awareness of recent developments in drug development and regulatory sciences.
- Exposure to working in a cross-functional, matrixed, project-team environment.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
- Hands-on project experience with Artificial intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) approaches is a plus
LEADERSHIP / NOVARTIS BEHAVIORS IN ACTION
- Delivers results through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on value and outcomes.
- Demonstrates an enterprise mindset and strong ownership by prioritizing resources and decisions for maximum Novartis and patient impact.
- Role models Novartis leadership behaviors through visible actions, continuous self reflection, and openness to feedback
- Builds trust through transparent communication, clear accountability, and consistent delivery against commitments.
AI FLUENCY:
- Brings strong AI and digital fluency, using enterprise tools to enhance insight generation, decision making, and team productivity.
This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered.
The salary for this position is expected to range between:
Principal Scientist I: $108,500 and $201,500 per year.
Principal Scientist II: $119,700 and $222,300 per year.
The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves. To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
WHY NOVARTIS: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
BENEFITS AND REWARDS: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
EEO STATEMENT:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
ACCESSIBILITY & REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Division
Biomedical Research
Business Unit
Research
Location
USA
State
Massachusetts
Site
Cambridge (USA)
Company / Legal Entity
U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.
Alternative Location 1
San Diego, California, USA
Functional Area
Research & Development
Job Type
Full time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Scientist
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.
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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Principal Scientist JobsSee all 60+ 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 JobsFrequently 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.
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