STEM OPT Associate Scientist Jobs
Associate Scientist roles in biotech, pharma, and research labs are a strong fit for STEM OPT students with degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, giving you up to 36 months total, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.
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Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.
Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives.
Position Summary:
Subject matter expert supporting method transfer/validation and routine testing of in-process, final product, and stability samples. Perform data review/verification, complex troubleshooting, and method training. Own project, document revisions, deviations/investigations/CAPA, and continuous improvement efforts.
Duties and responsibilities:
Subject matter expert supporting method transfer/validation and routine testing of in-process, final product, and stability samples.
- Perform review of testing data (e.g., data packets, final lot file, COA review).
- Anticipate and perform complex troubleshooting and problem solving independently.
- Perform data verification, data review and review of GMP documentation for multiple methods (general and complex) and/or products.
- Own project, CAPA and deviation/investigation related tasks and/or continuous improvement efforts.
- May represent the department in regulatory inspections (internal and external audits).
- Train and mentor others on multiple QC test methods, processes and procedures.
- Cross trained on multiple complex analytical methods and/or multiple products.
- Author and review/revise technical documents such as test methods, SOPs, specifications, trend reports and/or sample plans as appropriate.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Reporting Relationship:
This position will report to QC management.
Qualifications
Specific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Ability to accurately and completely understand, follow, interpret and apply Global Regulatory and cGMP requirements.
- Demonstrated technical writing skills.
- High problem-solving ability/mentality, technically adept and logical.
- Ability to communicate effectively with peers, department management and cross-functional peers about task status, roadblocks and needs.
- Advanced ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work from multiple projects.
- Advanced knowledge of LIMS, ELN and laboratory data analysis systems preferred.
- Strong mentoring, coaching, influencing, negotiating and personnel interaction skills.
Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required, preferably in science. Advanced degree preferred. Netherlands: PhD in (bioanalytical) science preferred. Bachelor's degree in (bioanalytical) science with equivalent combination of work experience may be considered.
- 6+ years of relevant analytical testing or QC experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in a regulated environment.
- Demonstrated experience in cell and molecular biology techniques (e.g., cell-based assays, flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, and aseptic technique).
Compensation Overview:
Summit West - NJ - US: $92,880 - $112,548
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit our careers site.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
- Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
- Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
- Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
Work-life benefits include:
Paid Time Off
- US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)
- Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays
Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as “Transforming patients’ lives through science™”, every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
On-site Protocol
BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
Supporting People with Disabilities
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information.
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.
Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.
Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives.
Position Summary:
Subject matter expert supporting method transfer/validation and routine testing of in-process, final product, and stability samples. Perform data review/verification, complex troubleshooting, and method training. Own project, document revisions, deviations/investigations/CAPA, and continuous improvement efforts.
Duties and responsibilities:
Subject matter expert supporting method transfer/validation and routine testing of in-process, final product, and stability samples.
- Perform review of testing data (e.g., data packets, final lot file, COA review).
- Anticipate and perform complex troubleshooting and problem solving independently.
- Perform data verification, data review and review of GMP documentation for multiple methods (general and complex) and/or products.
- Own project, CAPA and deviation/investigation related tasks and/or continuous improvement efforts.
- May represent the department in regulatory inspections (internal and external audits).
- Train and mentor others on multiple QC test methods, processes and procedures.
- Cross trained on multiple complex analytical methods and/or multiple products.
- Author and review/revise technical documents such as test methods, SOPs, specifications, trend reports and/or sample plans as appropriate.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Reporting Relationship:
This position will report to QC management.
Qualifications
Specific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Ability to accurately and completely understand, follow, interpret and apply Global Regulatory and cGMP requirements.
- Demonstrated technical writing skills.
- High problem-solving ability/mentality, technically adept and logical.
- Ability to communicate effectively with peers, department management and cross-functional peers about task status, roadblocks and needs.
- Advanced ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize work from multiple projects.
- Advanced knowledge of LIMS, ELN and laboratory data analysis systems preferred.
- Strong mentoring, coaching, influencing, negotiating and personnel interaction skills.
Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required, preferably in science. Advanced degree preferred. Netherlands: PhD in (bioanalytical) science preferred. Bachelor's degree in (bioanalytical) science with equivalent combination of work experience may be considered.
- 6+ years of relevant analytical testing or QC experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in a regulated environment.
- Demonstrated experience in cell and molecular biology techniques (e.g., cell-based assays, flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, and aseptic technique).
Compensation Overview:
Summit West - NJ - US: $92,880 - $112,548
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit our careers site.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
- Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
- Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
- Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
Work-life benefits include:
Paid Time Off
- US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)
- Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays
Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as “Transforming patients’ lives through science™”, every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
On-site Protocol
BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
Supporting People with Disabilities
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information.
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.
See all 199+ Associate Scientist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Associate Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Associate Scientist
Verify your CIP code matches the role
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying. Associate Scientist postings in life sciences typically require biology, chemistry, or biochemistry credentials, and a mismatched CIP code can invalidate your extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Search the E-Verify employer database to confirm enrollment before you sign anything. Biotech startups and contract research organizations sometimes lack enrollment, which disqualifies them as STEM OPT sponsors regardless of how well the role fits your degree.
Benchmark your offer against prevailing wage data
Run the job title and work location through the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. Associate Scientist wages vary significantly by region and lab type, and knowing the DOL wage level helps you evaluate whether an offer meets the threshold required for your I-983 training plan.
Build an I-983 training plan tied to lab competencies
Work with your DSO to draft an I-983 that maps specific lab skills like assay development, data analysis, or cell culture to your STEM degree objectives. Generic training plans raise DSO flags and delay your extension approval, so be concrete about technical tasks from day one.
Target employers with established research pipelines
Use Migrate Mate to filter Associate Scientist openings by employers who regularly hire STEM OPT students and are already enrolled in E-Verify. This cuts out the back-and-forth of confirming eligibility and gets you to the interview stage faster.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days before OPT ends
Submit your I-765 to USCIS no later than 90 days before your current OPT expires. If USCIS hasn't adjudicated by your end date, your cap-gap protection only applies if you have an H-1B petition pending, so timing the filing correctly protects your ability to keep working.
Associate Scientist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Associate Scientist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an Associate Scientist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline with a CIP code on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to your degree. Check your I-20 and confirm the CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify to hire me on STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT employers, not an optional step. You and your employer must both sign the I-983 training plan, and USCIS requires the employer to be actively enrolled in E-Verify at the time you start work. Verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before accepting an offer.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an Associate Scientist position?
The I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, identify the lab skills or research competencies you'll develop, name your on-site supervisor, and outline how the employer will evaluate your progress. For Associate Scientist roles, that typically means detailing techniques like assay development, data interpretation, or experimental design rather than listing general job duties.
How does cap-gap protection work if my STEM OPT expires while my H-1B is pending?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT end date, cap-gap rules allow you to continue working until October 1 of that fiscal year, even if your EAD has expired. USCIS must receive the petition before your authorized period ends, so your employer's filing timeline matters significantly.
Where can I find Associate Scientist jobs where employers are already set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters Associate Scientist listings by E-Verify enrollment status, so you're only seeing employers who already meet the baseline STEM OPT requirement. That removes the most common early-stage friction, which is finding out after an interview that a company isn't enrolled, and lets you focus on evaluating the role and training plan fit instead.
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