STEM OPT Biology Jobs
Biology graduates with a STEM degree can work in the U.S. for up to 36 months on OPT, including the 24-month STEM extension. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Roles in research, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science commonly qualify under STEM OPT CIP codes covering biological and biomedical sciences.
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Founded over a decade ago, CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. The Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, approved for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad and diversified pipeline across hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular, autoimmune, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company continues to expand its leadership in gene editing through the development of SyNTase™ editing, a novel and proprietary gene-editing platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate and expand its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Computational Biology Scientist to join the Genomics and Computational Biology team at CRISPR Therapeutics. The scientist in this role will apply computational genomics to advance next-generation gene editing therapies toward the clinic, including characterizing gene-editing safety, tackling challenging bioinformatics and computational biology problems, and maintaining and developing the computational infrastructure, analysis platforms, and internal web applications that support this work. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with cross-functional research groups across the organization. The position requires strong computational biology and genomics skills, scientific rigor, attention to detail, and a passion for creating new medicines for patients.
Responsibilities
- Lead computational biology and genomics activities in a cross-functional drug development setting
- Develop and implement novel computational biology pipelines and methods in close collaboration with cell/molecular biologists to support therapeutic development and research activities
- Perform computational analyses to thoroughly characterize off-target gene editing to ensure the safety of CRISPR-based drug products
- Generate and test hypotheses on genome-scale data using analytical and statistical methods
- Author scientifically rigorous research reports to support IND submissions and other regulatory filings, and routinely present scientific findings to leadership to guide decision-making for therapeutic programs
- Maintain and develop the computational infrastructure and platforms used for reproducible genomic data analysis, including dedicated cloud computing environments
- Maintain and develop internal web applications that make analysis methods and results accessible to scientific stakeholders
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics, computer science, or a related field, with 0-2+ years of industry experience. An M.S with an exceptional track record and eight or more years of relevant experience will also be considered
- Demonstrated record of developing successful computational pipelines for high-throughput DNA sequencing data and of using common bioinformatics tools (e.g., BWA, SAMtools, BEDTools, GATK, IGV)
- Proficiency in Python is essential
- Experience with Linux and with handling large-scale genomic datasets, and working knowledge of the development and maintenance of computational infrastructure in a cloud computing environment (e.g., AWS)
- Ability to work independently and effectively in a matrix environment, prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and balance competing priorities
- Commitment to scientific rigor, accuracy, and meticulous attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
- At least two years of industry experience developing bioinformatics tools for gene editing and/or clinical diagnostic applications
- Familiarity with programming languages, such as R and Java, and with workflow managers such as Nextflow
- Proficiency with the application of NGS tools to characterize the on-target, off-target, and translocation profiles of gene-edited cellular products
- Familiarity with sequencing platforms (Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore, 10x Genomics) and NGS library preparation methods
- Experience with web development frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask), front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Angular), and relational databases (e.g., MySQL)
- Proficiency with statistical and machine learning methods, and experience applying them to genomic data
- Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to author rigorous scientific reports and communicate findings to diverse audiences; demonstrated record of authoring research reports to support regulatory filings (e.g., IND modules, Investigator's Brochures)
Competencies
- Collaborative – Openness, One Team
- Undaunted – Fearless, Can-do attitude
- Results Orientation – Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – Proactive. Ownership mindset.
CRISPR Therapeutics believes in fostering a dynamic workplace that balances remote work flexibility with the benefits of in-person interactions. Our employees work at least three days on-site, creating a collaborative work environment, where we cultivate mentorship opportunities, increase cross-functional communication and offer opportunities for our employees to connect. Certain lab based and manufacturing positions are located fully on-site.
Scientist I: Base pay range of $120,000 to $130,000+ bonus, equity and benefits
CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.
To view our Privacy Statement, please click the following link: http://www.crisprtx.com/about-us/privacy-policy
Company Overview
Founded over a decade ago, CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. The Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, approved for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad and diversified pipeline across hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular, autoimmune, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company continues to expand its leadership in gene editing through the development of SyNTase™ editing, a novel and proprietary gene-editing platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate and expand its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Computational Biology Scientist to join the Genomics and Computational Biology team at CRISPR Therapeutics. The scientist in this role will apply computational genomics to advance next-generation gene editing therapies toward the clinic, including characterizing gene-editing safety, tackling challenging bioinformatics and computational biology problems, and maintaining and developing the computational infrastructure, analysis platforms, and internal web applications that support this work. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with cross-functional research groups across the organization. The position requires strong computational biology and genomics skills, scientific rigor, attention to detail, and a passion for creating new medicines for patients.
Responsibilities
- Lead computational biology and genomics activities in a cross-functional drug development setting
- Develop and implement novel computational biology pipelines and methods in close collaboration with cell/molecular biologists to support therapeutic development and research activities
- Perform computational analyses to thoroughly characterize off-target gene editing to ensure the safety of CRISPR-based drug products
- Generate and test hypotheses on genome-scale data using analytical and statistical methods
- Author scientifically rigorous research reports to support IND submissions and other regulatory filings, and routinely present scientific findings to leadership to guide decision-making for therapeutic programs
- Maintain and develop the computational infrastructure and platforms used for reproducible genomic data analysis, including dedicated cloud computing environments
- Maintain and develop internal web applications that make analysis methods and results accessible to scientific stakeholders
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics, computer science, or a related field, with 0-2+ years of industry experience. An M.S with an exceptional track record and eight or more years of relevant experience will also be considered
- Demonstrated record of developing successful computational pipelines for high-throughput DNA sequencing data and of using common bioinformatics tools (e.g., BWA, SAMtools, BEDTools, GATK, IGV)
- Proficiency in Python is essential
- Experience with Linux and with handling large-scale genomic datasets, and working knowledge of the development and maintenance of computational infrastructure in a cloud computing environment (e.g., AWS)
- Ability to work independently and effectively in a matrix environment, prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and balance competing priorities
- Commitment to scientific rigor, accuracy, and meticulous attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
- At least two years of industry experience developing bioinformatics tools for gene editing and/or clinical diagnostic applications
- Familiarity with programming languages, such as R and Java, and with workflow managers such as Nextflow
- Proficiency with the application of NGS tools to characterize the on-target, off-target, and translocation profiles of gene-edited cellular products
- Familiarity with sequencing platforms (Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore, 10x Genomics) and NGS library preparation methods
- Experience with web development frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask), front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Angular), and relational databases (e.g., MySQL)
- Proficiency with statistical and machine learning methods, and experience applying them to genomic data
- Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to author rigorous scientific reports and communicate findings to diverse audiences; demonstrated record of authoring research reports to support regulatory filings (e.g., IND modules, Investigator's Brochures)
Competencies
- Collaborative – Openness, One Team
- Undaunted – Fearless, Can-do attitude
- Results Orientation – Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – Proactive. Ownership mindset.
CRISPR Therapeutics believes in fostering a dynamic workplace that balances remote work flexibility with the benefits of in-person interactions. Our employees work at least three days on-site, creating a collaborative work environment, where we cultivate mentorship opportunities, increase cross-functional communication and offer opportunities for our employees to connect. Certain lab based and manufacturing positions are located fully on-site.
Scientist I: Base pay range of $120,000 to $130,000+ bonus, equity and benefits
CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.
To view our Privacy Statement, please click the following link: http://www.crisprtx.com/about-us/privacy-policy
See all STEM OPT Biology Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Biology
Verify your CIP code maps to Biology
Not every biology-adjacent degree automatically qualifies for the STEM extension. Cross-check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying. Codes under 26.xx (Biological and Biomedical Sciences) typically qualify, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes don't.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can start STEM OPT. Ask recruiters directly or check the E-Verify employer search tool. Contract research organizations and smaller biotech labs frequently aren't enrolled, so verify this early, not after you've signed.
Target employers with active biology LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by DOL Labor Condition Application filing history in biological sciences roles. This surfaces companies already familiar with work authorization requirements, which matters when your STEM OPT window is finite and onboarding delays are costly.
File your I-983 training plan before day one
Your I-983 must be signed by your employer and DSO before you start work, not after. The training plan needs to describe how your biology role directly uses your degree. Vague descriptions like 'lab support' are common rejection reasons, so be specific about techniques and research objectives.
Use O*NET to match your role to STEM criteria
Hiring managers at pharma and biotech companies sometimes list biology roles under broader titles like 'scientist' or 'analyst' that may or may not map cleanly to STEM OPT-qualifying SOC codes. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for your specific job title to confirm it falls within a qualifying category before accepting.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
STEM OPT employers must pay you the prevailing wage for your role and location. Run your job title and work location through the OFLC Wage Search before salary conversations. Biology roles in pharmaceutical hubs like New Jersey or the Bay Area carry significantly higher prevailing wages than academic markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which biology degrees qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Degrees with CIP codes under the 26.xx Biological and Biomedical Sciences category generally qualify, including biology, microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and ecology. Neuroscience and bioinformatics often qualify under adjacent STEM codes. Your DSO can confirm your specific CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Interdisciplinary degrees sometimes require additional documentation to establish STEM eligibility.
Does my biology employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT. Your employer must be enrolled before your extension begins, and they must sign your I-983 training plan. Many contract research organizations, university-affiliated labs, and early-stage biotech startups aren't enrolled. Confirm enrollment status directly with HR before advancing in the hiring process, since getting enrolled after an offer is accepted introduces delays.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a biology role?
Your I-983 must connect your specific job duties to the learning objectives of your STEM degree. For biology roles, that means naming the techniques, methodologies, and research areas you'll apply, such as molecular assays, data analysis, or experimental design. Generic descriptions tied only to a job title are a common reason DSOs push back on training plan drafts. Your supervisor and DSO both sign off before the extension is approved.
Can my STEM OPT status bridge me through H-1B cap-gap if I'm in a biology role?
Yes. If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. Your biology role and employer don't change the cap-gap mechanics, but your employer must file before your OPT end date. USCIS governs cap-gap rules and your DSO can issue an updated I-20 once the petition is filed.
How do I find biology employers who are already set up for STEM OPT hiring?
Migrate Mate filters biology and life sciences roles by employers with DOL LCA filing history, which is a reliable indicator that a company has sponsored work authorization before and understands the E-Verify and training plan requirements. Searching this way saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering eligibility gaps after an offer. Pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and government contractors are the most consistent STEM OPT employers in biology.