Biotech & Pharma J-1 Sponsorship Jobs in California
California is the largest biotech and pharma hub in the United States, with clusters in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego's Torrey Pines district, and Los Angeles. Companies like Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and Amgen have established J-1 visa sponsorship programs for research scientists, clinical fellows, and laboratory specialists entering the country on exchange visitor programs.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Oxford Biotherapeutics:
Oxford Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on the development of antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. OBT’s OGAP-verify® platform is the world's largest, cancer specific, membrane protein library, directly measuring plasma membrane protein expression in patient tumors. OGAP is used to identify novel, highly tumor specific antigens for novel first-in-class ADC, T-cell Engager (TCE) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR-T) targets. Our lead asset, OBT076, is an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) in Phase 1b clinical development. Our clinical and pre-clinical pipeline of novel biologics is balanced between internal programs, focused on ADCs and checkpoint regulators, and externally partnered programs with key innovators in oncology such as Roche, GSK and Zymeworks.
Job Description
We are seeking 4 motivated interns to support our Research & Development teams across multiple scientific functions. This is a paid, non-exempt position based in San Jose, California. Interns will gain hands-on exposure to a lab environment, contribute to day-to-day research activities, and learn foundational laboratory and operational skills while working alongside experienced scientists.
The anticipated internship timeframe is June 1, 2026 through August 31, 2026, with flexibility depending on candidate availability and business needs.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Support basic laboratory activities under the guidance of team members
- Prepare, label, and organize samples, reagents, and materials for experiments
- Assist with routine tasks such as pipetting, solution preparation, and simple assays (as trained)
- Accurately record observations and maintain organized lab notes or electronic records
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment
- Restock supplies and assist with tracking inventory levels
- Assist with basic data entry, organization, and review
- Attend team meetings, take notes, and provide updates on assigned tasks
- Follow all laboratory safety procedures and company guidelines
Qualifications and Skills:
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s program in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Interest in pursuing a career in biotechnology or scientific research
- Basic familiarity with laboratory concepts through coursework or academic labs
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions carefully
- Good organizational, time management, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a team
Equal Opportunities Statement
OBT is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. One of our top priorities is to maintain the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families. To achieve this goal, we offer comprehensive benefits.
About Oxford Biotherapeutics:
Oxford Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on the development of antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. OBT’s OGAP-verify® platform is the world's largest, cancer specific, membrane protein library, directly measuring plasma membrane protein expression in patient tumors. OGAP is used to identify novel, highly tumor specific antigens for novel first-in-class ADC, T-cell Engager (TCE) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR-T) targets. Our lead asset, OBT076, is an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) in Phase 1b clinical development. Our clinical and pre-clinical pipeline of novel biologics is balanced between internal programs, focused on ADCs and checkpoint regulators, and externally partnered programs with key innovators in oncology such as Roche, GSK and Zymeworks.
Job Description
We are seeking 4 motivated interns to support our Research & Development teams across multiple scientific functions. This is a paid, non-exempt position based in San Jose, California. Interns will gain hands-on exposure to a lab environment, contribute to day-to-day research activities, and learn foundational laboratory and operational skills while working alongside experienced scientists.
The anticipated internship timeframe is June 1, 2026 through August 31, 2026, with flexibility depending on candidate availability and business needs.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Support basic laboratory activities under the guidance of team members
- Prepare, label, and organize samples, reagents, and materials for experiments
- Assist with routine tasks such as pipetting, solution preparation, and simple assays (as trained)
- Accurately record observations and maintain organized lab notes or electronic records
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment
- Restock supplies and assist with tracking inventory levels
- Assist with basic data entry, organization, and review
- Attend team meetings, take notes, and provide updates on assigned tasks
- Follow all laboratory safety procedures and company guidelines
Qualifications and Skills:
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s program in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Interest in pursuing a career in biotechnology or scientific research
- Basic familiarity with laboratory concepts through coursework or academic labs
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions carefully
- Good organizational, time management, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a team
Equal Opportunities Statement
OBT is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. One of our top priorities is to maintain the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families. To achieve this goal, we offer comprehensive benefits.
J-1 Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in California
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in CaliforniaBiotech & Pharma J-1 Sponsorship Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies sponsor J-1 visas in California?
Several major California-based biotech and pharma employers have established J-1 visa sponsorship programs, including Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Amgen, Biogen, and Regeneron's California operations. University-affiliated research institutions like UCSF and the Salk Institute also sponsor J-1 exchange visitors. Sponsorship availability varies by role, department, and hiring cycle, so confirming J-1 eligibility directly with the employer is essential.
Which cities in California have the most biotech and pharma J-1 sponsorship jobs?
San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area account for the majority of biotech and pharma J-1 positions in California. San Diego's Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley corridors host dozens of bioscience companies. The Bay Area, particularly South San Francisco and Emeryville, is home to some of the world's largest biotech firms. Los Angeles and Sacramento have smaller but active life sciences employment bases.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for J-1 sponsorship?
J-1 sponsorship in biotech and pharma most commonly applies to research-oriented positions: postdoctoral researchers, clinical research fellows, laboratory scientists, and academic trainees. The J-1 Research Scholar and Trainee categories require the role to have a clear research, training, or educational component. Commercial or purely production-focused positions are less likely to meet J-1 program criteria, as the category is designed for knowledge exchange rather than general employment.
How do I find biotech and pharma J-1 sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa type and industry, making it straightforward to browse biotech and pharma roles with confirmed J-1 sponsorship in California. Rather than sorting through general job postings and guessing at sponsorship availability, Migrate Mate surfaces positions where employers have indicated J-1 eligibility, saving significant time for exchange visitors targeting California's life sciences sector.
Are there any California-specific considerations for J-1 biotech and pharma sponsorship?
California's dense concentration of research universities, national laboratories, and biotech companies means J-1 program sponsors are relatively common compared to other states. However, California employers must still comply with federal J-1 regulations administered by a designated sponsor organization, and some J-1 holders become subject to the two-year home residency requirement depending on their program funding and country of origin. Confirming your specific J-1 category and any residency obligations before accepting a position is important.