Pharmaceutical Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California is one of the top states for pharmaceutical visa sponsorship jobs, with major employers like Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Amgen, and AbbVie hiring across biotechnology, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and drug development. The San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego's Torrey Pines corridor, and Los Angeles are the state's primary pharmaceutical hiring hubs.
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2027 Spring Intern - Pharmaceutical Technical Development - Laboratory (Wet-Lab or Dry-Lab)
Department Summary
Pharmaceutical Technical Development (PTDU) develops, delivers, and supports robust, cost-effective production methods and technologies for innovative therapeutics to meet the needs of Genentech’s Research, Development, Commercial, and Product Operations groups. The group has long been recognized as a world leader in developing large-scale manufacturing processes, sophisticated analytical methods, and effective drug delivery systems.
This internship position is located in South San Francisco, on-site
The Opportunity
As a Technical Development Intern in the Analytical Development group, you will focus on capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based projects to evaluate and implement next-generation analytical technologies.
- Evaluation of Sciex Native Fluorescence Detection for Dye-Free CE-SDS: Assess native induced fluorescence technology as a dye-free, highly sensitive alternative to conventional UV and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. Help establish a high-throughput, dye-free sample prep roadmap that reduces manual prep time and reagent costs.
- Strategies for High-Throughput CE-SDS via BioPhase 8800: Evaluate the BioPhase 8800 platform to enable multi-capillary, high-throughput analysis (up to 8 samples simultaneously) and utilize pre-filled cartridge systems to streamline lab workflows and minimize human error compared to traditional PA800 Plus setups.
- Data & Implementation Analysis: Complete technology evaluations to inform capital purchasing decisions and establish implementation pathways in R&D and potential GMP testing environments to retire legacy dye-labeling methods.
- Execution & Collaboration: Work alongside scientists to design, execute, and analyze wet-lab experiments, maintaining rigorous documentation and communicating findings to cross-functional stakeholders.
This program provides a broad perspective and appreciation of the development of new processes, methods, and technologies at different production scales in the biotechnology industry.
Candidates applying for the PTDU Intern Program should be passionate about science/engineering and thoroughly enjoy the challenges associated with complex problem-solving. Candidates must be highly self-motivated and able to work effectively as individuals and as part of multi-disciplinary teams in an atmosphere of casual intensity to develop medicines for unmet medical needs.
Program Highlights
- Intensive 6 Months (with a possible 6-month extension) full-time (40 hours per week) paid internship.
- Program start dates are in January 2027 (Spring).
- A stipend, based on location, will be provided to help alleviate costs associated with the internship.
- Ownership of challenging and impactful business-critical projects.
- Work with some of the most talented people in the biotechnology industry.
- Final presentations of project work to senior leaders.
- Lead or participate in intern committees to design and coordinate program events and initiatives.
- Professional & personal development curriculum throughout the program, including networking opportunities, workshops, and panel discussions.
- Participate in volunteer projects, social events, and team-building activities.
Who You Are (Required)
Required Education: You meet one of the following criteria:
- Must have attained a Bachelor's Degree (not currently enrolled in a graduate program).
- Must be pursuing a Master's Degree (enrolled student).
Required Majors: Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biophysics, or related disciplines.
Required Skills:
- Detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and self-directed individual who is excited about tackling complex and creative scientific challenges in an industrial setting.
- Ability to show a high degree of adaptive capacity.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and adaptive capacity, with an interest in advanced separation techniques like CE-SDS.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Complements our culture and the standards that guide our daily behavior & decisions: Integrity, Courage, and Passion.
- Relevant work experience in research labs or the biotechnology industry is desirable but not required.
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $32.00-$41.00 per hour. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for paid holiday time off 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
2027 Spring Intern - Pharmaceutical Technical Development - Laboratory (Wet-Lab or Dry-Lab)
Department Summary
Pharmaceutical Technical Development (PTDU) develops, delivers, and supports robust, cost-effective production methods and technologies for innovative therapeutics to meet the needs of Genentech’s Research, Development, Commercial, and Product Operations groups. The group has long been recognized as a world leader in developing large-scale manufacturing processes, sophisticated analytical methods, and effective drug delivery systems.
This internship position is located in South San Francisco, on-site
The Opportunity
As a Technical Development Intern in the Analytical Development group, you will focus on capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based projects to evaluate and implement next-generation analytical technologies.
- Evaluation of Sciex Native Fluorescence Detection for Dye-Free CE-SDS: Assess native induced fluorescence technology as a dye-free, highly sensitive alternative to conventional UV and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. Help establish a high-throughput, dye-free sample prep roadmap that reduces manual prep time and reagent costs.
- Strategies for High-Throughput CE-SDS via BioPhase 8800: Evaluate the BioPhase 8800 platform to enable multi-capillary, high-throughput analysis (up to 8 samples simultaneously) and utilize pre-filled cartridge systems to streamline lab workflows and minimize human error compared to traditional PA800 Plus setups.
- Data & Implementation Analysis: Complete technology evaluations to inform capital purchasing decisions and establish implementation pathways in R&D and potential GMP testing environments to retire legacy dye-labeling methods.
- Execution & Collaboration: Work alongside scientists to design, execute, and analyze wet-lab experiments, maintaining rigorous documentation and communicating findings to cross-functional stakeholders.
This program provides a broad perspective and appreciation of the development of new processes, methods, and technologies at different production scales in the biotechnology industry.
Candidates applying for the PTDU Intern Program should be passionate about science/engineering and thoroughly enjoy the challenges associated with complex problem-solving. Candidates must be highly self-motivated and able to work effectively as individuals and as part of multi-disciplinary teams in an atmosphere of casual intensity to develop medicines for unmet medical needs.
Program Highlights
- Intensive 6 Months (with a possible 6-month extension) full-time (40 hours per week) paid internship.
- Program start dates are in January 2027 (Spring).
- A stipend, based on location, will be provided to help alleviate costs associated with the internship.
- Ownership of challenging and impactful business-critical projects.
- Work with some of the most talented people in the biotechnology industry.
- Final presentations of project work to senior leaders.
- Lead or participate in intern committees to design and coordinate program events and initiatives.
- Professional & personal development curriculum throughout the program, including networking opportunities, workshops, and panel discussions.
- Participate in volunteer projects, social events, and team-building activities.
Who You Are (Required)
Required Education: You meet one of the following criteria:
- Must have attained a Bachelor's Degree (not currently enrolled in a graduate program).
- Must be pursuing a Master's Degree (enrolled student).
Required Majors: Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biophysics, or related disciplines.
Required Skills:
- Detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and self-directed individual who is excited about tackling complex and creative scientific challenges in an industrial setting.
- Ability to show a high degree of adaptive capacity.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and adaptive capacity, with an interest in advanced separation techniques like CE-SDS.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Complements our culture and the standards that guide our daily behavior & decisions: Integrity, Courage, and Passion.
- Relevant work experience in research labs or the biotechnology industry is desirable but not required.
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $32.00-$41.00 per hour. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for paid holiday time off 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.
Pharmaceutical Job Roles in California
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Search Pharmaceutical Jobs in CaliforniaPharmaceutical Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for pharmaceutical roles in California?
California's largest pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical employers have well-established visa sponsorship programs. Genentech (South San Francisco), Gilead Sciences (Foster City), Amgen (Thousand Oaks), and Pfizer's California operations regularly sponsor H-1B visa and other work visas for roles in clinical development, regulatory affairs, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical sciences. Smaller biotech firms throughout San Diego and the Bay Area also sponsor frequently, particularly for specialized research positions.
Which visa types are most common for pharmaceutical jobs in California?
The H-1B is the most common visa for pharmaceutical professionals in California, covering roles like pharmacists, clinical research scientists, regulatory affairs specialists, and biostatisticians that require a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. The O-1A is an option for researchers with significant publications or awards. Pharmacists licensed in California may also qualify under the TN visa if they are Canadian or Mexican nationals.
Which cities in California have the most pharmaceutical visa sponsorship jobs?
San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area account for the majority of California's pharmaceutical sponsorship activity. San Diego's Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley corridors host hundreds of biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The Bay Area is anchored by South San Francisco, often called the birthplace of biotechnology. Los Angeles and the Thousand Oaks area, home to Amgen's headquarters, are also significant hiring centers.
How to find pharmaceutical visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters pharmaceutical job listings specifically to employers with a documented history of visa sponsorship in California, saving significant research time. You can search by city, role type, and visa category to surface relevant openings in San Diego, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles. Because sponsorship availability changes frequently, checking Migrate Mate regularly gives you the most current view of which California employers are actively hiring internationally.
Are there any California-specific considerations for pharmaceutical visa sponsorship?
California's prevailing wage requirements under H-1B rules are set at levels reflecting the state's high cost of living, particularly in the Bay Area and San Diego, so offered salaries must meet Department of Labor wage determinations for the specific role and location. California's strong university pipeline, including UC San Diego, UC San Francisco, and UC Berkeley, means employers are experienced hiring internationally trained graduates, which can make navigating the sponsorship process more straightforward for qualified candidates.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored pharmaceutical jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.