Biotech & Pharma STEM OPT Jobs in Florida
Florida's biotech and pharma sector is concentrated in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, with employers like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Catalent actively hiring research, regulatory, and manufacturing talent. F-1 STEM OPT authorization covers most degree-linked biotech roles, giving recent graduates up to three years of work authorization while pursuing sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Rangaraju Lab is looking for a Research Technician to support research using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and other cellular model systems.
The candidate will work on routine cell culture, iPSC maintenance and differentiation, molecular and cellular biology experiments, and general laboratory support. This position is particularly suited for someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, works carefully and reliably, and has a strong interest in cell biology and stem cell research.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and expand human iPSC cultures.
- Perform routine cell culture procedures, including passaging, freezing, thawing, and cell counting.
- Support differentiation of iPSCs into specialized cell types.
- Prepare media, reagents, and cell culture materials.
- Perform general molecular and cellular biology experiments according to established protocols.
- Monitor cell morphology, viability, and culture quality.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and documentation.
- Follow strict sterile and aseptic working procedures.
- Assist with laboratory organization, reagent preparation, and routine maintenance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, or a related field.
- Previous hands-on mammalian cell culture experience.
- Strong understanding of sterile technique and aseptic cell culture practices.
- General knowledge or practical experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques.
- Experience with human iPSC culture is highly desirable.
- Careful, reliable, and well-organized working style.
- Ability to follow protocols precisely and work independently after training.
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a research team.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with rodent primary cell culture, particularly neuronal or glial cultures.
- Experience with iPSC differentiation.
- Experience with microscopy or fluorescence imaging.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning, immunostaining, Western blotting, or related assays.
- Experience working with neuronal or other disease-relevant cell models.
Candidates with strong mammalian cell culture and molecular/cellular biology experience but limited direct iPSC experience are also encouraged to apply if they are motivated to learn iPSC culture techniques.
INTRODUCTION
The Rangaraju Lab is looking for a Research Technician to support research using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and other cellular model systems.
The candidate will work on routine cell culture, iPSC maintenance and differentiation, molecular and cellular biology experiments, and general laboratory support. This position is particularly suited for someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, works carefully and reliably, and has a strong interest in cell biology and stem cell research.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and expand human iPSC cultures.
- Perform routine cell culture procedures, including passaging, freezing, thawing, and cell counting.
- Support differentiation of iPSCs into specialized cell types.
- Prepare media, reagents, and cell culture materials.
- Perform general molecular and cellular biology experiments according to established protocols.
- Monitor cell morphology, viability, and culture quality.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and documentation.
- Follow strict sterile and aseptic working procedures.
- Assist with laboratory organization, reagent preparation, and routine maintenance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, or a related field.
- Previous hands-on mammalian cell culture experience.
- Strong understanding of sterile technique and aseptic cell culture practices.
- General knowledge or practical experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques.
- Experience with human iPSC culture is highly desirable.
- Careful, reliable, and well-organized working style.
- Ability to follow protocols precisely and work independently after training.
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a research team.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with rodent primary cell culture, particularly neuronal or glial cultures.
- Experience with iPSC differentiation.
- Experience with microscopy or fluorescence imaging.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning, immunostaining, Western blotting, or related assays.
- Experience working with neuronal or other disease-relevant cell models.
Candidates with strong mammalian cell culture and molecular/cellular biology experience but limited direct iPSC experience are also encouraged to apply if they are motivated to learn iPSC culture techniques.
STEM OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Florida
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in FloridaBiotech & Pharma STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Florida?
Florida-based and nationally operating employers with a significant Florida presence, including Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Catalent, Novartis, and smaller contract research organizations, have filed Labor Condition Applications for STEM-related roles. Sponsorship availability varies by location, role, and hiring cycle, so confirming active F-1 STEM OPT support with each employer's HR team before applying is important.
Which cities in Florida have the most biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Miami leads Florida's biotech hiring, driven by proximity to Latin American markets and a growing life sciences corridor. Tampa has a strong concentration of clinical research organizations and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Orlando's medical city district near Lake Nona has attracted biotech investment. Gainesville also has activity tied to University of Florida research spinouts and nearby industry partners.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Florida?
Migrate Mate filters biotech and pharma job listings in Florida specifically for F-1 STEM OPT-eligible roles, showing employers with verified sponsorship history based on DOL Labor Condition Application filings. This lets you skip listings where sponsorship is unclear and focus on companies that have actively supported STEM OPT candidates in research, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and manufacturing roles.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Florida?
Roles that qualify generally require a STEM-designated degree directly related to the position. Common qualifying titles include research scientist, biostatistician, quality control analyst, regulatory affairs specialist, clinical data manager, and pharmaceutical process engineer. The degree-to-role alignment is evaluated by the employer's Designated School Official and must be documented in the STEM OPT extension application submitted to USCIS.
Are there Florida-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in biotech and pharma?
Florida does not require state-level work authorization beyond federal STEM OPT approval, but biotech and pharma employers in regulated environments may require background checks, drug screening, or facility security clearances that can affect onboarding timelines. Employers working on federally contracted projects or handling controlled substances operate under additional compliance requirements that can influence whether and how quickly they bring STEM OPT candidates on board.