Biotech & Pharma STEM OPT Jobs in Illinois
Illinois is one of the country's leading biotech and pharma hubs, anchored by the Chicago metro area and research corridors along the North Shore. Companies like AbbVie, Baxter International, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals have established STEM-designated roles that have historically supported F-1 STEM OPT candidates in research, clinical, and regulatory functions.
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JOB SUMMARY
Salary Range: $28.00-32.00 per hour
Final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Our benefits and programs are comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted to ensure our colleagues live healthy lives and have support when it matters most. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with company contributions, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, employee assistance program, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.
Responsibilities
The Lab Tech III is responsible for receiving and logging samples. In addition, the Tech. III is responsible for ensuring proper storage of samples and performing scheduled inspections for reserves, incoming materials and complaints as examples. The individual is expected to maintain up-to-date qualified inspector status. The individual will enter data into computerized systems, review and approve data, coordinate testing to assist Supervisor, communicate with other departments and act as back up to supervisor in their absence.
Job responsibilities:
- Receipt, verification, and logging of samples using SAP and LIMS.
- Ensure proper storage of samples and maintain the chambers and warehouse.
- Accurately documents activities in accordance with GMP requirements.
- Schedules testing, enters results and maintains inventory using computerized systems (example LIMS).
- Performs scheduled inspections.
- Reviews and approves data. Releases lots in LIMS.
- Responsible for training Lab tech II.
- Serves as a backup in the absence of the supervisor.
- Tracks testing status and reports issues to the supervisor.
- Communicates with other departments about testing status.
- Performs additional inspections required for product complaints and deviations.
- Performs destruction of expired samples.
- Keeps accurate inventory on samples.
- Assumes additional duties as assigned by management.
- All employees are responsible for ensuring the compliance to company documents, programs and activities related to the Health, Safety, Environment, Energy, and Quality Management Systems, as per your roles and responsibilities.
Job Requirements
- Associate degree preferred or previous relevant work experience.
- Minimum of three years’ experience in a laboratory environment preferably in the pharmaceutical or other similar regulated industry.
- Attention to detail.
- Good organization skills.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
- Must be flexible with continually changing projects and priorities.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- The Company’s primary business language is English. The successful candidate must be able to effectively speak, read, write, and understand English to perform the essential functions of the position, including independently understanding policies.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We offer an excellent salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, disability, 401K with company contribution, and wellness program.
Please note that joining our team does not create a guaranteed or permanent employment arrangement. All employment is at-will, meaning both the employee and Fresenius Kabi have the right to end the employment relationship at any time, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Fresenius Kabi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.
STEM OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in IllinoisBiotech & Pharma STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies in Illinois have sponsored F-1 STEM OPT workers?
AbbVie, Baxter International, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Horizon Therapeutics are among the Illinois-based employers that have filed Labor Condition Applications for roles. Smaller biotech firms in the Chicago metro and Lake County corridor have also sponsored F-1 STEM OPT candidates, particularly in research and development, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs positions.
Which Illinois cities have the most biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Chicago metro area and the North Shore corridor, including North Chicago, Deerfield, and Lake County, concentrate the highest density of biotech and pharma employers in Illinois. Glenview and Mettawa also host significant pharma operations. Downtown Chicago is growing as a life sciences hub, with companies establishing research and commercial offices alongside established academic medical centers.
How do I find biotech & pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters biotech and pharma job listings in Illinois specifically for F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, showing employers with verified sponsorship history based on DOL filing data. This saves time compared to manually screening postings. Focus on roles with STEM degree classifications in life sciences, such as biochemists, microbiologists, and biomedical engineers, which commonly appear under STEM OPT-qualifying designations.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Illinois?
Roles that qualify are those tied to STEM-designated STEM degree classifications, including research scientist, biomedical engineer, biochemist, clinical data analyst, regulatory affairs specialist, bioinformatics analyst, and quality control chemist. The position must appear on the Department of Homeland Security's STEM OPT designated degree list and match the academic field of the student's qualifying STEM degree for authorization to apply.
Are there Illinois-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT in biotech and pharma?
Illinois employers sponsoring STEM OPT workers must be enrolled in E-Verify, a federal requirement for all STEM OPT extensions. Illinois has no state-level visa sponsorship law, but employers must file a formal training plan with the student's DSO. Large pharma campuses in Lake County often have dedicated immigration or global mobility teams familiar with STEM OPT compliance requirements, which can streamline the process.