Biotech & Pharma F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship 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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ABOUT ABBVIE
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
PURPOSE:
The Analytical R&D – Outsourcing Specialist is the single point of contact for the internal project development teams, QA, business operations and the external service provider. Accompany outsourced analytical work packages from initial request over quote, contract, testing order, analyses related coordination to invoice verification to meet given development timelines and budget. Continuously challenge existing processes together with internal and external interfaces to increase effectivity. Demonstrate mastery of organizational, documentation and communication skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE
- Manage interaction with Service Providers and represent AbbVie’s interest by supporting externalized early phase development projects.
- Coordination of analytical development work packages that are outsourced to external and internal service providers.
- Planning and monitoring of outsourced activities within the given project timeline in close collaboration with the internal project team and the service provider.
- Support service provider monitoring, identification, and qualification of new external partners.
- Responsible for the timely shipment of analytical samples.
- Authoring and archiving of documents in a GMP environment. Verification of analytical data from service providers.
- Prioritize activities and work with different areas towards standardized, compliant, and effective outsourcing processes.
- Support and implement IT and database solutions to effectively track critical outsourcing parameters.
- Collaboration in a global team with internal and external global interfaces.
- Request and assessment of quotes and contracts for services.
- Contribution to the planning and adherence of project budget.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Scientist I: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of experience, or Master’s Degree or equivalent education with typically two years of experience preferably in a GMP-regulated environment.
- Scientist II: BS or equivalent education with typically 7 or more years of experience or MS or equivalent education with typically 5 or more years of experience preferably in a GMP-regulated environment.
- This position requires an individual who is self-motivated, self-reliant, hard-working, detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced global team environment with demonstrated problem solving skills.
- Competency with software programs, including MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word.
- Strong attention to quality and details when exercising organizational, documentation and communication skills.
- Proven flexibility to deal with changing timelines and shifting work priorities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
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Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in IllinoisBiotech & Pharma 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 STEM-eligible 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 SOC codes 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 SOC codes, 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.