Science & Research STEM OPT Jobs in Illinois
Science and research F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated at institutions like the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, and Fermilab, alongside pharmaceutical and biotech employers in the Chicago metro and North Shore corridor. Roles in computational biology, materials science, and clinical research consistently appear among sponsored positions across the state.
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Company Description
About Syngenta
At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.
Job Description
At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Operations & Trialing Team is seeking a Research Associate 2 in Malta, IL. This role will be responsible for executing and managing varied operational tasks in agricultural research, with a focus on operations within a controlled environment. Performs role responsibilities with weekly supervision.
Accountabilities:
- Execute daily operational activities within functional areas focused in a controlled environment.
- Perform data collection and reporting, small flower pollination, inventory management, accurate data and/or observations from trials, plant care, and perform standard processes and protocols. Update records and documentation and present performance metrics to management.
- Implement compliance in areas that may such as industry regulations, internal policies, HSE, EPA and WPS, equipment handling, quality standards, and best practices in agricultural research and operations.
- Train and mentor junior team members and seasonal staff in operational tasks.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, improve communication, and ensure project success.
- Identify and implement process improvements and optimization strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Monitor and maintain controlled environments, such as plant care, pest management, and equipment operation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required:
- Associate’s degree in agriculture, Operations Management, or related field, or 2+ years of relevant experience.
- Ability to effectively work in controlled environments.
- Ability to work multiple shifts, such as weekends.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Ability to perform manual labor tasks, such as bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
- Accurate record-keeping of research documents.
- Ability to obtain necessary license or certification.
Desired:
- Demonstrated experience in agricultural operations, process improvement, and data collection.
- Strong understanding of agriculture and controlled environments.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, such as the ability to train and lead others.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Experience with greenhouse or indoor growing systems (preferred).
- Problem-solving skills and ability to identify root causes and apply corrective actions.
Additional Information
Salary for this position ranges between $55,000 - $72,000 annually.
What We Offer:
- A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
- Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
- 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
- Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.
Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI
Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
WL: 2A
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STEM OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Science & Research Jobs in IllinoisScience & Research STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Illinois?
Illinois employers with documented STEM OPT sponsorship activity in science and research include AbbVie, Abbott Laboratories, Baxter International, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, all headquartered in the North Shore suburbs. National laboratories such as Argonne and Fermilab also hire STEM OPT candidates for research roles. University-affiliated research centers at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University are additional active sponsors.
Which cities in Illinois have the most science and research F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Chicago leads in volume, particularly for biotech, environmental science, and data-driven research roles. The North Shore corridor, covering Deerfield, Waukegan, and North Chicago, is dense with pharmaceutical research employers. Urbana-Champaign supports STEM OPT hiring through university research programs and spinoff companies. Batavia and Lemont host federally funded laboratory campuses that sponsor research positions year-round.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Illinois?
Roles that qualify must correspond to a STEM-designated CIP code from your degree and require application of that training. In Illinois, qualifying titles commonly include research scientist, computational biologist, data scientist, materials researcher, environmental scientist, and laboratory analyst. Positions at national laboratories and pharmaceutical R&D divisions frequently meet the specialty-occupation threshold that supports both initial OPT and the 24-month STEM extension.
How do I find science and research F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters science and research positions in Illinois specifically by F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history, so you can see which employers have previously sponsored candidates in your field rather than guessing from generic job listings. You can search by role type, city, and employer to identify companies with verified sponsorship patterns at Argonne-area labs, Chicago biotech firms, and North Shore pharmaceutical campuses.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in science and research?
Illinois employers sponsoring STEM OPT workers must be enrolled in E-Verify, which is also required under Illinois state law for most employers. Research roles at federally funded laboratories like Argonne and Fermilab may involve security clearance requirements that can affect international candidates independently of visa status. The state's concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers means many positions involve GMP or FDA-regulated environments, which can influence both role classification and sponsorship timelines.