Science & Research OPT Jobs in Indiana
Science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Indiana are anchored by major research universities, pharmaceutical employers like Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, and life sciences hubs in Bloomington and West Lafayette. Indiana's concentration of federally funded research institutions creates consistent OPT hiring opportunities for graduates in biology, chemistry, data science, and environmental science.
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INTRODUCTION
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals! As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Your Role: Process Engineering Associate (Entry Level)
As a Process Engineer at Clinton Labs, Elanco’s largest U.S. manufacturing site, you’ll join a team focused on ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient production of animal health products. In this entry-level role, you’ll develop deep technical expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and equipment, contribute to regulatory compliance, and support continuous improvement initiatives in a highly regulated environment.
Your Responsibilities:
- Troubleshoot and resolve day-to-day process and equipment issues to maintain production performance and reliability
- Analyze operational and process data to identify trends, improve efficiency, and support decision-making
- Support regulatory compliance by documenting process changes, investigating deviations, and applying safety and environmental standards (e.g., PSM)
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams on improvement projects, including equipment upgrades and process optimizations
- Participate in cross-functional efforts to reduce variability in manufacturing by evaluating process, equipment, and procedural factors
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, with an expected graduation by June 2027.
- Required Experience: None required — entry-level position
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills; comfortable using tools like Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
- Internship, co-op, or project experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or lab setting
- Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
- Familiarity with process modeling software (e.g., Aspen) or data analysis tools (e.g., PI system)
- Understanding of root cause analysis or troubleshooting methods
- General awareness of manufacturing or process equipment such as fermentors, dryers, or packaging systems
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Schedule: Full-time, primarily Monday–Friday (8-hour shifts); occasional evening or weekend support may be required
- Location: Clinton, IN Manufacturing Site
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
- Multiple relocation packages
- 8-week parental leave
- 9 Employee Resource Groups
- Annual bonus offering
- Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Indiana
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Search Science & Research Jobs in IndianaScience & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Indiana?
Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis is one of Indiana's most active sponsors for science and research OPT roles, particularly in pharmaceutical research and data analytics. Purdue University and Indiana University also sponsor OPT students in research staff and postdoctoral positions. Cook Medical, Corteva Agriscience, and several CROs operating in the Indianapolis metro have documented OPT filing histories in DOL disclosure data.
Which cities in Indiana have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Indianapolis concentrates the most science and research OPT opportunities, driven by its pharmaceutical, biotech, and health sciences sectors. West Lafayette is a strong second because of Purdue University's research enterprise and its surrounding tech transfer and agri-science companies. Bloomington supports OPT hiring through Indiana University and its affiliated research centers, particularly in biology, cognitive science, and data-driven research.
How do I find science & research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Indiana?
Migrate Mate filters science and research roles in Indiana specifically by F-1 OPT sponsorship history, so you can identify employers who have previously supported OPT students rather than cold-applying to companies with no sponsorship track record. You can search by occupation, city, and employer to prioritize roles at institutions like Purdue, IU, or pharmaceutical employers in Indianapolis where OPT authorization is well established.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Indiana?
Roles that commonly qualify include research associate positions in pharmaceutical development, laboratory scientist roles in biotech and medical device firms, data scientist and bioinformatics positions, environmental scientist roles at consulting firms, and postdoctoral researcher appointments at Indiana's major universities. OPT authorization applies when the role is directly related to your degree field, so a chemistry graduate working in drug formulation research is a strong fit.
Are there any Indiana-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in science and research?
Indiana's strong university-industry research partnerships mean that many OPT opportunities arise through university technology transfer offices, cooperative research centers, and sponsored lab programs rather than traditional job postings. F-1 students in STEM fields such as biology, chemistry, and computer science may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, which is particularly relevant given Indiana's concentration of pharmaceutical and agricultural science employers who plan for longer research project timelines. Confirm your specific program's eligibility with your Designated School Official.