Biotech & Pharma OPT Jobs in Iowa
F-1 OPT biotech and pharma sponsorship jobs in Iowa are concentrated around Des Moines, Iowa City, and Ames, where employers like Corteva Agriscience, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, and university-affiliated research institutions actively hire international graduates in life sciences, agricultural biotechnology, and pharmaceutical research roles.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
You Matter to Cambrex.
Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services.
With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.
Your Work Matters.
At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:
- engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
- learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
- strengthen connections with coworkers and the community
We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!
Your Future Matters.
Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!
JOB OVERVIEW
The Cambrex Scientific Manufacturing Apprenticeship and Intern Program creates a structured pathway from student to full time employee by developing regulated manufacturing capability before placement into quality or technical roles.
Responsibilities
This is not meant to be all inclusive. If you are interested in our upcoming opportunities submit a resume!
Students will gain experience in the API industry while leveraging their knowledge from course work. Students will be exposed to several different departments including; QC/ PSG Labs, Operations/ Production, Engineering etc.
Students may:
- Work occasional scheduled shifts during academic semesters
- Be contacted for available coverage shifts
- Continue skill development and familiarity with procedures
- Maintain connection with their assigned department
Based on availability and performance.
Graduating seniors or recent graduates complete a 12-week conditional concentrated apprenticeship designed to bridge the transition from academic study to professional pharmaceutical manufacturing.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to work in team environment
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
- 4 year degree in chemistry, biology or similar field (apprenticeship).
- Completed Junior level course work (Intern).
Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment screen. The pre-employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.
All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.
INTRODUCTION
You Matter to Cambrex.
Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services.
With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.
Your Work Matters.
At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:
- engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
- learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
- strengthen connections with coworkers and the community
We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!
Your Future Matters.
Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!
JOB OVERVIEW
The Cambrex Scientific Manufacturing Apprenticeship and Intern Program creates a structured pathway from student to full time employee by developing regulated manufacturing capability before placement into quality or technical roles.
Responsibilities
This is not meant to be all inclusive. If you are interested in our upcoming opportunities submit a resume!
Students will gain experience in the API industry while leveraging their knowledge from course work. Students will be exposed to several different departments including; QC/ PSG Labs, Operations/ Production, Engineering etc.
Students may:
- Work occasional scheduled shifts during academic semesters
- Be contacted for available coverage shifts
- Continue skill development and familiarity with procedures
- Maintain connection with their assigned department
Based on availability and performance.
Graduating seniors or recent graduates complete a 12-week conditional concentrated apprenticeship designed to bridge the transition from academic study to professional pharmaceutical manufacturing.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to work in team environment
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
- 4 year degree in chemistry, biology or similar field (apprenticeship).
- Completed Junior level course work (Intern).
Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment screen. The pre-employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.
All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.
OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in IowaBiotech & Pharma OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Iowa?
Iowa employers with a track record of hiring F-1 OPT workers in biotech and pharma include Corteva Agriscience, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, and Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) in Coralville. University of Iowa Hospitals and affiliated research centers also hire OPT candidates in laboratory and research roles. Sponsorship patterns vary by role, department, and hiring cycle, so confirming authorization support directly with each employer is important.
Which cities in Iowa have the most biotech and pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Coralville and Iowa City form Iowa's most active biotech corridor, anchored by the University of Iowa and companies like IDT. Ames supports life sciences hiring through Iowa State University partnerships and agricultural biotech firms. Des Moines has a smaller but growing presence in pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare-adjacent biotech. Most F-1 OPT sponsorship opportunities in the state are concentrated across these three metro areas.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Iowa?
Roles that align directly with a STEM degree field qualify for standard 12-month OPT, while positions in biological sciences, chemistry, agricultural biotechnology, and related engineering disciplines may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Common qualifying titles include research associate, quality control analyst, bioinformatics specialist, and process development scientist. The role must be directly related to your degree program, which employers and your designated school official (DSO) can help confirm.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters biotech and pharma jobs in Iowa by visa type, including F-1 OPT. Rather than sorting through general job boards that rarely flag sponsorship availability, Migrate Mate surfaces roles where employers have demonstrated willingness to work with OPT candidates. Filtering by Iowa and the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals category gives you a focused list relevant to your authorization status.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in biotech and pharma?
Iowa's biotech sector is heavily tied to agricultural science and veterinary pharmaceuticals, which shapes the types of STEM OPT-eligible roles available. Many positions are at smaller research firms or university spin-offs that may have less experience processing OPT employment verification, so confirming E-Verify enrollment and I-983 training plan support early in the hiring process is important for STEM extension eligibility. Iowa State University and University of Iowa career offices can also assist with employer outreach.