Biotech & Pharma STEM OPT Jobs in Kentucky
Kentucky's biotech and pharma sector, anchored by employers such as Kindred Biosciences, Ashland Global Holdings, and the growing research corridor around Louisville and Lexington, offers F-1 STEM OPT candidates roles in process chemistry, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The state's life sciences ecosystem is expanding, making it a viable destination for OPT students seeking hands-on industry experience.
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Catalent’s Winchester, KY site is the company’s flagship U.S. manufacturing location for large‑scale oral solid dose forms, operating from a 180,000‑square‑foot facility with fully integrated development and analytical services. The site specializes in complex and controlled‑release oral dose technologies, supporting product development, technology transfer, and commercial manufacturing across pharmaceutical and consumer health programs. Winchester has a long commercial manufacturing track record, having launched 100+ products and producing billions of tablets and capsules annually, making it a critical site within Catalent’s oral dose network.
Position Summary
We have an opportunity for a Product Manager-Annual Product Reviews to join our team. This role is responsible for managing the Annual Product Review program at Catalent-Winchester, ensuring the highest quality standards and regulatory compliance. The position supports departmental strategic goals and collaborates across teams to maintain effective quality systems. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining client partnerships and supporting audits and inspections.
Shift: Mon-Fri, standard business hours
Location: Winchester, KY
100% Onsite
The Role
- Author Annual Product Reviews to verify process consistency, assess trends, and determine the need for changes in specifications, production, manufacturing, or control procedures.
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert for Annual Product Reviews for clients and internal customers.
- Collect processing data from Executed Batch Records and Certificates of Analysis and maintain client data sets.
- Support internal, client, and regulatory audits.
- Maintain systems and procedures to monitor the health of the quality system and ensure audit readiness.
- Perform statistical analyses and infer process performance for each Annual Product Review as scheduled.
- Develop and nurture client partnerships to ensure alignment and consensus regarding Annual Product Reviews.
- Coordinate functions of the internal Quality Assurance organization with customers and relevant Catalent departments.
- Interface with internal teams such as Validation, Technical Writers, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Product Development, and Customer Service to ensure quality and compliance.
- Coordinate key systems including Customer Complaints and functions impacting the Quality area related to assigned products and clients.
- Support the Quality Compliance and Regulatory department during FDA and other agency inspections as well as customer and internal audits.
- Ensure coordination and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and current Good Manufacturing Practices through observation and implementation of Annual Product Review findings.
- Provide additional Quality Assurance support and functions as specified by the Supervisor.
- Maintain effectiveness of the Quality System components relevant to this position.
- Perform other duties as required.
The Candidate
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in a pharmaceutical applicable field or equivalent hands-on experience; examples include Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering.
- Five years of experience in quality and/or regulatory in the pharmaceutical industry, or seven years in a regulated industry with understanding of laboratory, manufacturing, regulatory, and compliance.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of internal and client organizations and regulatory agencies.
- Knowledge of quality, regulatory, and legal standards including United States Pharmacopeia, Good Manufacturing Practices, International Council for Harmonisation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Food and Drug Administration.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Physical requirement: Sustained sitting at desk or workstation with use of phones, computers, and other office equipment as required. Static standing as needed. File and folder storage with light lifting, reaching, and forward bending. Infrequent overhead lifting up to 15 lbs, with potential to lift up to 35 lbs and push/pull 40 lbs.
Preferred Skills & Background
- Experience with Minitab, PowerBI, Trackwise, and JD Edwards.
- Experience working with third-party contract manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Demonstrated ability to influence others outside the incumbent’s department.
Why You Should Join Catalent
- Positive and fast-paced working environment focusing on continual improvement and innovation.
- Competitive Paid Time Off plus 8 paid holidays.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits effective day one of employment.
- Tuition Reimbursement to support educational growth.
- Engaging site-based activities such as sports events, mentorship programs, and community initiatives.
- Employee Resource Groups promoting Diversity and Inclusion.
- Environmentally friendly initiatives including Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up participation.
- Defined career path with annual performance reviews and growth opportunities.
- WellHub program promoting physical and mental wellness.
- Perkspot offering exclusive discounts from over 900 merchants.
Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.
personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.
Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:
Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond— it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.
California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.
Volunteer Work Disclosure: Applicants for employment in Massachusetts may include in their employment history any verified work performed on a volunteer basis.
Massachusetts Lie Detector Test Notice: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law may be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Consistent with Massachusetts law, Catalent does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.
About Site
Catalent’s Winchester, KY site is the company’s flagship U.S. manufacturing location for large‑scale oral solid dose forms, operating from a 180,000‑square‑foot facility with fully integrated development and analytical services. The site specializes in complex and controlled‑release oral dose technologies, supporting product development, technology transfer, and commercial manufacturing across pharmaceutical and consumer health programs. Winchester has a long commercial manufacturing track record, having launched 100+ products and producing billions of tablets and capsules annually, making it a critical site within Catalent’s oral dose network.
Position Summary
We have an opportunity for a Product Manager-Annual Product Reviews to join our team. This role is responsible for managing the Annual Product Review program at Catalent-Winchester, ensuring the highest quality standards and regulatory compliance. The position supports departmental strategic goals and collaborates across teams to maintain effective quality systems. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining client partnerships and supporting audits and inspections.
Shift: Mon-Fri, standard business hours
Location: Winchester, KY
100% Onsite
The Role
- Author Annual Product Reviews to verify process consistency, assess trends, and determine the need for changes in specifications, production, manufacturing, or control procedures.
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert for Annual Product Reviews for clients and internal customers.
- Collect processing data from Executed Batch Records and Certificates of Analysis and maintain client data sets.
- Support internal, client, and regulatory audits.
- Maintain systems and procedures to monitor the health of the quality system and ensure audit readiness.
- Perform statistical analyses and infer process performance for each Annual Product Review as scheduled.
- Develop and nurture client partnerships to ensure alignment and consensus regarding Annual Product Reviews.
- Coordinate functions of the internal Quality Assurance organization with customers and relevant Catalent departments.
- Interface with internal teams such as Validation, Technical Writers, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Product Development, and Customer Service to ensure quality and compliance.
- Coordinate key systems including Customer Complaints and functions impacting the Quality area related to assigned products and clients.
- Support the Quality Compliance and Regulatory department during FDA and other agency inspections as well as customer and internal audits.
- Ensure coordination and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and current Good Manufacturing Practices through observation and implementation of Annual Product Review findings.
- Provide additional Quality Assurance support and functions as specified by the Supervisor.
- Maintain effectiveness of the Quality System components relevant to this position.
- Perform other duties as required.
The Candidate
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in a pharmaceutical applicable field or equivalent hands-on experience; examples include Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering.
- Five years of experience in quality and/or regulatory in the pharmaceutical industry, or seven years in a regulated industry with understanding of laboratory, manufacturing, regulatory, and compliance.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of internal and client organizations and regulatory agencies.
- Knowledge of quality, regulatory, and legal standards including United States Pharmacopeia, Good Manufacturing Practices, International Council for Harmonisation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Food and Drug Administration.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Physical requirement: Sustained sitting at desk or workstation with use of phones, computers, and other office equipment as required. Static standing as needed. File and folder storage with light lifting, reaching, and forward bending. Infrequent overhead lifting up to 15 lbs, with potential to lift up to 35 lbs and push/pull 40 lbs.
Preferred Skills & Background
- Experience with Minitab, PowerBI, Trackwise, and JD Edwards.
- Experience working with third-party contract manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Demonstrated ability to influence others outside the incumbent’s department.
Why You Should Join Catalent
- Positive and fast-paced working environment focusing on continual improvement and innovation.
- Competitive Paid Time Off plus 8 paid holidays.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits effective day one of employment.
- Tuition Reimbursement to support educational growth.
- Engaging site-based activities such as sports events, mentorship programs, and community initiatives.
- Employee Resource Groups promoting Diversity and Inclusion.
- Environmentally friendly initiatives including Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up participation.
- Defined career path with annual performance reviews and growth opportunities.
- WellHub program promoting physical and mental wellness.
- Perkspot offering exclusive discounts from over 900 merchants.
Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.
personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.
Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:
Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond— it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.
California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.
Volunteer Work Disclosure: Applicants for employment in Massachusetts may include in their employment history any verified work performed on a volunteer basis.
Massachusetts Lie Detector Test Notice: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law may be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Consistent with Massachusetts law, Catalent does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.
STEM OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Kentucky
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in KentuckyBiotech & Pharma STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies in Kentucky have sponsored F-1 STEM OPT workers?
Companies with documented life sciences hiring activity in Kentucky include Ashland Global Holdings, Lexmark International, and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations clustered around Louisville. Large hospital systems with affiliated research divisions, such as Norton Healthcare and Baptist Health, have also hired STEM OPT candidates in research-adjacent roles. Sponsorship history varies by position and year, so confirming active OPT sponsorship with each employer's HR team is an important step before applying.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Louisville concentrates the largest share of Kentucky's pharmaceutical and life sciences employment, driven by its established manufacturing base and proximity to major distribution infrastructure. Lexington supports biotech research activity, partly through ties to the University of Kentucky's research programs. Covington, situated in the Greater Cincinnati metro area, also offers access to pharma employers that recruit across the Kentucky-Ohio border. These three cities account for the majority of F-1 STEM OPT opportunities in the sector.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Kentucky?
Roles most likely to qualify include process development scientist, quality assurance analyst, regulatory affairs associate, computational biologist, and pharmaceutical research associate. These positions typically carry STEM degree classifications that appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, which determines OPT extension eligibility. Positions in manufacturing operations, analytical chemistry, and clinical data management also frequently qualify, provided the job duties align with the graduate's STEM degree field. Candidates should verify STEM degree classification alignment with their DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers with F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history in biotech and pharma, letting you search by state so you can focus on Kentucky-based openings. This saves time compared to manually screening general job boards where sponsorship status is often unlisted. You can also review DOL Labor Condition Application filings through the OFLC Wage Search to verify which Kentucky employers have recently sponsored workers in life sciences roles before applying.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in biotech and pharma in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not impose state-level work authorization requirements beyond federal STEM OPT rules, but biotech and pharma roles often involve regulated environments where employers require E-Verify enrollment, which is already mandated for STEM OPT positions. Life sciences roles in GMP manufacturing settings may also require background checks and health screenings that extend onboarding timelines. Candidates should account for these steps when timing their OPT start date relative to their program end date and any employer-mandated pre-employment requirements.