Biotech & Pharma STEM OPT Jobs in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the top states for biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship, anchored by major employers like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer, and Novartis across the Raritan Valley and Princeton corridor. Life sciences graduates in roles from process development to computational biology find strong OPT extension opportunities here.
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INTRODUCTION
The ARD & QC Manager, Laboratory Operations will lead and manage various laboratory functions to ensure operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include the following:
- Equipment and software management
- Supervise, train, and mentor junior QC scientists and associate scientists
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions
- Chemical and consumables inventory management
- Internal safety and cGMP self-inspections
- Sample management, including outsourced testing
- EHS management
The incumbent works cross-functionally with internal departments and external resources on ARD/QC related issues. The ARD & QC Manager, Laboratory Operations, supports adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as appropriate.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform all work in a safe and compliant manner in accordance with EHS best practices and cGMP guidelines.
- Lead and train quality control teams.
- Work with management and vendors to acquire, install, and qualify new equipment.
- Serve as primary contact for negotiation of quotes, service agreements, and contracts.
- Manage and schedule work outsourced to third-party analytical and metrology service providers.
- Develop procedures and SOPs for calibration and OQ of equipment.
- Develop protocols for qualification/validation of software.
- Maintain, clean, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair analytical instruments and equipment.
- Manage lab chemicals and consumables including tracking and replenishing inventory.
- Lead internal self-inspections to ensure safety and cGMP compliance.
- Prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, reports, etc. as needed.
- Conduct OOS, risk assessment, and root cause investigations and/or assist management with these investigations.
- Write deviations, change controls, and CAPAs, and/or assist management with these documents.
- Document work in laboratory notebooks and logbooks according to organizational GDP policies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge and experience in cGMP, ICH guidelines, USP, and Ph.Eur.
- Hands-on experience with various analytical instruments.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as required, in a team environment consisting of internal and external team members.
- Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent planning, organization and time management skills including the ability to support and prioritize multiple projects.
- Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including occasional nights, weekends or holidays, as needed to fulfill the business need.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
- BS, MS, or PhD degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related discipline.
- BS with at least 6 years of relevant experience, MS or higher degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of work experience, education, and training.
- Must have at least 3 years of QC laboratory working experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Typically requires standing and walking for entire shift.
- Occasionally requires lifting of up to 20 pounds.
- Frequently requires the use of a step stool.
- Requires manual dexterity and visual abilities.
WORKING CONDITION:
Laboratory and office environment
COMPENSATION:
$100,000-$130,000
NJ Bio, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws
STEM OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in New Jersey
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in New JerseyBiotech & Pharma STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in New Jersey?
New Jersey hosts some of the world's largest pharmaceutical and biotech employers with established OPT sponsorship histories. Companies including Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer, Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genmab, and Catalent have all filed Labor Condition Applications for roles. Sponsorship patterns vary by department and hiring cycle, so reviewing DOL LCA disclosure data by employer is the most reliable way to identify active sponsors.
Which cities in New Jersey have the most biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Raritan Valley corridor, stretching through Raritan, Bridgewater, and Whitehouse Station, concentrates a significant share of New Jersey's pharma employment. Princeton and nearby Plainsboro host major research campuses, while Parsippany, Nutley, and Titusville also have notable employer presences. Newark and Jersey City see biotech activity tied to proximity to New York City. For F-1 STEM OPT candidates, roles in this corridor are within commuting range of multiple large sponsors.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in New Jersey?
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for biotech and pharma employers in New Jersey with verified F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history, based on DOL Labor Condition Application data. Rather than guessing which employers sponsor, you can see actual filing records filtered by role and location. Focus your search on computational biology, process engineering, regulatory affairs, and analytical chemistry titles, which appear frequently in New Jersey LCA filings.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in New Jersey?
Roles that qualify must fall under a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code tied to the graduate's degree. In New Jersey's pharma sector, common qualifying positions include research scientist, process development engineer, bioinformatics analyst, clinical data analyst, formulation scientist, and regulatory affairs specialist. The role must also be a bona fide paid position with a sponsoring employer enrolled in E-Verify, as required for STEM OPT extensions under USCIS rules.
Are there New Jersey-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in biotech and pharma?
New Jersey's concentration of large pharmaceutical headquarters means many roles are at employers with mature immigration compliance programs, which can support structured OPT onboarding. However, contract research organizations and smaller biotech startups in the state may have less established sponsorship infrastructure. New Jersey does not impose state-level visa sponsorship requirements beyond federal obligations, but E-Verify enrollment and prevailing wage compliance under the OFLC Wage Search standards apply uniformly to all STEM OPT employers statewide.