Biotech & Pharma OPT Jobs in North Dakota
North Dakota's biotech and pharma sector is anchored by agricultural biotechnology research, bioscience manufacturing, and university-affiliated labs in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. F-1 OPT students in life sciences, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences can find sponsoring employers connected to NDSU research partnerships, regional bioscience firms, and health-system-affiliated labs across the state.
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INTRODUCTION
Bring more to life.
Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?
At Aldevron, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.
You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.
At Aldevron, we deliver world-class CDMO services that accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies. Our mission is to be the engine of innovation for genomic medicine pioneers. As a member of our team, you’ll help bring life-changing innovations to life—impacting millions around the world. We bring together deep scientific expertise, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit to drive progress. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, we value the unique perspective you bring. Join us and become part of a mission-driven team advancing science and unlocking human potential—one discovery at a time.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Scientist II R&D is responsible for both mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) analytics, as well as interactions with clients on a weekly basis. The role will facilitate communication between the analytical teams and the clients, while trying to meet all parties’ expectations. The role of Scientist II R&D is expected to be motivated and capable of efficient prioritization, planning, and scheduling multiple projects to effectively meet pre-determined deadlines.
This position reports to the Principal Scientist, Analytical Development, and is part of the Analytical Method Development (AMD) team located in Fargo, ND and will be on-site.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Design and execute on the development of new services and technologies such as (not limited to) mRNA, sgRNA, and LNPs. Develop solutions for simple and complex problems requiring a high degree of ingenuity, creativity, and innovation.
- Lead the execution of experiments for bio-physical and chemical data analysis. Broaden existing knowledge in own field and expand capabilities to other areas relevant to team operations.
- Establish new site processes including preparation of a laboratory, installation/qualification of equipment, development of SOPs, provide technical review of analytical documents to support regulatory filings for our clients, etc.
- Create detailed project reports and present findings and recommendations to both clients and senior management.
- Liaise between clients and analytical teams to facilitate the efficient transfer of knowledge from Aldevron to the client, and from client to analytical teams.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The essential requirements of the job include:
- PhD in biotechnology, biochemistry, or related discipline with 1+ years of industry experience, MS with 2+ years of industry experience, or BS with 5+ years of experience in related industry. CDMO experience is preferred, but not required.
- Experience in development and optimization (biologics), assay optimization, experimental design, data analysis, and concept presentation.
- Knowledge of regulatory guidelines (compendial and non-compendial) related to phase-appropriate analytical method development and validation.
- Bio-analytical method development skills, including chromatographic or electrophoretic based separation methods, and biophysical / chemical characterization of biologics.
- Excellent communication skills and demonstrate the ability to organize presentations (e.g., PowerPoint), summarize findings, and troubleshoot issues during meetings with clients.
Travel:
Limited travel may be required (e.g., 2-4 weeks per year).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Analytical method qualification and/or analytical method comparability
- Analytical methods using HPLC
- Experience in discussing, defending, or authoring analytical topics with/for auditors or regulators
Aldevron, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Please review our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.
Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.
OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in North Dakota
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in North DakotaBiotech & Pharma OPT Sponsorship Jobs in North Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech & pharma companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in North Dakota?
Sponsoring employers in North Dakota's biotech and pharma space tend to be agricultural biotech firms, bioscience manufacturers, and health-system-affiliated research labs. Companies with ties to North Dakota State University's research programs and the Fargo-Moorhead bioscience corridor have historically filed OPT-eligible positions. Sponsorship availability varies by company size, role, and whether the position falls within a STEM-designated classification, so verifying each employer's filing history directly is important.
Which cities in North Dakota have the most biotech & pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Fargo has the highest concentration of biotech and pharma sponsorship opportunities in North Dakota, driven by proximity to North Dakota State University and the broader Fargo-Moorhead research ecosystem. Grand Forks offers additional opportunities tied to University of North Dakota health sciences programs. Bismarck, as the state capital, hosts health-system employers and regulatory-adjacent roles that occasionally include OPT sponsorship for qualified candidates.
What types of biotech & pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in North Dakota?
Roles that commonly qualify include research associate positions, quality control analysts, laboratory technicians, biochemistry research assistants, regulatory affairs coordinators, and bioinformatics analysts. STEM OPT extension eligibility is especially relevant for positions classified under life sciences, biological sciences, or chemical engineering SOC codes. Roles requiring a directly related degree field and structured employer oversight tend to be the strongest fit for OPT authorization within North Dakota biotech and pharma employers.
How do I find biotech & pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in North Dakota?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT job seekers and filters biotech and pharma listings in North Dakota by verified sponsorship history, so you can identify employers who have actively supported OPT candidates rather than guessing from general job postings. You can filter by industry, visa type, and location to surface relevant North Dakota roles. Combining Migrate Mate searches with outreach to NDSU and UND career offices can strengthen your pipeline for bioscience positions.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in North Dakota's biotech & pharma sector?
North Dakota's biotech sector is heavily tied to agricultural biotechnology and university research partnerships, which means many positions are grant-funded or tied to academic lab structures. Grant-funded roles can affect OPT authorization continuity if funding cycles shift, so confirming employment structure with your DSO before accepting is important. Additionally, STEM OPT extension applicants must ensure their employer is E-Verify enrolled, which smaller or newer bioscience startups in the state may not always have completed at the time of hiring.