Biotech & Pharma STEM OPT Jobs in North Dakota
North Dakota's biotech and pharma sector, anchored by agricultural biotech firms, research institutions, and companies tied to the state's university system in Fargo and Grand Forks, hires international graduates in research, quality, and regulatory roles. F-1 STEM OPT authorization gives eligible graduates up to three years to work for qualifying employers actively filing with OFLC.
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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.
STEM OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in North Dakota
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in North DakotaBiotech & Pharma STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in North Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech & pharma companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in North Dakota?
North Dakota's biotech sponsorship activity is concentrated among agricultural biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, and firms connected to North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota research ecosystem. Employers in crop science, fermentation technology, and pharmaceutical manufacturing have filed Labor Condition Applications through OFLC for STEM-eligible roles. Sponsorship volume is smaller than coastal hubs, so filtering by verified filing history is important before applying.
Which cities in North Dakota have the most biotech & pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Fargo leads North Dakota for biotech and pharma hiring, supported by proximity to North Dakota State University and a growing life sciences cluster. Grand Forks follows, driven by University of North Dakota research activity and affiliated spinouts. Bismarck has a smaller but present pharma-adjacent presence tied to healthcare and agricultural chemistry. Most STEM OPT sponsorship opportunities in the state are concentrated in these three cities.
What types of biotech & pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify must be tied to a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code from your degree and require practical application of that training. In biotech and pharma, qualifying positions commonly include research associate, quality control analyst, regulatory affairs specialist, bioinformatics analyst, process development scientist, and laboratory technician roles. The position must be paid, at least part-time, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to participate in the STEM OPT extension program.
How do I find biotech & pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in North Dakota?
Migrate Mate lets you filter biotech and pharma jobs in North Dakota by employers with verified OFLC filing history, so you can focus on companies that have actively sponsored F-1 workers rather than guessing. This is especially useful in a smaller market like North Dakota, where sponsorship-willing employers are fewer but identifiable. Search by role type, city, and employer to build a targeted list before reaching out.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT in North Dakota's biotech sector?
North Dakota's biotech industry leans heavily on agricultural biotechnology and university-affiliated research, which shapes the types of STEM OPT roles available. Employers here may have less institutional experience with F-1 sponsorship than large coastal companies, so it helps to apply to organizations that already have an OFLC filing record. North Dakota State University's International Student Services office is a resource for verifying your STEM OPT eligibility and coordinating with your DSO before starting any role.