Science & Research OPT Jobs in Pennsylvania
Science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Pennsylvania are concentrated around Philadelphia's biotech corridor, Pittsburgh's university research ecosystem, and the Lehigh Valley's life sciences sector. Major employers including Penn Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Carnegie Mellon, and GSK have active OPT hiring histories. Roles span laboratory research, data science, clinical research coordination, and computational biology.
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INTRODUCTION
Iovance Biotherapeutics aims to be the global leader in innovating, developing and delivering tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for people with cancer. We are pioneering a transformational approach to treating cancer by harnessing the ability of the human immune system to recognize and attack diverse cancer cells in each patient. The Iovance TIL platform has demonstrated promising clinical data across multiple solid tumors. We are committed to continuous innovation in cell therapy, including gene-edited cell therapy, which may be a promising option for patients with cancer.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The MSAT Specialist is a Manufacturing Operations cell therapy subject matter expert. The MSAT Specialist reports to the Senior Manager, MSAT and EM and is responsible for manufacturing data analysis, contributing to deviation root cause analysis, and owning steps of the manufacturing process tech transfer. The MSAT Specialist is also responsible for protocol and report authoring, oversight of manufacturing operations, and execution of MSAT laboratory activities.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Serve as a manufacturing processes technical SME representing MSAT during cross functional meetings.
- Serve as MSAT POC for clinical manufacturing execution escalations for cell and gene therapy GMP Processes. Perform Person-In-Plant (PIP) responsibilities at CMOs observing production and providing real time feedback and support during execution cell therapy batches.
- Observe and provide feedback of manufacturing operations, ensure alignment of manufacturing practices across multiple manufacturing facilities.
- Provide MSAT oversight, training, and support within the manufacturing cleanroom environment.
- Execute Technology Transfer responsibilities related to new product introduction or process improvements to internal and external manufacturing facilities. Provide hands-on manufacturing process training to manufacturing personnel as part of process tech transfer, as needed.
- The MSAT Specialists may be responsible for the authoring and the ownership/management of the following documentation:
- Quality Systems (minor to complex) – Change Controls, Deviations, CAPAs, Action Items
- Minor Study or investigational protocols and corresponding reports
- Process Characterization, Validation, Qualification protocols and report amendments
- Product Impact and Risk Assessments, Failure Modes Risk Analysis
- SOPs, COPs, MSAT MBRs
- MSAT Specialists will be involved in execution of investigation activities which may include execution of studies, GEMBA, Kaizen, Risk Analysis etc.
- Translate process development reports into manufacturing batch records and SOPs as part of process tech transfer. Will assist manufacturing and quality when authoring Master Batch Records and implementing process improvements.
- Analyze and interpret manufacturing process data. Emphasize operational excellence and continuously identify process improvements, i.e. efficiencies, within the manufacturing operations environment.
- Execute hands on experiments in the MSAT lab (as applicable).
- Must adhere to Iovance Biotherapeutics' core values, policies, procedures, and business ethics.
- Comply with Safety SOPs, SDS sheets, and laboratory procedures per company policy and OSHA regulations.
- Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- S degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent industry experience.
- A minimum of 1 year of relevant hands-on operations experience for clinical or commercial production and/or process development experience in the life sciences industry.
- Expertise in cell culture and aseptic technique.
- Knowledge and understanding of GMP systems within a manufacturing facility.
- Ability to organize and analyze manufacturing process data.
- Knowledge of manufacturing process tech transfer.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong technical writing ability required.
- Ability to work cross functionally within the organization as part of a project team.
- Self-motivated and willing to accept temporary responsibilities outside of initial job description.
- Must be comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior cell therapy experience is highly preferred.
- Involvement in prior manufacturing process tech transfer is preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ACTIVITIES REQUIRED
- Must be able to move to and from the office to the lab located on separate floors and move about the office and lab as needed.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
- Must be able to grasp with both hands, perform repetitious actions such as pinch with thumb and forefinger, turn with hand/arm, and reach above shoulder height.
- Must be able to use several types of laboratory equipment and pipettes for extended periods.
- Must be able to work on a tablet or computer typing for 50% of a typical working day.
- Must be able to move and lift 20 pounds multiple times daily.
- Must be able to use near vision to view samples at close range.
- Wear proper personal protective equipment when in a laboratory setting, i.e., safety glasses, lab coats, and closed-toed shoes.
MENTAL DEMANDS
Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position will work in both an office and a laboratory setting. When in the lab, there may be a risk of exposure to hazardous or biological waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning, and/or disposal of contaminated areas and waste.
The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.
Iovance is committed to cultivating and offering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, our employees and applicants will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or accommodation to apply to one of our opportunities, please contact careers@iovance.com.
By voluntarily providing information and clicking "Submit Application", you explicitly consent to the collection and use of your personal information for the purposes described above and in our Candidate Privacy Notice.
OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Pennsylvania
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Search Science & Research Jobs in PennsylvaniaScience & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a strong base of life sciences and research employers with documented OPT sponsorship histories. Organizations including Penn Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, GSK, Merck, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Drexel University, and Temple University regularly hire F-1 OPT candidates in research-related roles. Defense research contractors near Philadelphia and biotech startups in the University City Science Center district also appear frequently in OPT filing records.
Which cities in Pennsylvania have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Philadelphia accounts for the largest share of science and research OPT sponsorship activity in Pennsylvania, driven by its concentration of academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms. Pittsburgh is a strong second, anchored by Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and UPMC's research divisions. King of Prussia and the broader Philadelphia suburbs host several pharmaceutical and clinical research employers, making the southeastern part of the state particularly active for OPT candidates.
How do I find science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Pennsylvania?
Migrate Mate filters science and research jobs in Pennsylvania specifically by OPT sponsorship eligibility, drawing on DOL Labor Condition Application filing data to surface employers with verified sponsorship histories. This lets you focus on roles at companies that have actively hired OPT candidates in research, laboratory, and data science positions rather than applying broadly. Searching by city or employer type within Migrate Mate helps narrow results to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or the Lehigh Valley depending on where you want to work.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Pennsylvania?
Roles that commonly qualify include research scientist, laboratory technician, clinical research coordinator, biostatistician, computational biologist, data analyst in research settings, and research engineer positions. These roles generally require a degree directly related to the work performed, which aligns with OPT's requirement that employment be in a field related to your major. STEM-designated programs such as biology, chemistry, computer science, biomedical engineering, and public health may also qualify graduates for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, which many Pennsylvania research employers are already familiar with supporting.
Are there any Pennsylvania-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in science and research?
Pennsylvania's concentration of federally funded research institutions and academic medical centers means many science and research employers are accustomed to hiring international students on OPT and supporting subsequent H-1B visa transitions. Employers tied to federal grants or government contracts may have additional compliance requirements, so it is worth confirming a prospective employer's E-Verify enrollment status before accepting an offer, as STEM OPT extension requires the employer to participate in E-Verify. USCIS provides authoritative guidance on these requirements.