Science & Research STEM OPT Jobs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's science and research sector spans pharmaceutical giants in Philadelphia's University City, life sciences clusters in the Lehigh Valley, and university-affiliated research institutions in Pittsburgh. Employers like GSK, Merck, and the University of Pennsylvania regularly hire F-1 STEM OPT candidates into research roles across biology, chemistry, materials science, and data science disciplines.
Find Science & Research JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 40+ Science & Research STEM OPT Jobs in Pennsylvania










See all 40+ Science & Research STEM OPT Jobs in Pennsylvania
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Science & Research STEM OPT Jobs in Pennsylvania.
Get Access To All Jobs
Build the Processes Behind Chromatography Products Scientists Trust Worldwide
At Restek, our Process Engineers don't just keep production running, they make it better. As a Process Engineer II, you'll bring a solid foundation in chemistry, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics to bear on real production challenges: developing new manufacturing processes, scaling up new products, and driving improvements in quality, safety, and efficiency across your assigned area.
This is a role with real ownership. You'll lead process engineering efforts in your area setting strategy, coordinating junior engineers where applicable, and working independently to solve problems that matter.
As a 100% employee-owned company, every improvement you make is one you have a stake in. When Restek grows, you grow with it.
What You'll Do
- Lead process engineering in your area. Set and execute strategy for your assigned area, coordinating the efforts of junior engineers where applicable.
- Keep production running safely and smoothly. Independently monitor and identify process issues, supporting your assigned production areas to ensure safe processes, high-quality products, and on-time delivery.
- Help launch what's next. Independently evaluate and scale up new and existing manufacturing technologies and processes. Run experiments and collect data that shapes real product decisions.
- Drive continuous improvement. Independently identify opportunities for process and productivity improvement, then develop, validate, and introduce solutions helping shape improvement strategy along the way.
- Own your documentation. Document experiments and procedures, review documentation for accuracy, and write experience reports detailing experimental design, results, and conclusions for cross-departmental review. Keep documentation in your area current.
- Teach what you know. Train manufacturing personnel on new procedures, processes, raw material testing and specifications, product handling, equipment, and final product testing.
- Keep growing. Stay current in your field through seminars, workshops, and continuing education.
- Champion safety. Practice safe working procedures per Environmental Health and Safety guidelines and understand process safety requirements and safe material handling within your area.
What You Bring
The typical requirements for this role include a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related science, plus at least 3 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to apply fundamental concepts of chemistry, thermodynamics, and fluid flow to chromatography applications
- Comfort handling work of moderate complexity with minimal direction, and a strong understanding of core responsibilities and processes
- Proven troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex problems
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience applying statistical methods and techniques
- A collaborative mindset able to contribute regularly to project teams and cross-functional initiatives
- Good computer skills, including spreadsheets, word processing, statistics, and database applications; CAD proficiency is a plus
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Working knowledge of process statistics and problem-solving methodologies
This position will require the successful completion of a standard background check in accordance with Restek policy. Employment with Restek will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
Why Restek
We prioritize work-life balance and well-being with offerings like generous PTO, unlimited sick time, onsite fitness center and wellness program with incentives, childcare reimbursement, and adoption assistance—giving you the tools to Own Your Well-Being. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and robust 8% retirement contributions, you can Own Your Financial Future while sharing in the success you help create. Our commitment to development ensures you can Own Your Growth through learning opportunities, career advancement programs, and a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork.
At Restek, our core values—We Care, Better Every Day, Respect for All, and Win Together—are at the heart of everything we do. We care deeply about our employee-owners, our customers, and the communities we serve around the world. We strive to be better every day by fostering personal and professional growth while delivering solutions that drive positive global change. We value respect for all, creating a workplace where every voice matters and diverse perspectives drive innovation. And we believe we win together, celebrating shared success as a 100% employee-owned company.
We are an equal opportunity employer, considering applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Restek provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable laws.
Ready to lead the processes behind products scientists trust worldwide? Apply today.
STEM OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Pennsylvania
See all 40+ Science & Research STEM OPT Jobs in Pennsylvania
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Science & Research Jobs in PennsylvaniaScience & Research STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies in Pennsylvania sponsor F-1 STEM OPT workers?
Pennsylvania has a strong concentration of life sciences and research employers with documented STEM OPT sponsorship history. GSK, Merck, Johnson & Johnson's Janssen division, Incyte, and West Pharmaceutical Services have filed Labor Condition Applications for research roles in the state. University-affiliated research centers at Penn, Carnegie Mellon, and Drexel also hire F-1 STEM OPT candidates into qualifying positions across biological sciences, chemistry, and engineering.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most science and research F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Philadelphia leads Pennsylvania for science and research sponsorship opportunities, anchored by University City's dense cluster of research hospitals, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical campuses. The Lehigh Valley corridor around Allentown and Bethlehem holds a growing life sciences presence. Pittsburgh adds a second major hub, with Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh driving demand for research scientists, data analysts, and biomedical engineers with F-1 STEM OPT authorization.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Pennsylvania?
Roles that qualify must fall under a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code tied to the graduate's degree. In Pennsylvania's research sector, common qualifying positions include research scientist, computational biologist, materials scientist, biostatistician, environmental scientist, and laboratory analyst. The position must be directly related to the student's degree field, paid, and supervised by a U.S. employer enrolled in E-Verify. O*NET profiles can help confirm whether a specific job title is STEM-aligned.
How do I find science and research F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Pennsylvania?
Migrate Mate filters science and research jobs in Pennsylvania specifically by F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history, drawing on DOL Labor Condition Application data to surface employers who have actively sponsored workers in comparable roles. Rather than sorting through general postings, you can search by industry, role type, and Pennsylvania location to identify employers with a documented track record of STEM OPT sponsorship in the sciences.
Are there any Pennsylvania-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in science and research?
Pennsylvania employers in life sciences and research often operate under federal contracts or grant funding, which can affect E-Verify compliance timelines and sponsorship decisions. Research roles tied to federally funded labs or NIH-backed programs require the employer to be E-Verify enrolled before STEM OPT can begin. Pennsylvania also has a dense network of contract research organizations and academic medical centers where STEM OPT is commonly used but sponsorship decisions can depend on grant cycles and departmental hiring authority rather than centralized HR policy.