Biotech & Pharma OPT Jobs in South Dakota
South Dakota's biotech and pharma sector is anchored by companies like Sanford Health's research division, POET Biofuels, and agricultural biotech operations tied to the state's life sciences corridor. F-1 OPT candidates in biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and related STEM fields will find sponsoring employers concentrated in Sioux Falls and the Brookings research community near South Dakota State University.
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We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist I with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to develop state-of-the-art downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV gene therapy. This role is also responsible for executing early-stage process development with the focus on developability of AAV gene therapy lead candidates as well as new platform process development for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors.
About The Role
Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II
Position Location: Onsite, San Diego, CA
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a 3-5 person downstream process team and provide technical support, training, and SME knowledge to assist with the professional development of direct reports.
- Coordinate activities with associates across upstream process and analytical teams.
- Develop strategies in collaboration with Disease Areas and partner with various line functions to support early drug discovery from target selection and validation through lead compound selection and developability assessment.
- Serve as a subject matter expert to transfer manufacturing process knowledge to Technical Research & Development team and advance pipeline programs into clinical phases.
- Lead effort and work collaboratively with Technical Research & Development to develop innovative and cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
- Manage multiple project workflow to ensure timely delivery.
- Prepare written reports conforming to defined documentation practices including electronic lab notebook.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Essential Requirements
- PhD in bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, gene therapy or a related field with 3+ years of relevant process development experience in biotechnology/pharmaceutical environment.
- Experience in people management.
- Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography with hands-on experience with AKTA purification systems.
- Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts.
- Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators.
- Strong organization and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and matrix environment.
Desired Requirements
- Experiences in AAV gene therapy.
- Experience with viral gene therapy.
The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and between $119,700 and $222,300 per year for Principal Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.
To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
Why Novartis:
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
Benefits and Rewards:
Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally. Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
EEO Statement
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist I with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to develop state-of-the-art downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV gene therapy. This role is also responsible for executing early-stage process development with the focus on developability of AAV gene therapy lead candidates as well as new platform process development for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors.
About The Role
Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II
Position Location: Onsite, San Diego, CA
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a 3-5 person downstream process team and provide technical support, training, and SME knowledge to assist with the professional development of direct reports.
- Coordinate activities with associates across upstream process and analytical teams.
- Develop strategies in collaboration with Disease Areas and partner with various line functions to support early drug discovery from target selection and validation through lead compound selection and developability assessment.
- Serve as a subject matter expert to transfer manufacturing process knowledge to Technical Research & Development team and advance pipeline programs into clinical phases.
- Lead effort and work collaboratively with Technical Research & Development to develop innovative and cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.
- Manage multiple project workflow to ensure timely delivery.
- Prepare written reports conforming to defined documentation practices including electronic lab notebook.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Essential Requirements
- PhD in bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, gene therapy or a related field with 3+ years of relevant process development experience in biotechnology/pharmaceutical environment.
- Experience in people management.
- Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography with hands-on experience with AKTA purification systems.
- Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts.
- Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators.
- Strong organization and problem-solving skills with attention to details.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and matrix environment.
Desired Requirements
- Experiences in AAV gene therapy.
- Experience with viral gene therapy.
The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and between $119,700 and $222,300 per year for Principal Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.
To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
Why Novartis:
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
Benefits and Rewards:
Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally. Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
EEO Statement
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in South Dakota
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in South DakotaBiotech & Pharma OPT Sponsorship Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in South Dakota?
South Dakota's F-1 OPT sponsorship activity in biotech and pharma is concentrated among employers with established research or manufacturing operations. Sanford Health's research units, POET Biofuels, and agricultural biotech firms connected to South Dakota State University's research programs have histories of hiring STEM graduates. Larger pharmaceutical distributors and medical device manufacturers operating in Sioux Falls also appear in OPT sponsorship filings, though sponsorship is never guaranteed and varies by role and employer capacity.
Which cities in South Dakota have the most biotech and pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Sioux Falls is South Dakota's primary hub for biotech and pharma employment, hosting the state's largest healthcare systems and life sciences employers. Brookings is a secondary concentration point, driven by proximity to South Dakota State University and its agricultural biotechnology research programs. Rapid City has a smaller but present life sciences employer base tied to regional healthcare. Candidates on F-1 OPT will find the widest range of qualifying roles in Sioux Falls.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in South Dakota?
Roles that align directly with a candidate's degree field are the most straightforward for OPT authorization. In South Dakota's biotech and pharma sector, this commonly includes research scientist positions, laboratory technicians, quality assurance analysts, bioinformatics specialists, and regulatory affairs coordinators. Agricultural biotechnology roles in crop science and fermentation research also appear given the state's industry profile. STEM OPT extension eligibility applies when the role and employer meet the qualifying criteria set by USCIS.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in South Dakota?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT candidates searching for sponsoring employers in biotech and pharma. The platform surfaces South Dakota employers with verified OPT and STEM OPT sponsorship history, filtered by industry and role type, so you can identify life sciences companies in Sioux Falls and Brookings that have actually hired OPT candidates before. Searching by employer sponsorship history gives you a more targeted starting point than a general job search.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in South Dakota's biotech and pharma industry?
South Dakota's biotech and pharma sector is more concentrated in agricultural biotechnology and healthcare research than in traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing, which shapes which OPT-qualifying roles are available. The state has a smaller employer pool than coastal biotech hubs, so STEM OPT extension timing and employer E-Verify enrollment are practical factors to confirm early. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to support STEM OPT extensions, a requirement administered through USCIS and DOL guidelines.