STEM OPT Jobs in South Dakota
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in South Dakota are concentrated in agriculture technology, financial services, and health sciences, with Sioux Falls and Rapid City anchoring most employer activity. E-Verify enrollment is mandatory for STEM OPT employers, and South Dakota's growing fintech and precision ag sectors actively hire international STEM graduates.
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Summary
The Biologics Research Center, Structural Biologics department is looking for a highly motivated Principal Scientist to support experimental structural biology across multiple biotherapeutic programs. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in all aspects of the gene to structure pipeline including the acquisition and interpretation of structural biology data from X-ray crystallography and/or CryoEM. The candidate will be part of multidisciplinary teams that support early to late stage biotherapeutic drug discovery programs by providing structural data and protein engineering support. They will use their experience in the gene-to-structure pipeline to address the challenges of high-resolution structure determination to support the design of novel biotherapeutics capable of addressing the next generation of biomedical applications.
About The Role
Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I
Position Location: San Diego, CA onsite
The Biologics Research Center, Structural Biologics department is looking for a highly motivated Principal Scientist to support experimental structural biology across multiple biotherapeutic programs. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in all aspects of the gene to structure pipeline including the acquisition and interpretation of structural biology data from X-ray crystallography and/or CryoEM. The candidate will be part of multidisciplinary teams that support early to late stage biotherapeutic drug discovery programs by providing structural data and protein engineering support. They will use their experience in the gene-to-structure pipeline to address the challenges of high-resolution structure determination to support the design of novel biotherapeutics capable of addressing the next generation of biomedical applications.
Your Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To
- Design, troubleshooting and execution of experiments to determine the structure of multi-protein complexes by X-ray crystallography or CryoEM with an aim to support the design and development of novel biotherapeutics.
- Working closely across experimental and computational groups to address key scientific questions.
- Communication of results to multidisciplinary teams across the larger Novartis research organization.
- Prioritization, coordination and efficient time management of experimental deliverables.
- Mentor junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence. Contribute to overall strategy in the structural biology group.
- Awareness of the external technology landscape and its application to biotherapeutic drug development.
- Participation as structural biology representative on drug discovery and technology project teams, contributing to overall project strategy with accountability within the project for own area of expertise.
Essential Requirements
- PhD degree in biophysics, biochemistry, or related discipline with a proven record in experimental structural biology.
- 3+ years experience (Postdoc or industry experience) in common protein purification methods (Affinity, IMAC, SEC) and molecular biology techniques (cloning, DNA isolation, transformation, etc.).
- Interest in using AI/ML methods in a structural biology context.
- Demonstrated independent thought/creativity in science with attention to details.
- Proven ability in structural biology methods (either X-ray crystallography and/or CryoEM, both preferred) including protein crystallization, crystal optimization, CryoEM sample and grid preparation, data acquisition, map generation and structure solution.
- Demonstrated problem-solving capability for challenging structural biology projects, with expertise in developing protocols for dealing with novel protein targets.
- High degree of self-motivation and attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Desire to learn/operate across numerous functions (expression, purification, analytics, structural biology, and computational modelling).
Desired Requirements
- Experience with using AI-based techniques to facilitate protein construct design, engineering and protein structure prediction is preferred.
- Familiarity with analytical and biophysical methods (light scattering, ITC, DSC, LCMS, anSEC, etc.) and laboratory automation is highly desirable.
The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year. 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.
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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in South Dakota
Verify your role qualifies under STEM OPT
Cross-check your job title against O*NET to confirm it falls within a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code. Roles in agricultural engineering, data science, and biomedical research at South Dakota State University-affiliated firms frequently qualify, but generic business analyst titles sometimes don't.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers in Sioux Falls
Only employers enrolled in E-Verify can legally hire you on STEM OPT. Sioux Falls hosts the densest concentration of enrolled financial services and health system employers in the state, making it your highest-probability starting point for sponsorship outreach.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified STEM OPT sponsors
Search Migrate Mate's job board to filter South Dakota employers by F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history. This surfaces companies with a documented filing track record so you're not cold-applying to employers who've never navigated the STEM OPT extension process.
Time your I-983 submission before your OPT end date
Your employer must sign the training plan on Form I-983 and your DSO must recommend the STEM OPT extension before your current OPT expires. File with USCIS at least 90 days early to cover processing variance and avoid a work authorization gap.
See all 34+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in South Dakota
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in South Dakota sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Financial services and fintech companies in Sioux Falls, agricultural technology firms in Brookings and Watertown, and health sciences employers across the state account for the majority of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship activity in South Dakota. Dakota State University's cybersecurity industry partnerships also generate consistent demand for STEM OPT candidates in information security roles.
Which cities in South Dakota have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Sioux Falls has the highest concentration of STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in South Dakota, driven by its financial services, health system, and technology employer base. Rapid City follows, particularly in engineering and environmental science roles. Brookings is a secondary hub for agricultural technology and biomedical positions connected to South Dakota State University research programs.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in South Dakota?
Roles in software development, data analytics, agricultural engineering, environmental science, biomedical research, cybersecurity, and financial technology commonly qualify. The position must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program list and require application of your STEM degree. Use O*NET to verify that your specific job title and duties align with a qualifying STEM occupation code before accepting an offer.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in South Dakota?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by visa type and state, letting you identify South Dakota employers with documented F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history rather than guessing at employer willingness. Supplement this by contacting career services at South Dakota State University and Dakota State University, which maintain regional employer relationships specifically relevant to STEM OPT candidates.
Are there any South Dakota-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
South Dakota's employer base skews toward small and mid-size companies, many of which are unfamiliar with the E-Verify enrollment requirement or the Form I-983 training plan process. Confirming E-Verify enrollment before investing time in an interview process is particularly important here. USCIS requires the employer to have an active E-Verify relationship, and smaller South Dakota employers occasionally need guidance navigating that enrollment step.