Biotech & Pharma OPT Jobs in Utah
Utah's biotech and pharma sector is concentrated along the Wasatch Front, with Salt Lake City and the surrounding Research Park area hosting employers like Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Myriad Genetics, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. F-1 OPT candidates in life sciences, computational biology, and pharmaceutical sciences will find active hiring at both established companies and a growing number of clinical-stage startups.
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INTRODUCTION
Denali Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company pioneering a new class of biotherapeutics designed to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using its proprietary TransportVehicle™ platform. With the first FDA-approved biologic specifically designed to cross the BBB, a clinically validated delivery platform and a growing portfolio of therapeutic candidates across all stages of development, we are advancing toward our goal of delivering effective medicines to transform the lives of people living with neurodegenerative diseases, lysosomal storage disorders and other serious diseases.
We invite you to consider an opportunity with Denali to help achieve our goal of delivering meaningful therapeutics to patients.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This role executes analytical/chemistry test methods for in process, drug substance, and drug product supporting large molecule clinical and commercial products, working under the general supervision of senior QC Chemistry staff.
Key Accountabilities/ Core Job Responsibilities:
- Executes routine and ad hoc analytical testing of raw materials, drug substance, and drug product using chromatographic and electrophoretic methods in accordance with approved test methods and procedures.
- Performs chromatography-based assays including SEC, Reverse Phase HPLC (titer), icIEF, CE-SDS, and glycan/sialic acid analyses for large molecule programs.
- Participates in the validation, transfer, and implementation of USP/EP and product-specific analytical methods by executing protocol testing under the direction of senior QC staff.
- Performs stability testing of drug substance and drug product at required timepoints and storage conditions.
- Generates, processes, and reports analytical data with accuracy and in compliance with data integrity requirements; escalates atypical or unexpected results promptly.
- Supports QC-Chemistry investigations and quality events, including deviations, LIR/OOS, CAPA, and change controls, by providing accurate laboratory documentation, data, and observations; initiates LIR/OOS records when required.
- Works within LabWare LIMS for sample login, method execution, and result entry.
- Assists with review of analytical documentation for product disposition.
- Helps to draft risk assessments, protocols, methods, and any other QC documentation as needed.
- Collaborates with Analytical Development, Manufacturing, and Quality teams during method validation/transfer and assay troubleshooting.
- Prepares reagents, buffers, mobile phases, and reference standard solutions; performs routine instrument checks, preventive maintenance, and calibration verification; maintains laboratory supplies and sample inventory.
- Completes required training and maintains training records current in accordance with site procedures.
- Works with accuracy, urgency, and a continuous improvement mindset and provides flexible support.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Typically requires a BS in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 4+ years of experience in a GMP-regulated laboratory, including hands-on chromatography (HPLC/UPLC) experience; large molecule/biologics experience preferred.
- Working knowledge of GMP regulations and familiarity with current USP/Ph. Eur., FDA, and ISO standards and guidance.
- Ability to follow established procedures with attention to detail and a right-first-time approach; developing ability to work independently with general supervision.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build productive working relationships with internal teams.
- Experience with LIMS and electronic quality management systems required; LabWare LIMS, MasterControl, and Waters empower experience preferred.
- Ability to meet laboratory physical requirements, including specialized gowning, lifting and manipulating items greater than 25 lbs, climbing ladders, and standing for extended periods.
COMPENSATION
Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Denali offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, ESPP and a broad range of other benefits. This compensation and benefits information is based on Denali’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
Denali is committed to its core company value of unity by creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
Salt Lake City Drug Testing Policy
OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Utah
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in UtahBiotech & Pharma OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Utah: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Utah?
Several established employers in Utah have a track record of hiring F-1 OPT workers in life sciences roles. Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Myriad Genetics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Cambrex are among the larger names operating in the state. University of Utah research institutes and affiliated spin-outs also hire OPT candidates regularly, particularly for lab-based and computational roles. Sponsorship decisions are always role- and employer-specific, so confirming directly with each company's HR team is important.
Which cities in Utah have the most biotech and pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Salt Lake City accounts for the largest share of biotech and pharma hiring in Utah, largely because of the University of Utah Research Park cluster and proximity to major hospital systems. South Salt Lake, Sandy, and Lehi also have a notable concentration of life sciences employers, particularly in the medical device and diagnostics segments. Outside the Wasatch Front, opportunities become significantly more limited, so most F-1 OPT candidates focus their search on the greater Salt Lake metro area.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Utah?
F-1 OPT authorization requires that the work be directly related to your degree field. In Utah's biotech and pharma sector, roles in research and development, molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical data management, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance commonly meet that standard for candidates with life sciences or related degrees. Manufacturing process roles and formulation science positions also appear frequently. Roles in general business functions, even at a biotech company, may not satisfy the direct-relationship requirement unless your degree aligns closely.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Utah?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by industry, so you can search directly for biotech and pharma roles in Utah without sorting through positions that do not offer sponsorship. Beyond the platform, building connections at University of Utah career events and local life sciences networking groups can surface openings that are not broadly advertised. Targeting employers with established OPT hiring patterns, as shown in Migrate Mate's listings, is a practical starting point.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Utah's biotech and pharma sector?
Utah does not impose state-level restrictions on F-1 OPT employment beyond federal requirements, but the state's biotech sector has a strong emphasis on genomics, precision medicine, and computational drug discovery, which tends to favor candidates with quantitative or wet-lab backgrounds. STEM OPT extension eligibility is particularly relevant here: many biotech and pharma roles at Utah employers qualify under STEM-designated degree fields, potentially extending work authorization to 36 months. Confirming your degree's CIP code with your Designated School Official before accepting an offer is advisable.