Biotech & Pharma STEM OPT Jobs in Utah
Utah's biotech and pharma sector is expanding across Salt Lake City, Provo, and the Wasatch Front, with employers like Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Myriad Genetics, and Merit Medical Systems actively hiring in research and development. F-1 students on STEM OPT can work for up to three years with qualifying employers in this growing cluster of life sciences companies.
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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.
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STEM OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Utah
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in UtahBiotech & Pharma STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Utah: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies in Utah sponsor F-1 STEM OPT workers?
Several Utah-based employers have documented STEM OPT sponsorship activity in the life sciences sector. Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Myriad Genetics, Biofire Diagnostics, and Ancestry (which has a genomics division) have all appeared in DOL Labor Condition Application filings for relevant roles. Larger pharmaceutical manufacturers operating in the Salt Lake City metro area also participate in E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT extensions.
Which cities in Utah have the most biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Salt Lake City and its surrounding suburbs, including Sandy, Draper, and West Valley City, account for the highest concentration of biotech and pharma employers in Utah. Provo and Orem in Utah County form a secondary cluster, particularly for companies with ties to Brigham Young University research programs. The Wasatch Front corridor overall represents the strongest geography for F-1 STEM OPT candidates in this industry.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Utah?
Migrate Mate lists biotech and pharma roles in Utah filtered specifically for F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, showing employers with verified DOL LCA filing history in life sciences occupations. You can search by role type, location within Utah, and STEM OPT compatibility. Reviewing an employer's LCA history before applying helps confirm they have prior experience navigating the STEM OPT extension process with employees in comparable positions.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Utah?
Roles that qualify generally require a STEM-designated degree and involve applying scientific or technical expertise directly. In Utah's biotech and pharma sector, this commonly includes research scientist, bioinformatics analyst, clinical data analyst, quality assurance engineer, pharmaceutical chemist, and regulatory affairs specialist positions. The role must correspond to a CIP code linked to your degree program and must fall within a STEM-designated occupation as recognized by USCIS.
Are there any state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Utah's biotech and pharma industry?
Utah does not impose additional state-level visa sponsorship requirements beyond federal USCIS and DOL rules. However, Utah's life sciences sector includes a notable share of smaller biotech startups, which may have less experience with STEM OPT extension paperwork compared to established pharmaceutical companies. Candidates should verify that a prospective employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting a STEM OPT extension offer, as E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for the 24-month STEM OPT extension regardless of company size.