Biotech & Pharma F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Virginia's biotech and pharma sector spans the Northern Virginia life sciences corridor, Richmond's growing research hub, and federal contractor networks around NIH and the FDA's regional presence. Employers like Emergent BioSolutions and Inova Health System have established F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship histories, making Virginia a competitive destination for international graduates in biotech and pharma.
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INTRODUCTION
Richmond, United States of America | Full time | Field-based | R1541693
Medical Science Liaison – Oncology (Community-Based)
IQVIA in partnership with our client, Exelixis, are excited to announce that we are looking for Medical Science Liaisons to initiate scientific dialogue within the therapeutic area of oncology through scientific discussions with clinical physicians, staff and other stakeholders, on behalf of our client. The Oncology Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a field-based scientific professional responsible for engaging healthcare professionals (HCPs) and advanced practice providers (APPs) in compliant, non-promotional scientific exchange. This role is community-focused and supports pre-launch and early launch medical activities through disease-state education, insight generation, and scientific engagement within community oncology settings.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Act as a scientific point of contact in the field for Exelixis Medical Affairs
- Appropriately engage oncology HCPs and APPs in compliant, fair-balanced scientific exchange
- Deliver scientific education and disease-state discussions using approved materials
- Develop and maintain scientific relationships within assigned geographic territory
- Report field intelligence, including insights on treatment landscape, scientific trends, and competitor activity
- Provide support to clinical development and operations activities, including site recommendations, initiation visits, and facilitation of scientific communication
- Participate in or support advisory boards in accordance with applicable guidelines and compliance standards
- Represent Exelixis at medical congresses and scientific meetings; provide timely session summaries
- Serve as a scientific resource for cross-functional partners within defined and approved boundaries
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant studies, compounds, disease states, and treatment pathways
- Demonstrate consistent execution excellence within assigned territory while supporting team objectives
- Contribute to business needs beyond assigned geography as required
- Ensure timely reporting of adverse events and product complaints in line with company and regulatory processes
- Project a professional image of the Company and act in accordance with applicable industry codes of conduct
- Perform other duties as assigned
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to engage healthcare professionals in credible and compliant scientific discussions
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a matrix team
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Ability to manage travel demands and territory priorities
- Demonstrated integrity and commitment to ethical and compliant conduct
- Proficiency in standard office software and customer relationship management systems
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree (Life Sciences, BSN)
2 years of relevant clinical, scientific, or healthcare-facing experience in oncology.
Relevant experience may include roles such as clinical practitioner, oncology nurse, clinical educator, clinical research, or other HCP-facing scientific roles.
Understanding of compliant, non-promotional scientific exchange or experience working within regulated healthcare environments.
Experience working within regulated, compliance-driven healthcare or life sciences environments.
Demonstrated ability to manage territory activity, prioritise workload, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrix environment.
Ability to work independently in a field-based, matrix organization.
Understanding of the non-promotional Medical Science Liaison role is required.
Valid driver’s license.
Frequent domestic travel, up to 70%, including occasional evenings and weekends.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced scientific or clinical degree (e.g., PharmD, PhD, MD).
- Oncology-specific certification (e.g., OCN®).
- Prior experience as a Medical Science Liaison or in a Medical Affairs role.
- Experience supporting oncology practices, particularly in community settings.
- Experience participating in scientific meetings, advisory boards, or investigator engagement.
- Knowledge of healthcare systems, particularly community oncology settings.
- Familiarity with applicable medical, legal, and regulatory requirements governing scientific exchange.
IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. IQVIA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law.
IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.
The potential base pay range for this role is 130,000-210,000 annually. The actual base pay offered may vary based on a number of factors including job-related qualifications such as knowledge, skills, education, and experience; location; and/or schedule (full or part-time). Dependent on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered, in addition to a range of health and welfare and/or other benefits.
Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in VirginiaBiotech & Pharma Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies in Virginia sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Several Virginia-based employers have documented F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship histories in biotech and pharma, including Emergent BioSolutions in Rockville (with Virginia operations), Inova Health System, and federal health contractors concentrated in the Northern Virginia corridor. Research universities and contract research organizations operating near the NIH-adjacent market also regularly hire international graduates on STEM OPT. Sponsorship practices vary by employer and role, so verifying each company's filing history before applying is important.
Which cities in Virginia have the most biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly Fairfax, Herndon, and Tysons, hosts the highest concentration of biotech and pharma employers with STEM OPT sponsorship history, driven by proximity to federal health agencies and defense contractors. Richmond is Virginia's second-strongest market, anchored by pharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical research operations. Charlottesville and Blacksburg have smaller but active pipelines tied to University of Virginia and Virginia Tech research programs placing graduates with regional employers.
How do I find biotech & pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters biotech and pharma job listings specifically by F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship eligibility and Virginia location, so you can search verified employer sponsorship histories without manually cross-referencing DOL filings. This is particularly useful in Virginia's fragmented market, where sponsoring employers range from large federal health contractors in Northern Virginia to smaller Richmond-area CROs. Filtering by STEM OPT on Migrate Mate surfaces roles where employers have demonstrated a willingness to support this authorization.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Virginia?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT sponsorship must fall under a STEM-designated CIP code. In Virginia's biotech and pharma sector, this commonly includes research scientist, bioinformatics analyst, regulatory affairs specialist, clinical data analyst, quality assurance engineer, and computational biology positions. These roles typically require a bachelor's or advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related STEM field. Roles that are primarily administrative or sales-focused generally do not meet STEM OPT designation requirements regardless of industry.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in biotech and pharma?
Virginia employers sponsoring STEM OPT extensions must be enrolled in E-Verify, a federal requirement USCIS enforces for all STEM OPT extension employers nationwide. In Virginia specifically, many biotech and pharma employers also hold federal contracts, which independently requires E-Verify enrollment, meaning compliance infrastructure is often already in place. Virginia's proximity to the FDA's Center for Biologics and federal health agencies also means some roles involve security clearance considerations, which can intersect with international student work authorization in ways worth discussing with your DSO.