Biotech & Pharma OPT Jobs in Washington
Washington state is one of the strongest markets in the U.S. for biotech and pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs, anchored by major employers like Amgen, Seagen (now part of Pfizer), and the University of Washington's life sciences ecosystem. Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound corridor concentrate the most opportunities, with roles spanning research, clinical development, and bioprocessing.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.
The goal of the Brain Science accelerator is to produce three interlocking resources: cell type atlases that catalog every kind of brain cell across ages and species, connectomes that chart the brain's intricate wiring, and a knowledge platform that knits it all together with powerful analysis tools. Every dataset is freely shared, so discoveries made here fuel discoveries everywhere.
We are seeking a Scientist I to join the Barcoded Connectomics team. The Barcoded Connectomics team is broadly interested in understanding the wiring logic of long-range connectivity in the brain. Led by Xiaoyin Chen, who developed BARseq, the team is developing in situ sequencing and barcoded connectomics techniques to reveal the relationship between cell types, gene expression, and projections during development and across species.
The candidate will focus on designing and performing high-throughput transcriptomics and connectomics experiments and analyzing large-scale datasets to reveal principles in brain wiring. In addition to working within the Barcoded Connectomics team, the candidate will benefit from interaction with other teams at the Allen Institute with complementary expertise in sequencing, transcriptomics, and neuroanatomy. We welcome candidates from diverse scientific backgrounds, who may bring their own questions and expertise into the field. Candidates are encouraged to include an optional short research proposal as part of the cover letter describing question(s) they are interested in working on and why the Allen Institute is a good fit for such work.
At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly.
We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Lead projects that focus on understanding wiring rules of the brain using high-throughput techniques
- Design and analyze high-throughput barcoded connectomics and transcriptomics experiments
- Coordinate with other teams to acquire data
- Maintain and improve software packages for data production and processing
- Monitor and manage data acquisition, storage and deposition
- Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences
- Execute collaborative projects within the team, across teams, and/or with external collaborators
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Ph.D. or equivalent degrees in STEM (i.e. Neuroscience, Biology, Computer science, Mathematics, or related field); or equivalent combination of degree and experience
- Experience in MATLAB and/or python
- Experience with lab-based research, experimental methods and troubleshooting
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience in molecular biology techniques and tissue culture lab
- 5 years or more experience with MATLAB and/or python
- 5 years or more experience in Linux shell scripting and/or micromanager
- 5 years or more experience with fluorescent microscopy and confocal microscopy
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to laser, chemical, biological or other hazardous substance
- This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)
- Exposure to BioSafety Level 2 materials, such as recombinant viruses
- Potential exposure to and handling of live and fixed NHP tissues and mouse tissues
- Potential exposure risk for bloodborne pathogens, e.g. Simian B virus
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required
- This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.
TRAVEL
- Occasional travel to partner sites for compliance oversight required
- Attendance and participation in national and international conferences required
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
- All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
- Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance
- Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship
ANNUALIZED SALARY RANGE
$86,150 - $106,650 *
Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.
BENEFITS
Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.
It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
INTRODUCTION
The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.
The goal of the Brain Science accelerator is to produce three interlocking resources: cell type atlases that catalog every kind of brain cell across ages and species, connectomes that chart the brain's intricate wiring, and a knowledge platform that knits it all together with powerful analysis tools. Every dataset is freely shared, so discoveries made here fuel discoveries everywhere.
We are seeking a Scientist I to join the Barcoded Connectomics team. The Barcoded Connectomics team is broadly interested in understanding the wiring logic of long-range connectivity in the brain. Led by Xiaoyin Chen, who developed BARseq, the team is developing in situ sequencing and barcoded connectomics techniques to reveal the relationship between cell types, gene expression, and projections during development and across species.
The candidate will focus on designing and performing high-throughput transcriptomics and connectomics experiments and analyzing large-scale datasets to reveal principles in brain wiring. In addition to working within the Barcoded Connectomics team, the candidate will benefit from interaction with other teams at the Allen Institute with complementary expertise in sequencing, transcriptomics, and neuroanatomy. We welcome candidates from diverse scientific backgrounds, who may bring their own questions and expertise into the field. Candidates are encouraged to include an optional short research proposal as part of the cover letter describing question(s) they are interested in working on and why the Allen Institute is a good fit for such work.
At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly.
We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Lead projects that focus on understanding wiring rules of the brain using high-throughput techniques
- Design and analyze high-throughput barcoded connectomics and transcriptomics experiments
- Coordinate with other teams to acquire data
- Maintain and improve software packages for data production and processing
- Monitor and manage data acquisition, storage and deposition
- Publish and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences
- Execute collaborative projects within the team, across teams, and/or with external collaborators
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Ph.D. or equivalent degrees in STEM (i.e. Neuroscience, Biology, Computer science, Mathematics, or related field); or equivalent combination of degree and experience
- Experience in MATLAB and/or python
- Experience with lab-based research, experimental methods and troubleshooting
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience in molecular biology techniques and tissue culture lab
- 5 years or more experience with MATLAB and/or python
- 5 years or more experience in Linux shell scripting and/or micromanager
- 5 years or more experience with fluorescent microscopy and confocal microscopy
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to laser, chemical, biological or other hazardous substance
- This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)
- Exposure to BioSafety Level 2 materials, such as recombinant viruses
- Potential exposure to and handling of live and fixed NHP tissues and mouse tissues
- Potential exposure risk for bloodborne pathogens, e.g. Simian B virus
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required
- This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.
TRAVEL
- Occasional travel to partner sites for compliance oversight required
- Attendance and participation in national and international conferences required
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
- All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
- Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance
- Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship
ANNUALIZED SALARY RANGE
$86,150 - $106,650 *
Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.
BENEFITS
Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.
It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Washington
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in WashingtonBiotech & Pharma OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech & pharma companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Washington?
Washington is home to several established biotech and pharma employers with histories of hiring international students on F-1 OPT, including Amgen's Seattle offices, Pfizer (through its Seagen acquisition in Bothell), Adaptive Biotechnologies, and Nuvation Bio. Larger companies with dedicated HR infrastructure tend to have more structured OPT sponsorship processes, though sponsorship is never guaranteed and varies by role and department.
Which cities in Washington have the most biotech & pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Seattle and Bothell account for the largest share of biotech and pharma OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington. Bothell in particular has become a significant life sciences hub, hosting oncology and specialty pharma operations. Redmond and Kirkland also have biotech presence. The University District and South Lake Union neighborhoods in Seattle are especially active, given their proximity to UW research centers and biotech startups.
What types of biotech & pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
F-1 OPT authorization is tied to your field of study, not the employer's willingness to sponsor. In biotech and pharma, roles that align with STEM degrees commonly include research associate positions, bioprocess engineer roles, computational biology analyst jobs, clinical data management, and regulatory affairs coordinator positions. STEM OPT extension applicants must ensure the role is directly related to their qualifying STEM degree and that the employer participates in E-Verify.
How do I find biotech & pharma F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters biotech and pharma jobs in Washington by visa type, including F-1 OPT sponsorship. Rather than manually screening hundreds of postings, you can search roles already tagged for OPT eligibility across Seattle, Bothell, and other Washington hubs. Migrate Mate also surfaces employers with documented sponsorship histories in the life sciences sector, which saves significant time during an active OPT window.
Are there any Washington-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in biotech & pharma?
Washington's biotech sector has a notable concentration of oncology and genomics companies, which tend to require highly specialized graduate-level degrees, so your degree alignment matters more here than in generalist markets. Washington has no state income tax, which affects total compensation comparisons. Additionally, many smaller biotech startups in the state do not participate in E-Verify, which is a firm requirement for STEM OPT extension eligibility, so it is worth confirming E-Verify status before applying.