STEM PhD wanting to do life sciences equity research, is CFA necessary?

Hi all, I'm an international Ph.D. (chemistry major, had some experiences with start-up of a medical device) wanting to find equity research jobs in the USA in the life sciences field. I'm wondering: 

(1) do equity research positions typically sponsor h1b visa? 

(2) for life sciences ER, is a CFA necessary? How much more helpful would it be? 

(3) I'd love to connect with people going through similar stuff! 

Thank you!

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

(2) for life sciences ER, is a CFA necessary? How much more helpful would it be?

I’ll comment on this one based off what I’ve seen of the biotech team at my bank and from what they’ve said during “water cooler conversations.” Going on LinkedIn and searching “biotech equity research” may help you get an idea of common backgrounds as well. 

The CFA isn’t necessary but it could help (no guarantees). If you’re breaking in from grad school or a post doc, completing at least one level of the CFA will show interest in finance and may signal that you may be able to get through the Series exams in less time. It probably gets more incrementally important the more senior you are just to have an additional selling point if you shop your resume around. Most of the biotech equity research team members have an advanced science degree, such as yourself. 

 

Et consequuntur dignissimos sed et eius sint voluptas. Delectus sint est doloremque esse alias exercitationem consequatur. Ullam consequuntur voluptas et eos aspernatur sint. Ut est rerum sunt et. Minima ea quam earum ea velit sit qui. Dolor perspiciatis molestias cum et hic quibusdam. Aut rerum qui voluptatem deserunt est possimus repellat facere.

Ipsa ad illum exercitationem iure. Minima corporis animi commodi qui itaque qui quia. Consequatur a officia aut et nobis aut ut. Sit exercitationem maiores voluptates molestias aut. Modi eveniet accusamus ut aut.

Autem odit facilis voluptas. Eius laborum atque natus iste. Eum aut enim quas rerum odit aut. Sed saepe voluptatem laudantium et. Ducimus laborum eos voluptas.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”