The Ohio State University OPT Eligible Jobs USA
The Ohio State University actively hires F-1 students on OPT across research, administrative, academic support, and technical roles. As one of the largest public universities in the country, it offers meaningful opportunities for OPT holders seeking experience in education, healthcare, and applied research environments.
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Job Title: Research Associate - Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
Department: ERIK | Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
Position Overview
Support and conduct complex quantitative investigations of Antarctic crustal deformation related to ice mass change across the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Research will include analyzing GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) position time series acquired by the Polar Earth Observing Network (POLENET) Antarctic Network (ANET) project, resolving crustal deformation patterns and changes with time, and modeling of crustal deformation from satellite data sets that provide estimates of ice sheet mass change, functioning as a specialist in modeling. Required expertise includes creating and modifying code to conduct data analyses, experience with Antarctic ice sheet remote sensing data products, and established expertise in both GNSS position time series and elastic displacement modeling.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences or related field or equivalent experience required.
- 3 years of relevant experience required with associates degree OR 1 year of relevant experience required with bachelor’s degree.
- Skills in coding for data analysis, processing GNSS position time series, preparation and processing of satellite altimetry data, and modeling elastic deformation in response to surface loads.
Desired Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Earth Sciences or related field.
Application Materials
- A resume is required.
Additional Information:
Salary
The pay range for this job profile is $51,500.00 to $67,250.00. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.
ERIK Overview
Join the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit https://erik.osu.edu/.
Location: Orton Hall (0060)
Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)
Scheduled Hours: 40
Shift: First Shift
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding The Ohio State University OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target research and lab roles first
Ohio State's research divisions and academic departments hire OPT students at higher rates than administrative units. Focus your search on positions tied to funded grants or research centers, where supervisors are more familiar with OPT timelines and STEM extension eligibility requirements.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Ohio State participates as a large institution, but individual hiring units or affiliated entities may operate differently. Verify enrollment status directly with the hiring department before committing to a role.
Align your OPT start date with hiring cycles
Ohio State's academic hiring tends to follow semester calendars. Request your OPT EAD start date to align with the semester you plan to begin work, so you don't burn authorization days between your USCIS approval and your actual employment start date.
Use Migrate Mate to identify OPT-friendly roles
Migrate Mate surfaces Ohio State job listings filtered for employers with verified visa sponsorship history. Use it to prioritize roles where the hiring department has a track record of supporting international employees through OPT and into H-1B sponsorship.
Prepare your employment authorization documents early
Ohio State's HR onboarding requires your EAD card, I-20 with OPT authorization, and a valid passport. Gather these before your start date and confirm with your DSO that your SEVIS record reflects active OPT status to avoid delays in the I-9 verification process.
Ask explicitly about H-1B sponsorship during interviews
Ohio State sponsors H-1B visas for certain continuing employees, but sponsorship isn't automatic after OPT. Ask your hiring manager or HR contact whether the role has a defined pathway to H-1B sponsorship before your 60-day post-OPT grace period becomes a factor.
The Ohio State University OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Ohio State University sponsor OPT visas?
Ohio State doesn't sponsor OPT directly. OPT is work authorization issued by USCIS to eligible F-1 students, not a visa petitioned by the employer. What Ohio State does is hire students who already hold an OPT EAD, and it participates in E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Which departments at Ohio State typically hire OPT students?
Research centers, academic departments, and IT and healthcare units within Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center are among the more active areas for OPT hiring. These teams tend to have experience with international employees and are more familiar with EAD documentation and STEM extension requirements than smaller administrative offices.
How do I navigate the OPT onboarding process at Ohio State?
After receiving a job offer, work with your DSO to ensure your I-20 reflects active OPT authorization. Ohio State HR will complete the I-9 using your EAD and passport. Confirm your SEVIS record is current before your first day, and request a copy of Ohio State's E-Verify participation documentation for your STEM OPT extension file.
What is the typical timeline from OPT offer to start date at Ohio State?
USCIS recommends filing for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date, with EAD cards typically arriving within several weeks of approval. Ohio State's HR onboarding can move quickly once your EAD is in hand. Plan for at least three to four months between your application and your intended start date to avoid gaps.
How do I find open OPT roles at Ohio State?
Migrate Mate lists Ohio State positions filtered for visa sponsorship history, making it easier to identify departments that have supported OPT and H-1B visa transitions before. You can also search Ohio State's internal careers portal and filter by department. Roles tied to externally funded research grants tend to move faster and have more flexibility around international hiring.
How does The Ohio State University hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. The Ohio State University can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check The Ohio State University's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.