The University of Texas at Austin OPT Eligible Jobs USA
The University of Texas at Austin actively hires F-1 students on OPT across research, academic, administrative, and technical roles. As a major public research university, it has established hiring pathways for OPT students and a track record of supporting the transition to longer-term work authorization for strong performers.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting Title:
Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I
Hiring Department:
Molecular Biosciences
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until May 07, 2027
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Job Details:
Purpose
Our lab seeks to uncover and engineer microbial functions to improve human and environmental health. Within this theme, we are looking for a technician to conduct biological research under the supervision of senior personnel. Tasks will include general microbiology research, molecular biology including cloning and cell-based assays, biochemistry including protein purification and functional assays, and animal studies. Experiments with mice are required for this position. The new member will also be expected to contribute to support of laboratory administration and general lab maintenance. The majority of job duties will be conducted during normal business hours, but occasional after-hours and weekend work may be necessary depending on the experiment.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research in accordance with laboratory needs
- Aid in laboratory administration
- Aid in general laboratory maintenance
Required Qualifications
A BS degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related field. At least 6 months experience in biological research. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with mouse models and animal handling. Microbiology research experience related to molecular and biochemical characterization of bacterial interactions and protein function.
Salary Range
$48,000
Working Conditions
- Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
- May work around chemical fumes.
- May work around standard office conditions.
- May work around biohazards.
- May work around chemicals.
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
- E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
Job Posting Title:
Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I
Hiring Department:
Molecular Biosciences
Position Open To:
All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until May 07, 2027
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Job Details:
Purpose
Our lab seeks to uncover and engineer microbial functions to improve human and environmental health. Within this theme, we are looking for a technician to conduct biological research under the supervision of senior personnel. Tasks will include general microbiology research, molecular biology including cloning and cell-based assays, biochemistry including protein purification and functional assays, and animal studies. Experiments with mice are required for this position. The new member will also be expected to contribute to support of laboratory administration and general lab maintenance. The majority of job duties will be conducted during normal business hours, but occasional after-hours and weekend work may be necessary depending on the experiment.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research in accordance with laboratory needs
- Aid in laboratory administration
- Aid in general laboratory maintenance
Required Qualifications
A BS degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related field. At least 6 months experience in biological research. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with mouse models and animal handling. Microbiology research experience related to molecular and biochemical characterization of bacterial interactions and protein function.
Salary Range
$48,000
Working Conditions
- Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished).
- May work around chemical fumes.
- May work around standard office conditions.
- May work around biohazards.
- May work around chemicals.
Required Materials
- Resume/CV
- 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
- Letter of interest
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
- E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
- Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.
Job Roles at The University of Texas at Austin
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding The University of Texas at Austin OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target research and lab roles first
UT Austin's research centers and academic departments hire OPT students more consistently than general administrative units. Focus your search on funded lab positions, research assistant roles, and technical support jobs within STEM-designated programs, where STEM OPT extension eligibility is most likely to apply.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask UT Austin's hiring department directly whether the specific unit enrolling you is E-Verify compliant before you sign an offer, since enrollment can vary across departments within a large institution.
Align your OPT start date with hiring timelines
USCIS recommends applying for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date. Time your application so your EAD arrives before UT Austin's onboarding date. A gap between your start date and EAD arrival can delay or cancel your hire.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified UT Austin sponsorship history
Before applying, check UT Austin's H-1B and E-3 filing history by role and department on Migrate Mate. This shows which job titles the university has sponsored for longer-term visas, helping you target positions with a realistic path beyond OPT.
Match your degree field to the role explicitly
For STEM OPT, your degree must be directly related to the job. When applying to UT Austin roles, frame your credentials around how your specific field maps to the position's technical requirements. A mismatch in your offer letter can trigger a USCIS denial of your extension.
Ask about H-1B transition support during the offer stage
Large universities often have in-house immigration counsel. During negotiations with UT Austin, ask whether the department will support H-1B sponsorship after OPT. Getting a written indication of intent early prevents the situation where you finish OPT with no transition path.
The University of Texas at Austin OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does The University of Texas at Austin sponsor OPT visas?
UT Austin doesn't sponsor OPT directly. OPT is work authorization USCIS grants to you as an F-1 student. UT Austin hires students who already hold an OPT EAD. For STEM OPT extension, UT Austin must be enrolled in E-Verify, which allows you to extend your authorization by 24 months beyond standard OPT.
Which departments at UT Austin typically hire OPT students?
Research-intensive departments and centers, including those in engineering, computer science, natural sciences, and public affairs, are among the most active in hiring OPT students. Technical and administrative roles attached to sponsored research projects also see consistent OPT hiring. Academic support and library roles occasionally hire OPT students as well.
How do I find OPT-eligible job openings at UT Austin?
Search UT Austin's official careers portal and filter for positions in departments with STEM-designated programs. Use Migrate Mate to review the university's historical H-1B visa and E-3 visa filing data by role, which signals which departments regularly hire and later sponsor international employees. Targeting those units improves your long-term visa outlook.
How do I know if UT Austin will support my STEM OPT extension?
Ask the hiring department whether the unit is enrolled in E-Verify before you accept an offer. STEM OPT extension requires both E-Verify enrollment and a formal training plan submitted through SEVIS. Confirm both requirements early, since not every department within a large university operates under the same E-Verify registration.
Does UT Austin sponsor H-1B visas after OPT ends?
UT Austin has sponsored H-1B visas for employees in research, technical, and academic roles. H-1B sponsorship is decided at the department level and is not guaranteed. Raising the topic during the offer stage and asking whether the department has a precedent for H-1B sponsorship gives you the clearest picture of what to expect after OPT.
How does The University of Texas at Austin hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. The University of Texas at Austin 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 University of Texas at Austin's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.