University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill OPT Eligible Jobs USA
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a major public research university that regularly hires OPT students across research, academic administration, technology, and healthcare roles. Its size and diverse departments make it a strong destination for F-1 graduates seeking OPT-compatible positions in higher education.
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Aging and Health - Center-428401
Career Area
Research Professionals
Posting Open Date
05/11/2026
Application Deadline
06/01/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Program Manager
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
20075225
Vacancy ID
NF0009738
Full Time/Part Time
Full-Time Permanent
FTE
1
Hours per week
40
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$85,000 - $97,000
Proposed Start Date
07/01/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.
Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We prepare tomorrow's healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.
Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.
Position Summary
The Assistant Research Program Director (ARPD) will be responsible for overseeing functions related to enrollment of human subjects as well as primary and secondary data collection and analysis on studies supported by the Center for Aging and Health. The research unit within the Center includes one clinical research pod who work collaboratively on shared clinical projects and additional staff who conduct non-clinical research activities across multiple initiatives. All staff will report directly to the ARPD or pod lead. The ARPD reports directly to the Center Director. The ARPD is responsible for promoting standardization and best practices across both clinical and non-clinical research functions, managing human resources needs, and collaborating with departmental and school offices to ensure compliance and reporting requirements are met.
Duties Include:
-
Manage Clinical and Non-Clinical Research Initiatives: This involves providing direction, guidance, and support to the clinical and non-clinical research teams. The ARPD will ensure staff members operate efficiently, adhere to best practices, and maintain a high level of performance.
-
Enrollment of Human Subjects/Data Collection and Analysis: Supervise functions related to human subjects enrollment on research studies conducted at UNC and UNC Health network entity locations. Supervise the collection and analysis of research data. Ensure proper procedures and protocols are followed, coordinate with study teams and investigators and maintain compliance.
-
Project and anticipate staffing needs.
-
Manage selection, hiring, and training of staff to ensure pods are fully staffed.
-
Train, onboard, and supervise research staff.
-
Capture metrics as requested by department and school and report metrics to department and school of medicine.
-
Ensure studies are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations regarding research with human subjects.
-
Develop standard operating procedures for the Center that are compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including IRB, FDA, GCP, and HIPAA; as well as with UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Health, and UNC Clinical Research Support Office policies. Ensure SOPs are compliant with all applicable UNC-Chapel Hill AND UNC Health policies on research and compliance, environmental safety and health, privacy, and data security.
-
Monitor and meet research study milestones (such as recruitment and data collection).
-
Organize various communications, meetings, conference calls. Provide reports to the investigative team.
-
Handle and reconcile research participant study payments.
-
Modify, maintain, renew IRB and other regulatory documentation as needed.
The role will involve extensive coordination of work and effort and ensuring effective communications within UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Health network entity locations, and key stakeholders (sponsors, UNC offices, Lead investigators, etc.).
The Lead Investigators will provide overall direction of the projects; however, the ARPD is expected to direct the day-to-day operations and to exercise considerable independent judgment and decision-making to manage the studies and staff.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Individual must have a comprehensive knowledge of research principles, study design, methods of data/information collection and analysis to develop strategies and policies that guide projects and programs.
Knowledge of statistics to interpret complex data and communicate trends and probable outcomes, preferably both qualitative and quantitative.
Candidate must be familiar with quantitative statistical methods including basic statistical comparisons (t-test, chi-squared, etc.) and simple regression techniques (linear, logistic).
Candidate must be familiar with qualitative research methodology. Familiarity with common statistical software packages (SAS or Stata) and qualitative software packages (Atlas.ti, NVivo, etc).
This individual must have the required training/experience in order to plan and design data collection and analysis. Knowledge of quality controls, and report design alternatives is essential.
This individual must be able to develop methods to evaluate and interpret guidelines, and amend estimation methodology and procedures as warranted.
This position must be able to effectively communicate with funding agencies and investigators regarding the research projects. This includes writing research proposals to funding agencies, preparing reports to provide accurate documentation of the research project, data collection and analyses, outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Master’s or Doctorate degree in research, statistical, or public health related field preferred. Research experience at an academic medical center preferred. Experience working with effective teams.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Department
Aging and Health - Center-428401
Career Area
Research Professionals
Posting Open Date
05/11/2026
Application Deadline
06/01/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title
Program Manager
Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number
20075225
Vacancy ID
NF0009738
Full Time/Part Time
Full-Time Permanent
FTE
1
Hours per week
40
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$85,000 - $97,000
Proposed Start Date
07/01/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.
Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We prepare tomorrow's healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.
Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.
Position Summary
The Assistant Research Program Director (ARPD) will be responsible for overseeing functions related to enrollment of human subjects as well as primary and secondary data collection and analysis on studies supported by the Center for Aging and Health. The research unit within the Center includes one clinical research pod who work collaboratively on shared clinical projects and additional staff who conduct non-clinical research activities across multiple initiatives. All staff will report directly to the ARPD or pod lead. The ARPD reports directly to the Center Director. The ARPD is responsible for promoting standardization and best practices across both clinical and non-clinical research functions, managing human resources needs, and collaborating with departmental and school offices to ensure compliance and reporting requirements are met.
Duties Include:
-
Manage Clinical and Non-Clinical Research Initiatives: This involves providing direction, guidance, and support to the clinical and non-clinical research teams. The ARPD will ensure staff members operate efficiently, adhere to best practices, and maintain a high level of performance.
-
Enrollment of Human Subjects/Data Collection and Analysis: Supervise functions related to human subjects enrollment on research studies conducted at UNC and UNC Health network entity locations. Supervise the collection and analysis of research data. Ensure proper procedures and protocols are followed, coordinate with study teams and investigators and maintain compliance.
-
Project and anticipate staffing needs.
-
Manage selection, hiring, and training of staff to ensure pods are fully staffed.
-
Train, onboard, and supervise research staff.
-
Capture metrics as requested by department and school and report metrics to department and school of medicine.
-
Ensure studies are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations regarding research with human subjects.
-
Develop standard operating procedures for the Center that are compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including IRB, FDA, GCP, and HIPAA; as well as with UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Health, and UNC Clinical Research Support Office policies. Ensure SOPs are compliant with all applicable UNC-Chapel Hill AND UNC Health policies on research and compliance, environmental safety and health, privacy, and data security.
-
Monitor and meet research study milestones (such as recruitment and data collection).
-
Organize various communications, meetings, conference calls. Provide reports to the investigative team.
-
Handle and reconcile research participant study payments.
-
Modify, maintain, renew IRB and other regulatory documentation as needed.
The role will involve extensive coordination of work and effort and ensuring effective communications within UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Health network entity locations, and key stakeholders (sponsors, UNC offices, Lead investigators, etc.).
The Lead Investigators will provide overall direction of the projects; however, the ARPD is expected to direct the day-to-day operations and to exercise considerable independent judgment and decision-making to manage the studies and staff.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Individual must have a comprehensive knowledge of research principles, study design, methods of data/information collection and analysis to develop strategies and policies that guide projects and programs.
Knowledge of statistics to interpret complex data and communicate trends and probable outcomes, preferably both qualitative and quantitative.
Candidate must be familiar with quantitative statistical methods including basic statistical comparisons (t-test, chi-squared, etc.) and simple regression techniques (linear, logistic).
Candidate must be familiar with qualitative research methodology. Familiarity with common statistical software packages (SAS or Stata) and qualitative software packages (Atlas.ti, NVivo, etc).
This individual must have the required training/experience in order to plan and design data collection and analysis. Knowledge of quality controls, and report design alternatives is essential.
This individual must be able to develop methods to evaluate and interpret guidelines, and amend estimation methodology and procedures as warranted.
This position must be able to effectively communicate with funding agencies and investigators regarding the research projects. This includes writing research proposals to funding agencies, preparing reports to provide accurate documentation of the research project, data collection and analyses, outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Master’s or Doctorate degree in research, statistical, or public health related field preferred. Research experience at an academic medical center preferred. Experience working with effective teams.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Job Roles at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target Research and Academic Departments Directly
UNC Chapel Hill's research centers and academic departments hire OPT students more consistently than central administrative units. Identify labs, institutes, or schools aligned with your field and contact hiring managers or principal investigators directly, not just through the general HR portal.
Confirm E-Verify Enrollment Before Accepting Offers
For STEM OPT extensions, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. UNC Chapel Hill as a whole is E-Verify enrolled, but confirm the specific hiring department or affiliated entity is covered before you rely on the 24-month extension for your authorization timeline.
Align Your OPT Start Date with Hiring Cycles
Universities follow academic hiring calendars. Submit your OPT application to USCIS at least 90 days before your program end date so your EAD arrives before a spring or fall semester hire date, matching UNC Chapel Hill's most active onboarding windows.
Search Verified OPT Employer Listings on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to find UNC Chapel Hill OPT-compatible job postings filtered by visa type. This lets you identify roles where F-1 OPT students have been hired before, saving time you'd otherwise spend manually screening job listings for sponsorship compatibility.
Frame Your OPT Timeline Clearly in Applications
Education employers unfamiliar with OPT mechanics may hesitate. In cover letters, specify your EAD authorization period, STEM extension eligibility if applicable, and note that no petition is required from UNC Chapel Hill to hire you, removing a common barrier to moving your application forward.
Ask About H-1B Sponsorship Policy Early in Interviews
UNC Chapel Hill sponsors H-1B visas for eligible employees, but sponsorship decisions vary by department and role type. Raise the topic of long-term visa support during later interview rounds, not the first screen, and ask about the department's history with international employee transitions.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sponsor OPT visas?
UNC Chapel Hill doesn't sponsor OPT itself. USCIS grants OPT authorization directly to F-1 students, and your employer receives your EAD as proof of work eligibility. UNC Chapel Hill hires students who already hold an OPT EAD, and for STEM OPT extensions, the university's E-Verify enrollment satisfies the employer requirement.
Which roles and departments at UNC Chapel Hill typically hire OPT students?
Research positions in science, public health, and social sciences are common entry points for OPT students at UNC Chapel Hill. Technology and data roles within administrative and academic IT departments also hire internationally. Academic affairs, library services, and affiliated health system units occasionally hire OPT students depending on departmental need.
How do I approach the OPT hiring process at UNC Chapel Hill?
Apply through UNC Chapel Hill's official jobs portal and note your OPT authorization status in your application. You'll present your EAD during onboarding rather than requiring the university to file anything. For STEM-eligible roles, confirm early that the hiring department falls under UNC Chapel Hill's E-Verify umbrella to protect your extension eligibility.
How do I find OPT-compatible job openings at UNC Chapel Hill?
Migrate Mate lets you search for OPT-compatible positions at universities including UNC Chapel Hill, filtered by visa type and department. You can also search UNC Chapel Hill's internal careers site and filter by full-time roles in your field, then verify STEM designation eligibility through O*NET if you plan to pursue the 24-month extension.
Does UNC Chapel Hill support the transition from OPT to H-1B?
UNC Chapel Hill sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying employees, making it a realistic long-term option for OPT workers who secure permanent roles there. H-1B sponsorship is decided at the department level, so ask directly during the hiring process about the department's track record with international employee visa transitions before accepting an offer.
How does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.