Vanderbilt University OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Vanderbilt University hires F-1 students on OPT across research, administrative, clinical, and technical roles. As a major research university in Nashville, Vanderbilt is a strong option for OPT students in STEM, healthcare, and education fields seeking employers with an established path to H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary:
The Laboratory Teaching Assistant is part of the Chemistry Department teaching staff at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for the management and functionality of the undergraduate chemistry laboratories. This position includes preparing laboratories for students, maintaining safety guidelines for the lab, and working with the laboratory instructor to fulfill the needs of classes.
About the Work Unit:
Chemistry is the intellectual home to over 250 students, post-docs, and faculty members working in a wide range of specializations, as well as the interdisciplinary fields of chemical biology, structural biology, molecular toxicology, materials chemistry, and nanotechnology. Close collaboration with the School of Medicine, School of Engineering and other departments within the College of Arts and Science—particularly the departments of biological sciences and physics—provides valuable opportunities to not only excel in the traditional disciplines of chemistry but also investigate the many ways that chemistry intersects with other fields.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
- Prepares reagents and solutions for specialized undergraduate instructional laboratories.
- Prepares, sets up and issues materials and equipment for use in student laboratory demonstrations, experiments, exercises and exams; assists in the operation and maintenance of instructional labs; participates in the planning and implementation of lab exercises and experiments; implements new or modified policies and procedures as required; prepares special instructions for non-routine and complex assignments.
- Demonstrates the safe and proper use of laboratory equipment and hazardous materials. Prepares, tests, adjusts, modifies, performs routine maintenance on and calibrates a variety of technical laboratory equipment; troubleshoots equipment and makes minor repairs or arranges for service repair.
- Constructs, adapts, tests and maintains equipment, interface computer systems and apparatus used in the laboratory.
- Administrative oversight of class rolls, course equipment damages, laboratory assignments, FWSP assistance. Assist faculty laboratory supervisor with course development.
- Administrative oversight of maintenance protocols with respect to the infrastructure of all the teaching laboratories.
- Acts as substitute laboratory staff support for current Senior Laboratory Teaching Assistants during summer vacations/absences.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Teaching Lab Manager.
Education and Certifications:
- Associate degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is necessary.
Experience and Skills:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in academic/private sector laboratory environment is strongly preferred.
- Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and work efficiently with undergraduate and graduate students and faculty.
Position Summary:
The Laboratory Teaching Assistant is part of the Chemistry Department teaching staff at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for the management and functionality of the undergraduate chemistry laboratories. This position includes preparing laboratories for students, maintaining safety guidelines for the lab, and working with the laboratory instructor to fulfill the needs of classes.
About the Work Unit:
Chemistry is the intellectual home to over 250 students, post-docs, and faculty members working in a wide range of specializations, as well as the interdisciplinary fields of chemical biology, structural biology, molecular toxicology, materials chemistry, and nanotechnology. Close collaboration with the School of Medicine, School of Engineering and other departments within the College of Arts and Science—particularly the departments of biological sciences and physics—provides valuable opportunities to not only excel in the traditional disciplines of chemistry but also investigate the many ways that chemistry intersects with other fields.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
- Prepares reagents and solutions for specialized undergraduate instructional laboratories.
- Prepares, sets up and issues materials and equipment for use in student laboratory demonstrations, experiments, exercises and exams; assists in the operation and maintenance of instructional labs; participates in the planning and implementation of lab exercises and experiments; implements new or modified policies and procedures as required; prepares special instructions for non-routine and complex assignments.
- Demonstrates the safe and proper use of laboratory equipment and hazardous materials. Prepares, tests, adjusts, modifies, performs routine maintenance on and calibrates a variety of technical laboratory equipment; troubleshoots equipment and makes minor repairs or arranges for service repair.
- Constructs, adapts, tests and maintains equipment, interface computer systems and apparatus used in the laboratory.
- Administrative oversight of class rolls, course equipment damages, laboratory assignments, FWSP assistance. Assist faculty laboratory supervisor with course development.
- Administrative oversight of maintenance protocols with respect to the infrastructure of all the teaching laboratories.
- Acts as substitute laboratory staff support for current Senior Laboratory Teaching Assistants during summer vacations/absences.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Teaching Lab Manager.
Education and Certifications:
- Associate degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is necessary.
Experience and Skills:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in academic/private sector laboratory environment is strongly preferred.
- Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and work efficiently with undergraduate and graduate students and faculty.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Vanderbilt University OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target Vanderbilt's Research and STEM Departments
Vanderbilt's research centers and STEM-intensive departments are the strongest fit for STEM OPT, which gives you 24 months of additional work authorization. Prioritize applying to roles in engineering, data science, biomedical research, and computer science where STEM OPT is routinely supported.
Verify Vanderbilt's E-Verify Enrollment Before Accepting
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm Vanderbilt's enrollment status before signing an offer, since the 24-month extension is only available if your employer meets this requirement at the time you file with USCIS.
Align Your OPT Start Date with Vanderbilt's Hiring Cycle
Vanderbilt's academic hiring calendar tends to cluster around semester starts. Request your OPT EAD early through your DSO so your authorization start date overlaps with your target role's onboarding window, avoiding gaps that could delay or complicate your start date.
Use Migrate Mate to Find Vanderbilt's H-1B Filing History
Checking whether Vanderbilt has sponsored H-1B for roles similar to yours tells you how likely a long-term path is. Migrate Mate surfaces Vanderbilt's DOL Labor Condition Application data by occupation code, so you can see which departments have sponsored before starting your search.
Frame Your Application Around Vanderbilt's Mission
Vanderbilt hiring managers in education and research roles expect applicants to connect their credentials to the university's academic or clinical mission. Highlight how your degree and any published work, lab experience, or clinical training directly supports the department's specific research or educational goals.
Prepare Your I-983 Before Your Offer Letter Arrives
STEM OPT requires a signed Training Plan (Form I-983) from your employer outlining your role and learning objectives. Draft your I-983 in advance so you can present it to Vanderbilt's HR team promptly, reducing delays between your offer and your USCIS filing with your DSO.
Vanderbilt University OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vanderbilt University sponsor OPT visas?
Vanderbilt University doesn't sponsor OPT itself. OPT is work authorization granted by USCIS directly to the F-1 student. What Vanderbilt does is hire students who already hold an OPT EAD. For STEM OPT extensions, Vanderbilt must be enrolled in E-Verify, which allows you to apply for the 24-month extension through your DSO and USCIS.
Which roles and departments at Vanderbilt University typically hire OPT students?
Vanderbilt most commonly hires OPT students in research, data science, biomedical and clinical roles, IT, and administrative functions tied to its academic programs. Departments within Vanderbilt's medical center, engineering school, and research institutes are particularly active in hiring graduates with STEM backgrounds on OPT status.
How do I confirm Vanderbilt University supports STEM OPT extension?
Ask Vanderbilt's HR team directly whether the university is enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT. You can also check E-Verify's employer search to confirm enrollment. Once confirmed, your DSO files the STEM OPT extension with USCIS before your initial OPT EAD expires, and Vanderbilt signs your I-983 Training Plan.
How do I find open OPT-compatible roles at Vanderbilt University?
Search Vanderbilt's careers portal and filter for roles that match your degree field, since OPT requires employment in a job directly related to your major. Migrate Mate can also show Vanderbilt's H-1B and LCA filing history by occupation, which helps you identify departments with an established pattern of supporting international employees beyond initial OPT.
Does Vanderbilt University sponsor H-1B after OPT ends?
Vanderbilt has sponsored H-1B for employees in research, clinical, and technical roles. H-1B sponsorship is a separate process from OPT and requires Vanderbilt to file a petition with USCIS on your behalf. Raise the H-1B question during the offer stage, not after you start, so you understand the department's willingness before committing.
How does Vanderbilt University hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt University's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.