CPT Research Intern Jobs
Research Intern roles on CPT give F-1 students hands-on lab, field, or data work that must connect directly to your degree program. Your DSO authorizes each position individually, so the employer's job description needs to match your curriculum before CPT begins. Part-time CPT (under 20 hours weekly) keeps your full-year OPT eligibility intact.
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Get Access To All JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
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If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
We are seeking a Research Assistant to support upcoming experiments under the PRISM NSF grant, which investigates monsoon resilience of microbial functioning in Arid lands. The Research Assistant will assist with the setup and maintenance of large-scale mesocosm experiments, including routine monitoring and collection of environmental and microbial measurements. The position includes hands-on training in selected data analysis approaches related to the project. The Research Assistant will work closely with the project's postdoc lead and be an integral part of the experimental team in the Couradeau lab at Penn State.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
We are seeking a Research Assistant to support upcoming experiments under the PRISM NSF grant, which investigates monsoon resilience of microbial functioning in Arid lands. The Research Assistant will assist with the setup and maintenance of large-scale mesocosm experiments, including routine monitoring and collection of environmental and microbial measurements. The position includes hands-on training in selected data analysis approaches related to the project. The Research Assistant will work closely with the project's postdoc lead and be an integral part of the experimental team in the Couradeau lab at Penn State.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
See all 466+ CPT Research Intern Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsResearch Intern CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a research intern role qualify for CPT authorization?
It qualifies if the work is an integral part of your established curriculum, meaning the research duties must connect directly to your degree program, not just your general field of study. Your DSO makes the final determination, so you'll need the employer's written job description and, in many cases, a faculty sponsor or advisor who can confirm the academic connection before your I-20 is updated.
Can I do CPT as a research intern at a national lab or federal agency?
Yes, federal agencies and national labs hire F-1 students on CPT regularly, but hiring timelines run longer than the private sector, often eight to twelve weeks from application to start date. Some positions also require you to be enrolled in a specific number of credit hours linked to the internship. Confirm E-Verify enrollment and any security clearance requirements before applying, since clearance processes can extend beyond a single CPT term.
What happens to my CPT authorization if the research project changes mid-term?
CPT is authorized for a specific employer and a specific set of duties tied to your curriculum. If the project scope shifts significantly, your DSO may require a new authorization before you continue working in the revised role. Contact your DSO as soon as you know about the change, not after the fact, because working outside your authorized CPT terms puts your F-1 status at risk.
How do I find research intern roles where employers already understand CPT?
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers with a history of hiring F-1 students on CPT. Employers already familiar with the authorization process move faster through the offer and onboarding steps, which matters when your CPT window is tied to a specific academic term with a fixed start date.
Does part-time CPT as a research intern affect my STEM OPT extension later?
Part-time CPT, defined as fewer than 20 hours per week, has no effect on your OPT or STEM OPT eligibility regardless of how many terms you use it. Full-time CPT totaling 12 months or more eliminates OPT entirely, so if you're considering multiple full-time research terms across different semesters, track your cumulative hours carefully with your DSO.