CPT Research Specialist Jobs

Research Specialist jobs on CPT give F-1 students hands-on experience conducting studies, analyzing data, and contributing to academic or industry research projects. Your DSO must confirm the role directly integrates with your degree program. Positions span universities, think tanks, government agencies, and private labs.

Find CPT Research Specialist Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs34+
Work Type68% On-site
Top LocationSan Jose, CA
Most JobsTikTok

Showing 5 of 34+ Research Specialist jobs

TikTok
Generative AI Researcher Intern
We won't show you this job again
TikTok
Added 4d ago
Generative AI Researcher Intern
TikTok
San Jose, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
$60/hr
On-Site
Doctorate

Have you applied for this role?

University of Rochester
Co-op Student Researcher I
We won't show you this job again
University of Rochester
Added 1w ago
Co-op Student Researcher I
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York
Data Science & Analytics
IT Support & Systems Administration
Software Engineering
Data Science
Data Analytics
IT Support
$17 - $22/hr
On-Site
None
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Scientech Research LLC
Quantitative Researcher Intern
We won't show you this job again
Scientech Research LLC
Added 2w ago
Quantitative Researcher Intern
Scientech Research LLC
Jersey City, New Jersey
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
Data Analytics
$4,500/week
On-Site
Master's

Have you applied for this role?

VWH Capital Management, LP
Quantitative Researcher Intern
We won't show you this job again
VWH Capital Management, LP
Added 1mo ago
Quantitative Researcher Intern
VWH Capital Management, LP
Dallas, Texas
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
Data Analytics
On-Site
Doctorate

Have you applied for this role?

ByteDance
Researcher Intern
We won't show you this job again
ByteDance
Added 1mo ago
Researcher Intern
ByteDance
Seattle, Washington
Research & Academia
Laboratory Research
$57 - $57/hr
Remote (US)
Doctorate

Have you applied for this role?

See all 34+ Research Specialist Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Specialist roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

See all 34+ CPT Research Specialist Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Research Specialist Jobs.

Get Access To All Jobs

Research Specialist CPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Research Specialist role qualify for CPT authorization?

It qualifies if your school can document a direct connection between the work and your current degree requirements. That usually means the research topic aligns with your field of study, and the position appears in your program's practical training policy or a faculty-supervised internship credit. Volunteer or unpaid lab work doesn't automatically count unless your school formally integrates it.

Can I work as a Research Specialist for a professor outside my department?

Yes, but your DSO must confirm the role still connects to your enrolled curriculum. Cross-departmental research is common in interdisciplinary programs, and many schools accept it as long as you can cite specific courses or thesis requirements the work supports. Get written confirmation from your DSO before the position starts, not after.

How do I find Research Specialist employers who are familiar with CPT?

University research offices and federally funded labs hire CPT students regularly. You can also browse Research Specialist postings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with documented DOL filing history in research-related occupations, giving you a faster signal of which organizations have experience with international student work authorization.

Does CPT for a Research Specialist role affect my OPT eligibility?

Part-time CPT used throughout your degree doesn't affect OPT. Full-time CPT used for 12 months or more eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely, which is a significant downstream consequence for research students who plan to pursue H-1B visa sponsorship after graduation. Track your cumulative full-time CPT hours carefully with your DSO.

What happens if my CPT research position shifts to a different project mid-authorization?

Your CPT authorization is tied to the specific employer and dates on your I-20 endorsement, not the individual project. If your duties change substantially or the project scope shifts to a different field, notify your DSO. A new authorization may be required. Continuing without updated documentation puts your F-1 status at risk.