OPT AI Data Specialist Jobs
AI Data Specialist roles involve labeling, curating, and evaluating datasets that train machine learning models, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in computer science, data science, or linguistics. Many employers in this space have experience working with international candidates on STEM OPT, which covers the full 36-month authorization period.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Brandeis University's Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) is looking for an industry leader to teach in our Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology & Enterprise program. Brandeis University is consistently ranked among the nation's top universities, and our online courses are developed using best practices in online learning. Information about Brandeis University and Graduate Professional Studies can be found online.
Course Title: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Drug Development
This course explores the use of AI and ML in pharmaceutical R&D. Topics include data preprocessing, predictive modeling, and applications in target identification, drug screening, and clinical trial optimization. Students gain hands-on experience using tools and algorithms to analyze real-world biotech data sets.
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates will have Subject Matter Qualifications in the following areas.
Required:
- Current active employment in the relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry
- Deep knowledge of course-specific applications and industry practices
- Ph.D. or M.S.
- Strong communication and analytical skills
Preferred:
- Previous teaching experience or experience delivering professional training
- Familiarity with online instructional tools and platforms
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design a syllabus following program chair guidance and the syllabus template
- Create content aligned with course outcomes, integrating personal expertise
- Facilitate online discussions and provide timely, relevant feedback
- Maintain the course site and update content in the Moodle LMS
- Lead students in AI model development and interpretation using biotech case studies
- Help students critically assess the limitations and ethics of AI in pharmaceutical innovation
GENERAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster student engagement
- Written communication skills, especially for online learning
- Ability to manage time effectively and respond promptly to students
- Proficiency in applying machine learning tools (e.g., Python, scikit-learn, TensorFlow) to drug discovery datasets
ABOUT THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY & ENTERPRISE
This program prepares students to innovate and lead in the fast-paced biotech industry, integrating scientific knowledge with business strategy. Students learn through project-based, real-world applications.
All GPS courses are 8-weeks long and taught asynchronously online.
ABOUT GPS FACULTY
GPS Faculty are active industry professionals who teach part-time, online. Our instructors hold at least a master's degree, and many have terminal degrees and professional certifications. Previous teaching experience is not required; GPS provides full training.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and teaching experience.
- A current CV or resume.
- Contact information for three professional references.
- (Optional) Examples of teaching materials or professional publications related to leadership and industry innovation.
This appointment is to a position that is in a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 509.
The compensation for this position is $6573.15.
PAY RANGE DISCLOSURE
The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").
INTRODUCTION
Brandeis University's Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) is looking for an industry leader to teach in our Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology & Enterprise program. Brandeis University is consistently ranked among the nation's top universities, and our online courses are developed using best practices in online learning. Information about Brandeis University and Graduate Professional Studies can be found online.
Course Title: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Drug Development
This course explores the use of AI and ML in pharmaceutical R&D. Topics include data preprocessing, predictive modeling, and applications in target identification, drug screening, and clinical trial optimization. Students gain hands-on experience using tools and algorithms to analyze real-world biotech data sets.
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates will have Subject Matter Qualifications in the following areas.
Required:
- Current active employment in the relevant biotech or pharmaceutical industry
- Deep knowledge of course-specific applications and industry practices
- Ph.D. or M.S.
- Strong communication and analytical skills
Preferred:
- Previous teaching experience or experience delivering professional training
- Familiarity with online instructional tools and platforms
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design a syllabus following program chair guidance and the syllabus template
- Create content aligned with course outcomes, integrating personal expertise
- Facilitate online discussions and provide timely, relevant feedback
- Maintain the course site and update content in the Moodle LMS
- Lead students in AI model development and interpretation using biotech case studies
- Help students critically assess the limitations and ethics of AI in pharmaceutical innovation
GENERAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster student engagement
- Written communication skills, especially for online learning
- Ability to manage time effectively and respond promptly to students
- Proficiency in applying machine learning tools (e.g., Python, scikit-learn, TensorFlow) to drug discovery datasets
ABOUT THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY & ENTERPRISE
This program prepares students to innovate and lead in the fast-paced biotech industry, integrating scientific knowledge with business strategy. Students learn through project-based, real-world applications.
All GPS courses are 8-weeks long and taught asynchronously online.
ABOUT GPS FACULTY
GPS Faculty are active industry professionals who teach part-time, online. Our instructors hold at least a master's degree, and many have terminal degrees and professional certifications. Previous teaching experience is not required; GPS provides full training.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and teaching experience.
- A current CV or resume.
- Contact information for three professional references.
- (Optional) Examples of teaching materials or professional publications related to leadership and industry innovation.
This appointment is to a position that is in a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 509.
The compensation for this position is $6573.15.
PAY RANGE DISCLOSURE
The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").
See all 321+ OPT AI Data Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an AI Data Specialist
Lead with your STEM OPT timeline upfront
Mention your 36-month STEM OPT authorization early in applications and interviews. Many hiring managers don't distinguish between standard and STEM OPT, so clarifying the timeline removes the biggest objection before it becomes one.
Target companies with active AI research pipelines
AI labs, autonomous vehicle companies, and enterprise software firms run continuous data annotation and evaluation cycles. These organizations hire OPT candidates more regularly because data work scales with headcount, not visa lottery timing.
Highlight domain-specific annotation experience
If you've labeled medical imaging, multilingual text, or audio datasets, call that out specifically. Domain expertise makes you harder to replace and signals to employers that sponsoring you after OPT is worth the investment.
Show familiarity with data quality frameworks
Employers want candidates who understand inter-annotator agreement, schema design, and quality control pipelines, not just labeling tools. Framing your experience around data quality positions you for senior roles that are more likely to sponsor.
Connect your degree field to the role directly
STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree field. Linguistics, statistics, computer science, and cognitive science all qualify. Make that connection explicit on your resume so hiring managers and HR teams don't question your authorization status.
Apply before your OPT clock runs low
Employers are more comfortable starting H-1B visa or other sponsorship conversations with 18 or more months remaining on your OPT. Starting your job search early gives you negotiating room and time to find a company willing to sponsor.
AI Data Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do AI Data Specialist roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. AI Data Specialist positions typically fall under computer science, data science, or information technology degree classifications, all of which are on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. Your degree field, not the job title, determines eligibility, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How do I find AI Data Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for visa sponsorship openness, so you're not wasting applications on employers who won't consider international candidates. Searching there saves significant time compared to filtering through general listings and cold-emailing recruiters to ask about sponsorship policies.
Will I need H-1B sponsorship to stay in this role long-term?
For most full-time positions, yes. After STEM OPT ends, H-1B is the most common next step, though some AI data roles at qualifying nonprofits or universities may be cap-exempt. Start sponsorship conversations with your employer at least 12 months before your OPT expires to give adequate time for H-1B preparation.
Can I work as a contractor or on a 1099 basis as an AI Data Specialist on OPT?
OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your degree field, but self-employment and independent contracting are permitted as long as you're working for yourself, not classified as an employee of a single client. If a company wants to hire you as a contractor through their own payroll vendor, that typically qualifies. Consult your DSO to confirm any arrangement.
What should I include on my resume to pass OPT employer screening for this role?
List your visa status, OPT end date, and STEM extension eligibility clearly in a summary or header section. For AI Data Specialist roles specifically, include annotation tools you've used, dataset types you've worked with, and any quality assurance or inter-annotator agreement experience. Employers in AI move quickly and want to assess authorization at a glance.