OPT AI Researcher Jobs
AI Researcher roles qualify for OPT under computer science, data science, and related STEM degrees, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of the standard 12 months. Most employers filing H-1B visa sponsorship for this role do so through the annual lottery, so starting your job search early matters.
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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.
-
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
The Graduate Research Assistant will assist with research, data analysis, process improvement, and AI exploration activities that support the development of a more efficient and stable academic scheduling process.
Job Duties
Responsibilities may include:
- Collecting, organizing, and analyzing historical scheduling, enrollment, classroom utilization, and related institutional data using Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools.
- Conducting literature reviews and environmental scans on AI applications, higher education scheduling systems, process automation, and scheduling optimization.
- Assisting in the evaluation of AI-enabled technologies (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, Ad Astra, Infosilem, UiPath, and similar platforms) for their potential application to academic scheduling.
- Documenting current scheduling workflows and helping identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement.
- Assisting with data reconciliation, validation, and preparation of scheduling datasets for analysis.
- Supporting the development of reports, presentations, process documentation, and grant deliverables for project stakeholders.
- Participating in project meetings and collaborating with faculty, administrators, and campus partners throughout the duration of the project.
- Performing other research and administrative tasks as assigned in support of the grant objectives.
Requirements and Qualifications
Selected applicants must be enrolled as graduate students at Penn State. Preference will be given to students with backgrounds or demonstrated interest in business analytics, information systems, computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, operations management, data analytics, or related fields.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience working with data, databases, or process mapping.
- Familiarity with AI tools, automation technologies, or programming languages (e.g., Python, SQL, Power Automate, Copilot) is desirable but not required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary project team.
Compensation: $15.00 per hour.
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.
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PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
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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
The Graduate Research Assistant will assist with research, data analysis, process improvement, and AI exploration activities that support the development of a more efficient and stable academic scheduling process.
Job Duties
Responsibilities may include:
- Collecting, organizing, and analyzing historical scheduling, enrollment, classroom utilization, and related institutional data using Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools.
- Conducting literature reviews and environmental scans on AI applications, higher education scheduling systems, process automation, and scheduling optimization.
- Assisting in the evaluation of AI-enabled technologies (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, Ad Astra, Infosilem, UiPath, and similar platforms) for their potential application to academic scheduling.
- Documenting current scheduling workflows and helping identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement.
- Assisting with data reconciliation, validation, and preparation of scheduling datasets for analysis.
- Supporting the development of reports, presentations, process documentation, and grant deliverables for project stakeholders.
- Participating in project meetings and collaborating with faculty, administrators, and campus partners throughout the duration of the project.
- Performing other research and administrative tasks as assigned in support of the grant objectives.
Requirements and Qualifications
Selected applicants must be enrolled as graduate students at Penn State. Preference will be given to students with backgrounds or demonstrated interest in business analytics, information systems, computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, operations management, data analytics, or related fields.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience working with data, databases, or process mapping.
- Familiarity with AI tools, automation technologies, or programming languages (e.g., Python, SQL, Power Automate, Copilot) is desirable but not required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary project team.
Compensation: $15.00 per hour.
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
See all 561+ OPT AI Researcher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT AI Researcher Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in AI Researcher
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree program has an approved STEM CIP code before applying. AI Researcher roles typically qualify under computer science or electrical engineering, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization to find long-term sponsorship.
Prioritize H-1B cap-exempt employers
Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government-affiliated labs are exempt from the H-1B visa annual lottery. AI Researcher roles at these organizations offer a more reliable path to visa sponsorship without depending on a roughly 20 percent selection rate.
Document your research contributions clearly
USCIS requires H-1B specialty occupation evidence. Keep a running list of published papers, patents, conference presentations, and technical reports. Strong documentation of original research significantly strengthens your employer's sponsorship petition for an AI Researcher position.
Apply well before your OPT start date
AI Researcher hiring cycles at research labs and tech companies often run three to six months. Starting your search at least six months before your OPT expires gives employers enough time to onboard you and initiate H-1B sponsorship before your authorization lapses.
Distinguish applied AI from fundamental research on your resume
Employers and immigration attorneys need to classify your role accurately for visa purposes. Clearly separate research contributions from engineering work. Pure research roles carry stronger specialty occupation arguments, which can make H-1B or O-1A sponsorship considerably more straightforward.
Explore the O-1A visa as an alternative
AI Researchers with published papers, peer review experience, or recognized awards may qualify for the O-1A extraordinary ability visa. Unlike H-1B, there is no lottery and no annual cap, making it a viable path if your research profile is sufficiently strong.
AI Researcher OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do AI Researcher jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, AI Researcher roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided your degree program has an approved STEM CIP code in fields like computer science, electrical engineering, or data science. This extends your total OPT authorization to 36 months. You must work for an E-Verify enrolled employer and file Form I-983 training plans with your DSO to maintain STEM OPT status.
How do I find AI Researcher employers that sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-eligible and visa-sponsoring employers, so you can search AI Researcher roles without guessing which companies will support your authorization. Research labs at major technology companies, national laboratories, and university AI institutes are historically strong H-1B sponsors for this role. Checking Department of Labor LCA disclosure data for your target employer's past filings also confirms sponsorship history.
Does an AI Researcher role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
AI Researcher positions generally meet the H-1B specialty occupation standard because they normally require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field like computer science or machine learning. Roles involving original research, model development, or novel algorithm design carry particularly strong arguments. Your employer's immigration attorney will document how the position's duties require this level of specialized knowledge, so maintaining clear records of your research contributions matters.
Can I work as a self-employed AI Researcher on OPT?
Self-employment on OPT is permitted under certain conditions, but it's complex. You must demonstrate a legitimate employer-employee relationship or show that you are actively working in your field through an incorporated entity. For STEM OPT, self-employment is not allowed since the extension requires an E-Verify enrolled employer and a formal training plan. Consulting your DSO before pursuing self-employment is strongly recommended.
What happens to my OPT if my AI Researcher position is eliminated during a layoff?
If you lose your AI Researcher position while on OPT, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you must find new employment, transfer to a different immigration status, or depart the United States. For STEM OPT, the same 60-day window applies. Unemployment cannot exceed 90 days on standard OPT or 150 days total across standard and STEM OPT combined. Notifying your DSO immediately after job loss is required to stay in compliance.