OPT Biomedical Equipment Technician Jobs
Biomedical Equipment Technician jobs on OPT are a strong fit for F-1 students with degrees in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Employers in hospitals, medical device companies, and clinical settings regularly hire BMET technicians, and the role's technical degree requirement supports STEM OPT extension eligibility.
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Get Access To All JobsPostdoctoral/Predoctoral Positions in Biomedical Research (Vascular Biology, Immunology, and Regenerative Medicine)
Position Overview
The Zhou Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is seeking both postdoctoral and predoctoral fellows (PhD students). We are looking for candidates eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine. Our lab is well-supported by multiple NIH R01 grants and institutional funding, providing an excellent environment for innovative and impactful science.
Research Focus
Our research centers on the lung vascular niche—a complex microenvironment composed of endothelial cells (ECs), perivascular cells, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigate how these components interact to regulate lung injury, repair, and regeneration. A major goal of our work is to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatment strategies for severe inflammatory lung diseases such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)—a critical condition associated with severe COVID-19, sepsis, and pneumonia—and other life-threatening illnesses that currently lack effective therapies.
About the University and Department
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a premier urban public research institution with a Carnegie R1 classification, reflecting its very high research activity. Located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, just minutes from downtown, the lakefront, and Grant Park, UIC offers a dynamic academic and cultural environment.
The UIC College of Medicine, the largest medical school in the United States, houses the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine. For the past two decades, our department has consistently ranked among the top 10 pharmacology departments nationwide in NIH funding. Faculty in the department are leaders in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, cell signaling, vascular biology, lung biology, inflammation signaling, and thrombosis & platelet signaling, with frequent publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Immunology, Nature Communications, PNAS, Immunity, and Cell Stem Cell.
The department leads the NIH T32 Training Program in Lung Biology and Pathobiology and participates in six additional university training grants, fostering a highly collaborative environment with abundant training and funding opportunities. Predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows routinely secure competitive individual awards from organizations including the NIH, American Heart Association, Chicago Biomedical Consortium, and Parker B. Francis Foundation. Our trainees commonly move on to faculty positions or research-intensive roles in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow(s) will:
- Design and execute experiments aligned with the Zhou Lab’s research program in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant applications.
- Work collaboratively with other lab members and departmental colleagues in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Qualifications
For Postdoctoral Fellow:
- Education: Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, physiology, or related disciplines).
- Track Record: At least one first-author research article in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
- Soft Skills: Strong motivation, scientific rigor, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
For Predoctoral Fellow (PhD Student/Research Assistant):
- Context: This position is offered as a transitioning role for candidates who wish to pursue a PhD degree at UIC in Biomedical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering (BME).
- Education: M.S. in a relevant field (e.g., Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, or related disciplines) with a strong academic record, including a high GPA and co-author publications.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
- Commitment: Must be able to commit to the position for at least one year, with workdays focused on laboratory research.
- Priority: Preference will be given to candidates intending to pursue a PhD degree within the Zhou Laboratory.
Application Process
Interested candidates should email their CV to bisheng@uic.edu. A brief research statement and contact information for three referees will be requested as needed.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Postdoctoral/Predoctoral Positions in Biomedical Research (Vascular Biology, Immunology, and Regenerative Medicine)
Position Overview
The Zhou Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is seeking both postdoctoral and predoctoral fellows (PhD students). We are looking for candidates eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine. Our lab is well-supported by multiple NIH R01 grants and institutional funding, providing an excellent environment for innovative and impactful science.
Research Focus
Our research centers on the lung vascular niche—a complex microenvironment composed of endothelial cells (ECs), perivascular cells, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigate how these components interact to regulate lung injury, repair, and regeneration. A major goal of our work is to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatment strategies for severe inflammatory lung diseases such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)—a critical condition associated with severe COVID-19, sepsis, and pneumonia—and other life-threatening illnesses that currently lack effective therapies.
About the University and Department
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a premier urban public research institution with a Carnegie R1 classification, reflecting its very high research activity. Located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, just minutes from downtown, the lakefront, and Grant Park, UIC offers a dynamic academic and cultural environment.
The UIC College of Medicine, the largest medical school in the United States, houses the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine. For the past two decades, our department has consistently ranked among the top 10 pharmacology departments nationwide in NIH funding. Faculty in the department are leaders in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, cell signaling, vascular biology, lung biology, inflammation signaling, and thrombosis & platelet signaling, with frequent publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Immunology, Nature Communications, PNAS, Immunity, and Cell Stem Cell.
The department leads the NIH T32 Training Program in Lung Biology and Pathobiology and participates in six additional university training grants, fostering a highly collaborative environment with abundant training and funding opportunities. Predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows routinely secure competitive individual awards from organizations including the NIH, American Heart Association, Chicago Biomedical Consortium, and Parker B. Francis Foundation. Our trainees commonly move on to faculty positions or research-intensive roles in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow(s) will:
- Design and execute experiments aligned with the Zhou Lab’s research program in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant applications.
- Work collaboratively with other lab members and departmental colleagues in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Qualifications
For Postdoctoral Fellow:
- Education: Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, physiology, or related disciplines).
- Track Record: At least one first-author research article in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
- Soft Skills: Strong motivation, scientific rigor, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
For Predoctoral Fellow (PhD Student/Research Assistant):
- Context: This position is offered as a transitioning role for candidates who wish to pursue a PhD degree at UIC in Biomedical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering (BME).
- Education: M.S. in a relevant field (e.g., Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, or related disciplines) with a strong academic record, including a high GPA and co-author publications.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
- Commitment: Must be able to commit to the position for at least one year, with workdays focused on laboratory research.
- Priority: Preference will be given to candidates intending to pursue a PhD degree within the Zhou Laboratory.
Application Process
Interested candidates should email their CV to bisheng@uic.edu. A brief research statement and contact information for three referees will be requested as needed.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See all 73+ OPT Biomedical Equipment Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Biomedical Equipment Technician
Confirm your degree supports the role
BMET positions require a directly related degree, typically biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or clinical technology. Confirm your transcript reflects coursework in medical devices, electronics, or instrumentation before applying, since employers use degree alignment to validate OPT authorization.
Prioritize healthcare systems and medical device companies
Large hospital networks and medical device manufacturers like Siemens Healthineers, Philips, and GE HealthCare have structured OPT hiring processes. They employ BMETs in large volumes and are more familiar with work authorization requirements than smaller independent service organizations.
Highlight preventive maintenance and regulatory compliance experience
Employers screen BMET candidates for hands-on experience with Joint Commission standards, FDA regulations, and equipment maintenance logs. Emphasizing these credentials in your resume signals that you can contribute immediately, which reduces employer hesitation about OPT timelines and training investment.
Address your OPT timeline early in outreach
BMET roles often involve credentialing and onboarding that takes several weeks. Contact hiring managers early to confirm your OPT start date and end date, giving the employer enough lead time to schedule your start before your authorization window opens.
Pursue CBET certification to strengthen your profile
The Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician credential signals professional readiness and is recognized across U.S. healthcare employers. Candidates pursuing or holding CBET certification stand out in competitive applicant pools, especially when employer familiarity with OPT authorization is limited.
Use your university's biomedical engineering network
Faculty advisors and alumni working in clinical engineering or medical device companies can refer you directly to hiring managers. Referrals from trusted contacts significantly reduce the friction of explaining OPT authorization to employers encountering it for the first time.
Biomedical Equipment Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Biomedical Equipment Technician jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
BMET roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. You also need to work for an E-Verify enrolled employer. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
What employers hire Biomedical Equipment Technician OPT students?
Hospital systems, independent service organizations, and medical device manufacturers are the primary employers. Companies like Siemens Healthineers, Philips Healthcare, and GE HealthCare regularly hire BMETs and have experience onboarding international candidates on work authorization. You can browse OPT-friendly BMET openings directly on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers open to sponsoring or hiring OPT candidates.
Is a Biomedical Equipment Technician role considered a specialty occupation for OPT purposes?
OPT authorization does not require a specialty occupation determination the way H-1B visa does. What matters is that your employment is directly related to your degree field. For BMET roles, a degree in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or clinical technology typically satisfies this requirement. Your DSO documents the connection between your role and your degree on your SEVIS record.
How do I explain my OPT work authorization to a BMET employer who is unfamiliar with it?
Frame it simply: OPT is a federal work authorization program for F-1 students that allows you to work in your degree field for up to 12 months, with a potential 24-month STEM extension. The employer does not file any petition or pay any fees for standard OPT. For STEM OPT, they need to be E-Verify enrolled and complete a training plan, but there is no lottery or USCIS petition involved.
What should I include on my resume to get BMET OPT jobs faster?
List specific equipment types you have serviced, such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, ventilators, and imaging systems, alongside any preventive maintenance software you have used. Include your OPT authorization dates clearly, note if you are STEM OPT eligible, and mention any CBET exam preparation or certification. Employers in clinical settings prioritize demonstrable hands-on experience over academic credentials alone.