OPT Clinical Data Specialist Jobs
Clinical Data Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in clinical research, biostatistics, or health informatics. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in pharma, CROs, and academic medical centers actively hire OPT candidates for data entry, validation, and EDC management work.
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Get Access To All JobsJob ID 21612
Location Los Angeles, California, United States
Job Category Academic / Research
Date posted 11/04/2026
Job Description
The Smidt Heart Institute reflects Cedars-Sinai's steadfast dedication to heart disease and research innovation giving patients access to the highest level of care. Year after year, thousands of people trust their hearts to Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and niche care teams treat the full spectrum of heart disease and disorders, while our investigators continue to advance the field with groundbreaking, life-saving research. From genetic counseling and targeted drug therapies to a growing array of minimally invasive procedures, Cedars-Sinai continues to stand at the forefront of technology, innovation and discovery improving patient outcomes.
Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?
The Clinical Research Data Specialist III manages the data for assigned research studies at a senior level. This will include designing forms for data collection, clinical data abstraction, processing data, maintaining record systems, and producing project reports for studies. In addition, may supervise clinical research staff or clinical data managers, perform complex statistical analysis, and work with bioinformatics to develop and maintain trial management and validation systems. Ensures compliance with all federal and local agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local Institutional Review Board.
- Supervises clinical research staff or clinical data managers.
- Solves operational/data problems in consultation with other employees and/or supervisors.
- In conjunction with a biostatistician, may perform complex statistical analysis for publication.
- Works with bioinformatics in the development and maintenance of clinical trials management systems including validation of systems.
- Trains clinical research staff on data collection standards, protocol requirements, and data entry systems to promote accuracy and consistency in research data.
- Independently manages and maintains research data to ensure accuracy, integrity, and security of complex, large, computerized records systems. This includes performing data searches and other related administrative tasks.
- Prepares project reports and performs statistical analysis in conjunction with a biostatistician, interpreting and presenting findings to support study objectives and data quality initiatives.
- Processes clinical data using a range of computer applications and database systems to support cleaning and management of subject or patient data.
- Performs clinical data collection, abstraction, targeted data searches to support accurate and timely data availability for study objectives.
- Understands regulations, policies, protocols and procedures to control and maintain accurate records.
- Ensures compliance with all federal and local agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local Institutional Review Board.
- Maintains research practices using Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
- Maintains strict patient confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations and applicable law.
- Participates in required training and education programs.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree BA/BS degree in related field of research - required
Experience
- 4 years Experience in related field of research - required
Licenses and Certifications
- Certification In Clinical Research - preferred ACRP/SoCRA (or equivalent) certification preferred.
Req ID 21612
Working Title Clinical Research Data Specialist III - Heart Institute - Bairey-Merz Lab
Department Heart Institute
Business Entity Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Job Category Academic / Research
Job Specialty Research Studies/ Clin Trial
Overtime Status EXEMPT
Primary Shift Day
Shift Duration 8 hour
Base Pay $96,720 - $164,424
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
Job ID 21612
Location Los Angeles, California, United States
Job Category Academic / Research
Date posted 11/04/2026
Job Description
The Smidt Heart Institute reflects Cedars-Sinai's steadfast dedication to heart disease and research innovation giving patients access to the highest level of care. Year after year, thousands of people trust their hearts to Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and niche care teams treat the full spectrum of heart disease and disorders, while our investigators continue to advance the field with groundbreaking, life-saving research. From genetic counseling and targeted drug therapies to a growing array of minimally invasive procedures, Cedars-Sinai continues to stand at the forefront of technology, innovation and discovery improving patient outcomes.
Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?
The Clinical Research Data Specialist III manages the data for assigned research studies at a senior level. This will include designing forms for data collection, clinical data abstraction, processing data, maintaining record systems, and producing project reports for studies. In addition, may supervise clinical research staff or clinical data managers, perform complex statistical analysis, and work with bioinformatics to develop and maintain trial management and validation systems. Ensures compliance with all federal and local agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local Institutional Review Board.
- Supervises clinical research staff or clinical data managers.
- Solves operational/data problems in consultation with other employees and/or supervisors.
- In conjunction with a biostatistician, may perform complex statistical analysis for publication.
- Works with bioinformatics in the development and maintenance of clinical trials management systems including validation of systems.
- Trains clinical research staff on data collection standards, protocol requirements, and data entry systems to promote accuracy and consistency in research data.
- Independently manages and maintains research data to ensure accuracy, integrity, and security of complex, large, computerized records systems. This includes performing data searches and other related administrative tasks.
- Prepares project reports and performs statistical analysis in conjunction with a biostatistician, interpreting and presenting findings to support study objectives and data quality initiatives.
- Processes clinical data using a range of computer applications and database systems to support cleaning and management of subject or patient data.
- Performs clinical data collection, abstraction, targeted data searches to support accurate and timely data availability for study objectives.
- Understands regulations, policies, protocols and procedures to control and maintain accurate records.
- Ensures compliance with all federal and local agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local Institutional Review Board.
- Maintains research practices using Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
- Maintains strict patient confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations and applicable law.
- Participates in required training and education programs.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree BA/BS degree in related field of research - required
Experience
- 4 years Experience in related field of research - required
Licenses and Certifications
- Certification In Clinical Research - preferred ACRP/SoCRA (or equivalent) certification preferred.
Req ID 21612
Working Title Clinical Research Data Specialist III - Heart Institute - Bairey-Merz Lab
Department Heart Institute
Business Entity Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Job Category Academic / Research
Job Specialty Research Studies/ Clin Trial
Overtime Status EXEMPT
Primary Shift Day
Shift Duration 8 hour
Base Pay $96,720 - $164,424
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
See all OPT Clinical Data Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Clinical Data Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Clinical Data Specialist
Target CROs and pharma companies first
Contract research organizations like large pharma and biotech firms hire Clinical Data Specialists at scale and have established OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines. These employers process visa sponsorship routinely and are far less likely to reject your application over work authorization concerns.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Clinical Data Specialist roles typically fall under STEM OPT if your degree is in biostatistics, health informatics, computer science, or a life science. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since your 24-month STEM extension eligibility depends entirely on this classification.
Lead with your EDC and clinical systems experience
Proficiency in Medidata Rave, Oracle Clinical, or Veeva Vault is a concrete differentiator that reduces employer hesitation around sponsorship. Specialized technical skills make the hiring decision about your qualifications, not your visa status, which shifts the conversation in your favor.
Apply before your OPT start date approaches
Hiring managers need lead time to clear legal and HR approval for OPT candidates. Starting your search at least three to four months before your authorization begins gives employers enough runway to process your paperwork without feeling rushed into a decision about sponsorship.
Address OPT directly and briefly in your cover letter
State your OPT authorization period and STEM extension eligibility in one sentence rather than avoiding the topic. Employers who see a clear 36-month window understand the timeline upfront and are more likely to proceed than those who discover work authorization details late in the process.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly employers
Searching broadly wastes time on employers who never sponsor. Migrate Mate surfaces Clinical Data Specialist roles from companies with a verified history of OPT and visa sponsorship, so your applications go to employers already open to hiring international candidates in this field.
Clinical Data Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Data Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in biostatistics, health informatics, bioinformatics, computer science, or a qualifying life science with a STEM-designated CIP code, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM extension on top of your 12-month standard OPT. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles, since this determines your total authorized work period.
Which types of employers are most likely to hire Clinical Data Specialists on OPT?
Contract research organizations, large pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and academic medical centers with clinical trial units are the most consistent OPT hirers in this field. These employers run ongoing clinical data operations that require specialized skills, and many have existing immigration counsel and HR processes for handling OPT work authorization. Migrate Mate filters specifically for employers with a sponsorship track record in clinical and life science roles.
Can I work as a Clinical Data Specialist as an independent contractor on OPT?
No. OPT requires a formal employer-employee relationship. You must be hired as a W-2 employee, not as a 1099 independent contractor. USCIS requires that your employer have the right to supervise and control your work. Contract or freelance arrangements do not satisfy this requirement and could jeopardize your OPT status and any future STEM extension eligibility.
What happens to my OPT status if my clinical research contract ends between projects?
Standard OPT allows a cumulative 90 days of unemployment across the full 12-month period. If you receive a STEM OPT extension, you get an additional 60 days, for a total of 150 days across the combined period. Gaps between clinical contracts count against this limit, so tracking your unemployment days carefully is important. Securing your next role before a contract ends is strongly advisable to protect your status.
Do I need to report a new Clinical Data Specialist job to my DSO while on OPT?
Yes. Any change in employer, position, or work location must be reported to your DSO within 10 days, and your DSO updates your record in SEVIS accordingly. For STEM OPT specifically, you must also submit a formal training plan with each new employer. Skipping these reporting steps is one of the most common compliance mistakes OPT students make and can affect your immigration record.