OPT Clinical Operations Lead Jobs
Clinical Operations Lead jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in clinical research, biomedical sciences, or public health. Most roles qualify as STEM-eligible, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in pharma, biotech, and CROs regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting End Date
10-03-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Real Time Operations Infrastructure Specialist function establishes an understanding of Transmission Operation Systems infrastructure and processes and will involve various assignments related to planning, building, and maintaining IT/OT Infrastructure systems (hardware and software) for critical 24/7/365 real-time operations facilities.
The Specialist Associate level is responsible for lower-level infrastructure tasks under the guidance of senior team members, referring to technical documentation for support, configuration, regulatory compliance, and monitoring system performance to resolve issues.
The Specialist level will independently or with little guidance handle infrastructure assignments, produce technical documentation for compliance, monitor system performance, and resolve issues. Additionally, the role includes managing technical platforms, supporting users, and participating in a collaborative team culture.
What You’ll Do:
- Install, maintain, and repair computer hardware and peripherals.
- Install, update, and patch operating systems, firmware, and software packages.
- Perform system reboots, coordinating to maintain uptime.
- Utilize process documentation for all job tasks.
- Maintain accurate and detailed change management records.
- Input network settings and perform basic network troubleshooting.
- Perform computer system backups and restorations.
- Work with and maintain virtual computing environments.
- Support user account access, password management, and problem ticket resolution.
- Support control center technology such as video walls, dispatch consoles, and EMP protection.
- Analyze and initiate resolution of control center environmental issues, such as power and HVAC.
- Monitor and engage with the latest industry trends and technology.
- Provide after-hour support as needed in an on-call rotation.
- Learn and evaluate OT Infrastructure risk and impact to the SCADA/EMS system and the Bulk Electric System.
What we're looking for:
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist Assc (Grade 6)
Education: Minimum of an Associate’s degree in an applicable area OR equivalent education and experience of a high school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience in an applicable area or certification in an applicable area. Applicable areas defined as: IT/OT System Administration, IT/OT Application Support, Cyber Security, ADMS/DMS/EMS/OMS/SCADA. Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
Experience: No additional experience beyond that listed in education is required.
Licenses/Certifications: CompTIA A+ or other Computer Science certification preferred.
Additional Requirements:
- Over-time, on-call assignments, and occasional travel may be required.
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist (Grade 7)
Education: Minimum of an Associate’s degree in an applicable area OR equivalent education and experience of a high school diploma/GED and two (2) years of relevant experience in an applicable area or certification in an applicable area. Applicable areas defined as: IT/OT System Administration, IT/OT Application Support, Cyber Security, ADMS/DMS/EMS/OMS/SCADA. Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
Experience: In addition to any experience included in education requirements above, must have two (2) years of relevant experience in a related role.
Licenses/Certifications: CompTIA A+ or other Computer Science certification preferred.
Additional Requirements:
- Over-time, on-call assignments, flexible hours assignments, and occasional travel may be required.
Where You'll Work:
On-Site in New Albany, OH
What You'll Get:
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist Assc $80,763 - $86,976
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist $98,993 - $124,940
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)
LI-Onsite
AEPCareers
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade: SP20-006
Compensation Range: $74,551.00 - $109,543.00
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
Job Posting End Date
10-03-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Real Time Operations Infrastructure Specialist function establishes an understanding of Transmission Operation Systems infrastructure and processes and will involve various assignments related to planning, building, and maintaining IT/OT Infrastructure systems (hardware and software) for critical 24/7/365 real-time operations facilities.
The Specialist Associate level is responsible for lower-level infrastructure tasks under the guidance of senior team members, referring to technical documentation for support, configuration, regulatory compliance, and monitoring system performance to resolve issues.
The Specialist level will independently or with little guidance handle infrastructure assignments, produce technical documentation for compliance, monitor system performance, and resolve issues. Additionally, the role includes managing technical platforms, supporting users, and participating in a collaborative team culture.
What You’ll Do:
- Install, maintain, and repair computer hardware and peripherals.
- Install, update, and patch operating systems, firmware, and software packages.
- Perform system reboots, coordinating to maintain uptime.
- Utilize process documentation for all job tasks.
- Maintain accurate and detailed change management records.
- Input network settings and perform basic network troubleshooting.
- Perform computer system backups and restorations.
- Work with and maintain virtual computing environments.
- Support user account access, password management, and problem ticket resolution.
- Support control center technology such as video walls, dispatch consoles, and EMP protection.
- Analyze and initiate resolution of control center environmental issues, such as power and HVAC.
- Monitor and engage with the latest industry trends and technology.
- Provide after-hour support as needed in an on-call rotation.
- Learn and evaluate OT Infrastructure risk and impact to the SCADA/EMS system and the Bulk Electric System.
What we're looking for:
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist Assc (Grade 6)
Education: Minimum of an Associate’s degree in an applicable area OR equivalent education and experience of a high school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience in an applicable area or certification in an applicable area. Applicable areas defined as: IT/OT System Administration, IT/OT Application Support, Cyber Security, ADMS/DMS/EMS/OMS/SCADA. Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
Experience: No additional experience beyond that listed in education is required.
Licenses/Certifications: CompTIA A+ or other Computer Science certification preferred.
Additional Requirements:
- Over-time, on-call assignments, and occasional travel may be required.
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist (Grade 7)
Education: Minimum of an Associate’s degree in an applicable area OR equivalent education and experience of a high school diploma/GED and two (2) years of relevant experience in an applicable area or certification in an applicable area. Applicable areas defined as: IT/OT System Administration, IT/OT Application Support, Cyber Security, ADMS/DMS/EMS/OMS/SCADA. Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
Experience: In addition to any experience included in education requirements above, must have two (2) years of relevant experience in a related role.
Licenses/Certifications: CompTIA A+ or other Computer Science certification preferred.
Additional Requirements:
- Over-time, on-call assignments, flexible hours assignments, and occasional travel may be required.
Where You'll Work:
On-Site in New Albany, OH
What You'll Get:
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist Assc $80,763 - $86,976
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist $98,993 - $124,940
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)
LI-Onsite
AEPCareers
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade: SP20-006
Compensation Range: $74,551.00 - $109,543.00
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
See all 1,418+ OPT Clinical Operations Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Clinical Operations Lead Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Clinical Operations Lead
Target CROs and biotech firms with established OPT pipelines
Contract research organizations like ICON, Syneos, and PRA Health Sciences hire clinical operations staff at scale. These employers have established visa sponsorship infrastructure and are far more likely to support OPT and future H-1B transitions than smaller sponsors.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Clinical Operations Lead roles typically fall under STEM CIP codes in biomedical engineering, public health, or biological sciences. Verify your specific degree program is on the STEM OPT designated list before applying to roles requiring a 24-month extension.
Apply before your OPT end date, not after
Sponsorship timelines for H-1B require employers to file by April 1 for October 1 starts. If your OPT expires before October, you need a STEM extension or a cap-exempt employer. Start conversations about sponsorship at the offer stage, not onboarding.
Highlight regulatory and cross-functional experience on your resume
Employers justify H-1B sponsorship by demonstrating specialty occupation status. Emphasize ICH-GCP compliance knowledge, protocol deviation management, and cross-functional team coordination. These signal the specialized expertise that supports a specialty occupation determination from USCIS.
Ask directly about H-1B sponsorship before accepting offers
Many clinical operations employers sponsor visas but do not advertise it publicly. During the offer stage, ask explicitly whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas for this role before and whether your position would qualify. Silence is not a yes.
Use your OPT period to build a track record in trial management
Employers weighing H-1B sponsorship costs want demonstrated ROI. Use your OPT period to take ownership of site activation metrics, sponsor audits, or TMF management. Documented outcomes during OPT make the sponsorship case significantly easier for your employer.
Clinical Operations Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Clinical Operations Lead jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most Clinical Operations Lead positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided your degree is in an eligible field such as biomedical sciences, public health, or a related STEM discipline listed on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree program list. Roles in pharma and CRO settings almost always meet the specialty occupation threshold, but you should confirm your specific degree CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor OPT students for Clinical Operations Lead roles?
Large contract research organizations, mid-size biotech companies, and pharmaceutical sponsors with active clinical pipelines are the most consistent sponsors. These employers file high volumes of H-1B petitions annually and have legal teams familiar with OPT-to-H-1B transitions. Migrate Mate filters clinical operations roles by sponsorship history so you can prioritize employers already doing this.
Can I work as a Clinical Operations Lead on OPT without a full-time offer from a single employer?
OPT requires that your work be directly related to your degree field, but it does not require a single full-time employer in most cases. However, Clinical Operations Lead roles are almost always full-time positions given their regulatory and oversight responsibilities. Part-time or consulting arrangements are rare at this level and may complicate your OPT reporting obligations with your DSO.
What happens to my OPT status if my employer goes through a merger or acquisition during my authorization period?
If your employer is acquired or merges with another company, your OPT authorization itself does not automatically terminate, but your I-983 training plan and employer of record details must be updated with your DSO promptly. If the acquiring entity is a fundamentally different employer, a new I-983 may be required. Delays in updating these records can create compliance gaps that affect your immigration record.
Is Clinical Operations Lead considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in the large majority of cases. USCIS has consistently recognized clinical operations roles as specialty occupations when the position requires application of clinical research methodology, regulatory compliance frameworks, or biomedical expertise at a level that normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. Your employer's H-1B petition should document the degree requirement for the specific role to support this classification.