Clinical Research Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
Clinical Research Assistant jobs are well-suited to F-1 OPT students with degrees in biology, public health, nursing, or a related life science field. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization, and employers in academic medical centers and pharmaceutical companies frequently sponsor H-1B visas for strong performers.
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Get Access To All JobsWHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
JOB SUMMARY
Works under the direction of an Investigator(s) with general supervision, to primarily provide ongoing data management for local and national research studies. May coordinate observational (non-treatment) studies.
This position will support PI's in completing patient recruitment and enrollment, compile regulatory documents, complete necessary study start-up activities, coordinate study procedures, monitor protocol and adverse events reported for patient safety, and ensure studies remain fiscally responsible by providing necessary information for Sponsor billing.
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare - no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
Education
High School Diploma or GED
Preferred
Education
Bachelor's degree
Licenses and Certifications
(BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT may be required based on research study protocols or affiliate location requirements.
(CPRAED) CPR AED may be required based on affiliate location requirements
JOB DUTIES
- Enters data into case report forms or other data collection system based on research study. Assists with maintenance of study level documentation.
- Assists with data queries and possible edits for accuracy.
- Compiles data for regulatory requirements and/or deadlines for local or sponsor submissions.
- Maintains existing databases and ensures data integrity.
- Understands visit schedules, criteria and protocol requirements for routine and low complexity trials (e.g., questionnaire, data registry, scripted); schedules research visits.
- Assists research staff by completing research protocol related tasks.
- Assists with preparing annual reports and/or modifications to institutional review board (IRB). This may include reportable events (UPIRSO).
- Reviews and abstracts information from medical records including eligibility criteria.
- Recruits and enrolls patients in research study that may include consenting patients after training and with supervision.
- Assists with ordering and maintaining research supplies following university/department procedures, ensuring that equipment is in good working order.
- With adequate training and supervision, assists with collecting and processing specimens following established procedures/protocols.
- Assists in preparing studies for closeout (e.g. packing files, documenting files for storage, shipping extra supplies back to sponsor).
- With adequate training/credentialing and supervision, performs study procedures such as phlebotomy, vital signs, and EKG's needed for research study. Based on research study, other procedures/equipment/services may be required.
- Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
JOB SUMMARY
Works under the direction of an Investigator(s) with general supervision, to primarily provide ongoing data management for local and national research studies. May coordinate observational (non-treatment) studies.
This position will support PI's in completing patient recruitment and enrollment, compile regulatory documents, complete necessary study start-up activities, coordinate study procedures, monitor protocol and adverse events reported for patient safety, and ensure studies remain fiscally responsible by providing necessary information for Sponsor billing.
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare - no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
Education
High School Diploma or GED
Preferred
Education
Bachelor's degree
Licenses and Certifications
(BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT may be required based on research study protocols or affiliate location requirements.
(CPRAED) CPR AED may be required based on affiliate location requirements
JOB DUTIES
- Enters data into case report forms or other data collection system based on research study. Assists with maintenance of study level documentation.
- Assists with data queries and possible edits for accuracy.
- Compiles data for regulatory requirements and/or deadlines for local or sponsor submissions.
- Maintains existing databases and ensures data integrity.
- Understands visit schedules, criteria and protocol requirements for routine and low complexity trials (e.g., questionnaire, data registry, scripted); schedules research visits.
- Assists research staff by completing research protocol related tasks.
- Assists with preparing annual reports and/or modifications to institutional review board (IRB). This may include reportable events (UPIRSO).
- Reviews and abstracts information from medical records including eligibility criteria.
- Recruits and enrolls patients in research study that may include consenting patients after training and with supervision.
- Assists with ordering and maintaining research supplies following university/department procedures, ensuring that equipment is in good working order.
- With adequate training and supervision, assists with collecting and processing specimens following established procedures/protocols.
- Assists in preparing studies for closeout (e.g. packing files, documenting files for storage, shipping extra supplies back to sponsor).
- With adequate training/credentialing and supervision, performs study procedures such as phlebotomy, vital signs, and EKG's needed for research study. Based on research study, other procedures/equipment/services may be required.
- Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Clinical Research Assistant
Target employers with active clinical trial portfolios
Academic medical centers, contract research organizations, and large pharmaceutical companies run ongoing trials and hire research assistants regularly. These employers have established HR processes for OPT and are far more likely to sponsor H-1B visas than smaller clinics or private practices.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Clinical Research Assistant roles typically qualify under biology, public health, or biomedical science CIP codes. Verify your specific degree program appears on your school's STEM OPT-designated list before applying, so you can confidently tell employers you have 36 months of work authorization.
Get your GCP certification before you apply
Good Clinical Practice certification is a hiring standard across the industry. Completing it before submitting applications signals professional readiness, removes a common employer concern about onboarding time, and gives you a concrete credential to lead with in cover letters and interviews.
Address your OPT timeline early in the process
Hiring managers may not understand OPT authorization. Explain clearly that you're authorized to work immediately and that STEM extension provides a 24-month buffer before any H-1B decision is needed. Framing it this way reduces uncertainty and keeps the conversation focused on your qualifications.
Emphasize hands-on research experience from your coursework
Lab rotations, thesis research, and clinical practicum hours are directly relevant to this role. Quantify your contributions where possible: number of subjects enrolled, protocols managed, or data sets cleaned. Concrete research experience addresses the most common employer hesitation around hiring entry-level candidates.
Apply to roles explicitly listed as OPT-friendly or visa-sponsoring
Filtering for employers who already declare sponsorship willingness eliminates wasted applications and speeds up your job search significantly. Migrate Mate surfaces Clinical Research Assistant roles verified for OPT and H-1B sponsorship, which is especially valuable when your OPT timeline is tight.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Clinical Research Assistant jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Clinical Research Assistant roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you a total of 36 months of work authorization. Eligibility depends on your underlying degree, not the job title itself. Degrees in biology, public health, biomedical science, or nursing science are common qualifying fields. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How often do employers in clinical research sponsor H-1B visas?
H-1B sponsorship is common among larger employers in clinical research, particularly academic medical centers, contract research organizations like IQVIA and Covance, and pharmaceutical companies. Smaller site management organizations and community clinics sponsor far less frequently. Browsing open roles on Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for employers with a history of visa sponsorship, which saves significant time.
Does a Clinical Research Assistant role count as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Clinical Research Assistant positions generally qualify as specialty occupations when the role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific life science field. Roles involving protocol management, IRB coordination, or data integrity oversight tend to have the clearest case. Roles described as purely administrative with no degree requirement may face more scrutiny from USCIS during the H-1B petition process.
Can I work as a Clinical Research Assistant on OPT if my degree is in a non-clinical field like statistics or computer science?
Yes, provided the role is directly related to your field of study. A statistics degree supports roles focused on biostatistics, data management, or clinical data analysis within a research setting. You'll need to document the connection between your degree and the job duties when your employer files any future H-1B petition, so keep a clear record of how your work aligns with your academic training.
What should I do if a Clinical Research Assistant job posting doesn't mention visa sponsorship?
Silence on sponsorship doesn't mean a firm no. Many academic and pharmaceutical employers sponsor regularly but omit it from postings. During initial screening calls, frame the conversation around your immediate OPT work authorization and mention that STEM extension provides substantial runway before any H-1B decision is required. Asking directly whether the organization has sponsored before is a reasonable and professional approach.
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