OPT Clinical Research Director Jobs
Clinical Research Director roles are available to F-1 OPT students with advanced degrees in clinical research, life sciences, or public health. Most positions require STEM OPT eligibility, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this field, including pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and academic medical centers, regularly sponsor H-1B visas for qualified directors.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation
ST. LOUIS, MO 63110
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences 2-year WashU EnVision postbaccalaureate program will introduce recent college graduates to intensive vision science research, while building transferrable skills required for future graduate training and careers in science. It is expected that the participant will perform research and analysis, as well as technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
For more information about program requirements and benefits please visit: https://sites.wustl.edu/visionscience/postbac-program/
- Works under the supervision of senior personnel on research project/s providing independent complex research support.
- Presents results of research activities to peers and supervisors in written and/or verbal presentation or form.
- Through active research and analysis, gains proficiency in essential aspects of research, which may include some or all of the following: conducting experiments, assays, collection of data, preparation of solutions, tissue culture, animal care and maintenance, and setup and maintenance of equipment.
- Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
- Attends meetings, educational workshops and seminars to prepare for advanced study.
- Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
- Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. Physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
Physical Effort
- Sitting at desk or table.
- Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement.
Equipment
- Office and lab equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Detailed Reports, Detail-Oriented, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communications, Written Communication
Grade
R07-H
Salary Range
$17.10 - $29.09 / Hourly
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity or shared ancestry, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.
Location
ST. LOUIS, MO 63110
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences 2-year WashU EnVision postbaccalaureate program will introduce recent college graduates to intensive vision science research, while building transferrable skills required for future graduate training and careers in science. It is expected that the participant will perform research and analysis, as well as technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
For more information about program requirements and benefits please visit: https://sites.wustl.edu/visionscience/postbac-program/
- Works under the supervision of senior personnel on research project/s providing independent complex research support.
- Presents results of research activities to peers and supervisors in written and/or verbal presentation or form.
- Through active research and analysis, gains proficiency in essential aspects of research, which may include some or all of the following: conducting experiments, assays, collection of data, preparation of solutions, tissue culture, animal care and maintenance, and setup and maintenance of equipment.
- Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
- Attends meetings, educational workshops and seminars to prepare for advanced study.
- Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
- Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. Physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
Physical Effort
- Sitting at desk or table.
- Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement.
Equipment
- Office and lab equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Detailed Reports, Detail-Oriented, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communications, Written Communication
Grade
R07-H
Salary Range
$17.10 - $29.09 / Hourly
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity or shared ancestry, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.
See all 515+ OPT Clinical Research Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Clinical Research Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Clinical Research Director
Target STEM-designated degree holders
If your degree is in a STEM field such as biomedical sciences, public health, or bioinformatics, confirm your STEM OPT extension eligibility before applying. This gives you 36 months total, making you far more attractive to employers evaluating H-1B sponsorship timelines.
Focus on CROs and large pharma sponsors
Contract research organizations like ICON, PAREXEL, and Syneos Health, along with major pharmaceutical companies, have established immigration programs and regularly sponsor H-1B visas. These employers are more likely to absorb the cost and process complexity of sponsoring a Clinical Research Director.
Lead with regulatory and protocol experience
Clinical Research Directors are evaluated heavily on FDA regulatory knowledge, protocol development, and Phase II through IV trial oversight. Quantify your experience with the number of trials managed, therapeutic areas covered, and regulatory submissions contributed to in your application materials.
Apply before your OPT expires, not after
H-1B cap-subject petitions are filed in April for an October 1 start. Map your OPT expiration date against this calendar now. If your OPT ends before October, ask employers about cap-exempt institutions or whether they can bridge the gap with a timely filed petition.
Highlight cross-functional leadership directly
Director-level roles require demonstrated experience managing clinical operations teams, vendor relationships, and multi-site coordination. Employers sponsoring at this level expect evidence of leadership, not just technical skill. Frame your resume around scope of responsibility, not just task completion.
Discuss sponsorship early in the interview process
Do not wait until an offer to raise your visa status. Bring it up after the first substantive interview, framed around your timeline. Employers who cannot sponsor will tell you, saving weeks of time you cannot afford to waste while on OPT.
Clinical Research Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as a Clinical Research Director?
Yes. F-1 students authorized for OPT can work as a Clinical Research Director as long as the role directly relates to their field of study. Most directors hold degrees in clinical research, life sciences, public health, or a related STEM field, and those degrees typically qualify for STEM OPT extension, giving up to 36 months of total work authorization.
Do Clinical Research Director roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, yes. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, epidemiology, or clinical research management, and the director role is directly related to that field of study, you are likely eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO before applying.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas for Clinical Research Directors?
Large pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and academic medical centers with active clinical programs are the most consistent H-1B sponsors at the director level. These organizations have legal infrastructure and budget to support sponsorship. Browse Clinical Research Director roles with visa sponsorship on Migrate Mate to identify employers actively hiring international candidates.
What documents do I need to work as a Clinical Research Director on OPT?
You need a valid EAD card reflecting your authorized OPT period, a valid F-1 visa stamp for international travel, your most recent I-20 with OPT authorization noted by your DSO, and a valid passport. Your employer will also need to verify your work authorization through Form I-9 on or before your first day of employment.
What happens to my OPT status if I am terminated from a Clinical Research Director role?
F-1 OPT students have a 60-day unemployment buffer. If your Clinical Research Director position ends involuntarily, you have 60 days to secure new employment in a related field before your status is at risk. You cannot accumulate more than 90 days of total unemployment across your full OPT period, including the STEM extension if applicable.