Clinical Research Scientist Jobs for OPT Students
Clinical Research Scientist roles are among the more OPT-friendly positions in biotech and pharma, sponsors regularly file H-1B petitions for research staff, and STEM OPT extension applies to most life sciences degree holders. Clinical trials work aligns well with the 24-month STEM extension window.
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INTRODUCTION
The Clinical Research Scientist (CRS) leads the execution of the clinical studies that make up the company’s clinical evidence generation program. In this role, you will execute clinical studies and/or programs worldwide in accordance with strategy, project plans, approved budget and resource allocations following applicable regulatory and standard operating procedures.
The Clinical Research Scientist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including associate Clinical Research Scientists, Disease State Scientists, Biostatistics & Data Management, Logistics, Medical Writers, Regional Medical Affairs teams and other stakeholders to generate impactful clinical evidence that supports the company’s strategy. This role is crucial in maintaining our commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centric approaches within the competitive global healthcare landscape.
This position can be located in either St. Louis, MO OR Salt Lake City, UT.
PRIMARY DUTIES
Team and Cross Functional Leadership:
- Leads the study team in the execution of clinical studies to meet the Evidence Generation Plan from study synopsis to data lock and final study report
- Partner with internal stakeholders to lead the development, review, and finalization of clinical protocols to meet regulatory and scientific objectives
- Contribute to the development of the study synopsis
- Partner with key stakeholders to create and manage the study execution team
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Biostatistics, Program Management, external vendors, and contract research organizations (CROs) to ensure high-quality study conduct
- Mentor Associate Clinical Research Scientist(s) and provide guidance on clinical operations processes, study management and other study execution tasks
Study Planning, Strategy and Reporting:
- Develop and manage study budgets, timelines, enrollment strategies, and resourcing requirements to ensure study milestones are met
- Develop and manage all required plans including clinical study project plans, study execution plans, risk and risk mitigation plans, monitoring plan, and communication plans
- Contributes to or leads the development of abstracts/posters of study results in collaboration with study team
- Develop clinical study reports and/or contribute to the development of scientific publications
Study Management and Site Management:
- Manage all aspects of clinical trial operations including study start-up, site initiation, patient enrollment, monitoring, and study close-out for bioMérieux initiated research studies and collaborative studies
- Track study progress and provide regular status reports to stakeholders
- Assure study metrics and budget are input to corporate systems
- Oversee site selection, feasibility, study startup, site activation, enrollment, and ongoing execution
- Oversee clinical monitoring and data integrity
- Update trial management systems, including timelines and budgets
- Perform on-site and remote site qualification visits, site initiation visits, interim monitoring visits and site close out visits as required
- Oversee clinical site activities, reference laboratories, CROs, and other external partners to ensure adherence and compliance with protocol timelines, budgets, study milestones and quality standards
- Manage and coordinate IRB/EC document creations and communications
- Manage clinical trial agreements for sites
- Manage study documentation and filing with electronic trial master file (eTMF) platforms
Regulatory Compliance:
- Follow Corporate (e.g., SOP’s) and local/regional regulatory requirements
- Participate in the review and revision of Clinical Operations Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assist Medical Affairs leadership with continuous process improvement initiatives
Quality and Compliance:
- Identify and mitigate risks throughout the clinical trial lifecycle
- Assure a quality plan is in place
Data Management:
- Oversee and manage electronic data capture (EDC) systems
- Oversee data collection activities, compliance, and inspection readiness
- Oversee electronic trial master file (eTMF) platforms to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance
Communication:
- Lead internal and external study meetings with relevant stakeholders
- Organize and drive study meetings and other study activities as assigned
- Participate in core team meetings to provide clinical insights and contribute to strategic decision-making
- Outline and communicate safety issues and planned mitigations in collaboration with internal stakeholders
Vendor Management:
- Negotiate contracts and budgets in partnership with the legal team
- Manage clinical trial agreements with external vendors
- Manage vendor performance according to contract
Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience
- Bachelor's Degree required in a scientific, medical, or healthcare discipline
- 2+ years of professional related experience in clinical trial management, preferably in diagnostics or medical device required.
- Certifications including ACRP-CP or ACRP-PM a plus.
- Excellent knowledge of clinical trial processes, systems, and tools (e.g., CTMS, EDC, eTMF), with the ability to oversee quality, data integrity, and inspection readiness.
- Proven leadership and stakeholder-management capabilities, with the ability to influence without authority and build strong relationships across functions and with external partners.
- Experience negotiating clinical research contracts and budgets
- Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice ICH/GCP and other applicable regulations, fundamental knowledge of clinical research and monitoring requirements
- Experience managing all major aspects of strategic planning, organization, implementation, and delivery of clinical studies.
- Understanding the US and European Medical Testing environments and relevant professional societies and guidelines (e.g. FDA, CE-Mark IVD Directives, CAP, CLIA, WHO)
- Proven track record writing clinical study plans and study protocols
- Experience with the study budget oversight, risk mitigation, management of timelines, deliverables, and milestones
- Experience negotiating clinical research contracts and budgets with Investigators and sites
- Experience with electronic clinical trial systems and clinical data review
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Consistently upholds and reflects the core ethical principles and values that bioMérieux promotes.
- Ability to work cross-functionally allowing for better collaboration and communication when working across teams to achieve shared objectives
- Effective Presentation Skills - including the ability to present technical data
- Solution oriented in the face of conflict
- Practicing time management to allocate tasks, balance priorities, and meet deadlines efficiently
- Managing and measuring work by tracking progress, performance, and goal achievement using metrics and KPIs.
- Skilled in MS Office tools to include but not limited to Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel
-
- Advanced: demonstrates deep knowledge; manages complex tasks and integrates multiple tools independently
- Functionally Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
-
- Ability to manage budget, timelines and multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to learn new products and adjust to changing research directions
COMPENSATION
- The estimated salary range for this role is between $80,000 and $116,700. This role is eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and individual performance per bioMerieux’s bonus program. This range may differ from ranges offered for similar positions elsewhere in the country given differences in cost of living. Actual compensation within this range is determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and will be presented in writing at the time of the offer.
In addition, bioMérieux offers a competitive Total Rewards package that may include:
- A choice of medical (including prescription), dental, and vision plans providing nationwide coverage and telemedicine options
- Company-Provided Life and Accidental Death Insurance
- Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan including a generous non-discretionary employer contribution and employer match.
- Adoption Assistance
- Wellness Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Commuter Benefits
- Various voluntary benefit offerings
- Discount programs
- Parental leaves
LI-US

INTRODUCTION
The Clinical Research Scientist (CRS) leads the execution of the clinical studies that make up the company’s clinical evidence generation program. In this role, you will execute clinical studies and/or programs worldwide in accordance with strategy, project plans, approved budget and resource allocations following applicable regulatory and standard operating procedures.
The Clinical Research Scientist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including associate Clinical Research Scientists, Disease State Scientists, Biostatistics & Data Management, Logistics, Medical Writers, Regional Medical Affairs teams and other stakeholders to generate impactful clinical evidence that supports the company’s strategy. This role is crucial in maintaining our commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centric approaches within the competitive global healthcare landscape.
This position can be located in either St. Louis, MO OR Salt Lake City, UT.
PRIMARY DUTIES
Team and Cross Functional Leadership:
- Leads the study team in the execution of clinical studies to meet the Evidence Generation Plan from study synopsis to data lock and final study report
- Partner with internal stakeholders to lead the development, review, and finalization of clinical protocols to meet regulatory and scientific objectives
- Contribute to the development of the study synopsis
- Partner with key stakeholders to create and manage the study execution team
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Biostatistics, Program Management, external vendors, and contract research organizations (CROs) to ensure high-quality study conduct
- Mentor Associate Clinical Research Scientist(s) and provide guidance on clinical operations processes, study management and other study execution tasks
Study Planning, Strategy and Reporting:
- Develop and manage study budgets, timelines, enrollment strategies, and resourcing requirements to ensure study milestones are met
- Develop and manage all required plans including clinical study project plans, study execution plans, risk and risk mitigation plans, monitoring plan, and communication plans
- Contributes to or leads the development of abstracts/posters of study results in collaboration with study team
- Develop clinical study reports and/or contribute to the development of scientific publications
Study Management and Site Management:
- Manage all aspects of clinical trial operations including study start-up, site initiation, patient enrollment, monitoring, and study close-out for bioMérieux initiated research studies and collaborative studies
- Track study progress and provide regular status reports to stakeholders
- Assure study metrics and budget are input to corporate systems
- Oversee site selection, feasibility, study startup, site activation, enrollment, and ongoing execution
- Oversee clinical monitoring and data integrity
- Update trial management systems, including timelines and budgets
- Perform on-site and remote site qualification visits, site initiation visits, interim monitoring visits and site close out visits as required
- Oversee clinical site activities, reference laboratories, CROs, and other external partners to ensure adherence and compliance with protocol timelines, budgets, study milestones and quality standards
- Manage and coordinate IRB/EC document creations and communications
- Manage clinical trial agreements for sites
- Manage study documentation and filing with electronic trial master file (eTMF) platforms
Regulatory Compliance:
- Follow Corporate (e.g., SOP’s) and local/regional regulatory requirements
- Participate in the review and revision of Clinical Operations Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assist Medical Affairs leadership with continuous process improvement initiatives
Quality and Compliance:
- Identify and mitigate risks throughout the clinical trial lifecycle
- Assure a quality plan is in place
Data Management:
- Oversee and manage electronic data capture (EDC) systems
- Oversee data collection activities, compliance, and inspection readiness
- Oversee electronic trial master file (eTMF) platforms to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance
Communication:
- Lead internal and external study meetings with relevant stakeholders
- Organize and drive study meetings and other study activities as assigned
- Participate in core team meetings to provide clinical insights and contribute to strategic decision-making
- Outline and communicate safety issues and planned mitigations in collaboration with internal stakeholders
Vendor Management:
- Negotiate contracts and budgets in partnership with the legal team
- Manage clinical trial agreements with external vendors
- Manage vendor performance according to contract
Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience
- Bachelor's Degree required in a scientific, medical, or healthcare discipline
- 2+ years of professional related experience in clinical trial management, preferably in diagnostics or medical device required.
- Certifications including ACRP-CP or ACRP-PM a plus.
- Excellent knowledge of clinical trial processes, systems, and tools (e.g., CTMS, EDC, eTMF), with the ability to oversee quality, data integrity, and inspection readiness.
- Proven leadership and stakeholder-management capabilities, with the ability to influence without authority and build strong relationships across functions and with external partners.
- Experience negotiating clinical research contracts and budgets
- Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice ICH/GCP and other applicable regulations, fundamental knowledge of clinical research and monitoring requirements
- Experience managing all major aspects of strategic planning, organization, implementation, and delivery of clinical studies.
- Understanding the US and European Medical Testing environments and relevant professional societies and guidelines (e.g. FDA, CE-Mark IVD Directives, CAP, CLIA, WHO)
- Proven track record writing clinical study plans and study protocols
- Experience with the study budget oversight, risk mitigation, management of timelines, deliverables, and milestones
- Experience negotiating clinical research contracts and budgets with Investigators and sites
- Experience with electronic clinical trial systems and clinical data review
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Consistently upholds and reflects the core ethical principles and values that bioMérieux promotes.
- Ability to work cross-functionally allowing for better collaboration and communication when working across teams to achieve shared objectives
- Effective Presentation Skills - including the ability to present technical data
- Solution oriented in the face of conflict
- Practicing time management to allocate tasks, balance priorities, and meet deadlines efficiently
- Managing and measuring work by tracking progress, performance, and goal achievement using metrics and KPIs.
- Skilled in MS Office tools to include but not limited to Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel
-
- Advanced: demonstrates deep knowledge; manages complex tasks and integrates multiple tools independently
- Functionally Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
-
- Ability to manage budget, timelines and multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to learn new products and adjust to changing research directions
COMPENSATION
- The estimated salary range for this role is between $80,000 and $116,700. This role is eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and individual performance per bioMerieux’s bonus program. This range may differ from ranges offered for similar positions elsewhere in the country given differences in cost of living. Actual compensation within this range is determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and will be presented in writing at the time of the offer.
In addition, bioMérieux offers a competitive Total Rewards package that may include:
- A choice of medical (including prescription), dental, and vision plans providing nationwide coverage and telemedicine options
- Company-Provided Life and Accidental Death Insurance
- Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan including a generous non-discretionary employer contribution and employer match.
- Adoption Assistance
- Wellness Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Commuter Benefits
- Various voluntary benefit offerings
- Discount programs
- Parental leaves
LI-US
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Clinical Research Scientist
Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields
Clinical Research Scientist roles typically require degrees in life sciences, biology, or pharmacology, all STEM-designated fields. Confirm your specific CIP code qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension before applying, as this significantly extends your authorized work period.
Prioritize contract research organizations
Contract research organizations like ICON, Syneos, and Labcorp Drug Development routinely hire international researchers and have established visa sponsorship processes. They handle high clinical trial volume, which means consistent demand for research scientists regardless of economic conditions.
Quantify your protocol and GCP experience
Employers sponsoring OPT students want proof of specialized knowledge that justifies the process. Document specific clinical protocols you've worked on, Good Clinical Practice certifications, and any regulatory submission experience. Generic research experience is less compelling than trial-specific credentials.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many biotech and pharma employers will not extend offers to candidates without active OPT authorization. Submit your I-765 early, ideally 90 days before program completion, so your EAD card arrives before you begin interviewing for full-time positions.
Network through IRB and regulatory communities
Clinical research is a relationship-driven field. Connecting with IRB coordinators, clinical operations managers, and regulatory affairs professionals at academic medical centers often surfaces unadvertised roles at institutions that regularly support international research staff.
Clinical Research Scientist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Research Scientist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If your qualifying degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or biomedical science, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which most pharmaceutical and biotech companies already are. Confirm your CIP code on the DHS STEM OPT list before applying.
Do biotech and pharma companies typically sponsor OPT students for Clinical Research Scientist positions?
Many do, particularly large pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations with established international hiring pipelines. Sponsorship is less common at smaller biotechs with limited HR infrastructure. Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, so you can focus your search on employers who have actually sponsored research scientists rather than guessing from a company's careers page.
Can I work as a Clinical Research Scientist at an academic medical center on OPT?
Yes. Academic medical centers are among the most OPT-friendly employers in clinical research because they're accustomed to hiring international researchers and fellows. Many are also enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for the STEM OPT extension. Roles tied to federally funded trials may involve additional compliance checks, but that's unrelated to your OPT authorization.
What counts as a qualifying training experience for STEM OPT reporting requirements in this role?
Your STEM OPT training must directly relate to your qualifying STEM degree. For a Clinical Research Scientist, this means work involving data analysis, protocol development, regulatory documentation, or trial monitoring that connects to your degree in the life sciences. You and your employer complete a formal training plan on Form I-983, which DSO submits. The job must use the theoretical knowledge from your degree, not just general lab or coordination work.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my clinical trial contract ends early?
If your employment ends before your OPT authorization expires, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer to a new program, or depart the United States. You cannot work during the grace period. If you're on STEM OPT, the same 60-day rule applies, but your DSO must be notified within five days of the job ending and will update SEVIS accordingly.
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