OPT Clinical Research Scientist Jobs
Clinical Research Scientist roles are among the more OPT-friendly positions in biotech and pharma, sponsors regularly file H-1B visa 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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Get Access To All JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has positions available for undergraduate research assistants on an interdisciplinary team of engineers working to decarbonize district heat and power systems through renewable fuels and energy efficiency improvements.
Job Duties:
- Student responsibilities will include laboratory research, presentation at meetings with individual research groups, presentation at meetings with the project group, and attendance at seminars, tours, and activities that align with the program’s research.
- Students will also take part in a longitudinal study of how research experiences impact student energy literacy and domain-specific engineering identity.
- As part of this study, students will be expected to take surveys and speak with program assessors to discuss their research experiences.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Preference given to third year undergraduate students having taken ME300
Interested applicants should include their resume/CV and cover letter to be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has positions available for undergraduate research assistants on an interdisciplinary team of engineers working to decarbonize district heat and power systems through renewable fuels and energy efficiency improvements.
Job Duties:
- Student responsibilities will include laboratory research, presentation at meetings with individual research groups, presentation at meetings with the project group, and attendance at seminars, tours, and activities that align with the program’s research.
- Students will also take part in a longitudinal study of how research experiences impact student energy literacy and domain-specific engineering identity.
- As part of this study, students will be expected to take surveys and speak with program assessors to discuss their research experiences.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Preference given to third year undergraduate students having taken ME300
Interested applicants should include their resume/CV and cover letter to be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
See all 674+ OPT Clinical Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Clinical Research Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Understand the H-1B timeline before OPT ends
H-1B visa registration opens in March for an October 1 start. Plan your OPT and STEM extension dates against this calendar. STEM OPT holders with an October-capped petition can often bridge the gap with an automatic cap-gap extension through program end.
Clinical Research Scientist OPT: Frequently 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.