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 JobsPOSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
To investigate how chronic metabolic stress drives mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in adipocytes.
A postdoctoral training position is available in the laboratory of Philipp Scherer, Ph.D. in the Touchstone Diabetes Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The successful candidate will investigate how chronic metabolic stress drives mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in adipocytes. Several exciting projects are available that combine mechanistic studies of adipocyte biology with state-of-the-art genetic, molecular, metabolic, and imaging approaches to define how mitochondrial adaptations contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction and systemic metabolic disease.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must hold a recent Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree. Experience in Physiology or Immunology with a proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested individuals should send a CV, statement of interests, and a list of three references to:
Faculty name, degree(s) held or contact person: Philipp Scherer, Ph.D.
Faculty or contact person email: Karen.kazandjian@utsouthwestern.edu
Faculty lab website: Scherer Lab | Touchstone Diabetes Center.org (touchstonelabs.org)
Faculty profile link: Philipp Scherer, Ph.D. – Faculty Profile – UT Southwestern
Information on our postdoctoral training program, benefits, and a virtual tour can be found at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/postdocs.
EEO STATEMENT
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. 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.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.
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
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
To investigate how chronic metabolic stress drives mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in adipocytes.
A postdoctoral training position is available in the laboratory of Philipp Scherer, Ph.D. in the Touchstone Diabetes Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The successful candidate will investigate how chronic metabolic stress drives mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in adipocytes. Several exciting projects are available that combine mechanistic studies of adipocyte biology with state-of-the-art genetic, molecular, metabolic, and imaging approaches to define how mitochondrial adaptations contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction and systemic metabolic disease.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must hold a recent Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree. Experience in Physiology or Immunology with a proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested individuals should send a CV, statement of interests, and a list of three references to:
Faculty name, degree(s) held or contact person: Philipp Scherer, Ph.D.
Faculty or contact person email: Karen.kazandjian@utsouthwestern.edu
Faculty lab website: Scherer Lab | Touchstone Diabetes Center.org (touchstonelabs.org)
Faculty profile link: Philipp Scherer, Ph.D. – Faculty Profile – UT Southwestern
Information on our postdoctoral training program, benefits, and a virtual tour can be found at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/postdocs.
EEO STATEMENT
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. 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.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.
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
See all 558+ 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.