OPT Data Specialist Jobs
Data Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in data science, statistics, information systems, or computer science. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, meaning you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12 months.
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The Position
A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Roche.
This role is based in the Real-World & Clinical Data Strategy (RWCDS) team which drives data excellence and analytics to power enhanced decision-making and evidence-generation within Roche Product Development. We develop and implement data strategies that unlock the value of clinical, operational, and real-world data to accelerate evidence generation, decision-making, and innovation across PD and beyond. By embedding FAIR principles, advancing data governance, and enabling data productization, RWCDS ensures that data is not only findable and usable, but also a driver of scientific rigor, regulatory readiness, and AI-powered transformation. Through deep partnerships with internal functions and external collaborators, we shape a future-ready data ecosystem that supports personalized healthcare and efficient drug development.
The Opportunity:
The Data Strategy & Analytics Specialist contributes to the design and execution of data strategies and analyses that enable decision-making and insight generation across a therapeutic area or molecule portfolio. Working under the Data Strategy & Analytics Lead, you will partner with cross-functional teams—translating scientific protocols into robust analytical code, cohort extractions, and reproducible pipelines using multi-modal real-world data and clinical assets. You will also contribute to the translation of scientific and business needs into analytical frameworks and data-driven solutions. This role demands strong core data science skills, analytical execution, and a growth mindset to continuously elevate team standards.
- You execute data transformations, cohort extractions, and descriptive/observational analyses leveraging real-world (EHR, Claims, etc.), clinical trial data for secondary use, and operational multi-modal domains.
- You translate analytical or study requirements into cohort definitions, derived variables, and analysis-ready datasets.
- You follow state-of-the-art coding best practices, version control, unit testing, and structured QC routines to guarantee fully reproducible analytical pipelines.
- You summarize and visualize exploratory analytical outputs, cohort characteristics, and study results to communicate findings effectively to project teams.
- You partner seamlessly with RWD Scientists and cross-functional study leads during study framing and protocol development, providing active feedback on data availability, feasibility, methodology, and execution.
- You actively contribute well-documented code snippets, analytical templates, and learnings to the internal team repository.
- You assist in identifying fit-for-purpose real-world data (RWD) sources, performing data quality evaluations, terminology mappings, and schema transformations for secondary data use.
- You partner with study teams and central data engineering functions to gather analysis requirements, specify derived variables (e.g., ADaM, ARDs), and shape clinical trial datamarts for secondary use.
- You collaborate with central data engineering and governance teams to guide multi-modal data integration, applying common data models (OMOP, CDISC) and structured mappings across clinical trial and real-world assets.
- You collaborate with internal partners to analyze data structures, document data lineage, and maintain structured, compliant, and accessible data assets to support long-term data strategy and reusability.
- You safely leverage modern AI coding tools and LLM assistants (e.g., Claude Code, Copilot) to accelerate scripting, query building, and data extraction while maintaining scientific rigor and code quality.
Who you are:
- You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Informatics, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or a related field.
- You have 2+ years of experience working with structured data in a research or healthcare setting.
- You have solid working knowledge of R or Python, as well as SQL.
- You understand data dictionaries, mappings, or metadata tagging.
- You are familiar with data systems used in clinical or operational settings.
- You demonstrate capacity for independent thinking and ability to make decisions based upon sound principles.
- You exhibit excellent strategic agility including problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and agility that extends beyond the technical domain.
- You demonstrate respect for cultural differences when interacting with colleagues in the global workplace.
- You possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, specifically in the areas of presentation and writing, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts in clear language.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of descriptive statistical methods and epidemiological concepts used in observational healthcare research (e.g., cohort identification, censoring, time-to-event concepts).
- Prior experience in cardiovascular, renal, or metabolic (CVRM) therapeutic areas.
- Familiarity with clinical terminologies and coding systems, including ICD, SNOMED CT, RxNorm, CPT, and HCPCS.
- Exposure to real-world data common data models (e.g., OMOP CDM) or CDISC standards (SDTM, ADaM).
- Familiarity with software engineering best practices (Git, unit testing) and AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot).
Location:
This position is based in Boston, Massachusetts. Relocation benefits are not available for this posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Massachusetts is $89,400.00 - $166,000.00 USD Annual. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Specialist
Confirm STEM OPT eligibility before you apply
Data Specialist roles typically fall under CIP codes for computer science, information systems, or statistics. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since STEM OPT eligibility depends on your specific program, not just your job title.
Lead with your technical stack in applications
Employers scanning OPT candidates want to see SQL, Python, Excel, and any BI tools like Tableau or Power BI listed prominently. Put your technical skills near the top of your resume so hiring managers can assess fit before any visa conversation starts.
Target employers already familiar with OPT authorization
Companies that have hired international students before move faster through onboarding paperwork. Look for organizations in finance, healthcare, or tech with established HR processes. Smaller employers may need guidance on I-20 endorsements and EAD card requirements.
Time your job search around your OPT start date
You can begin working only on or after your OPT start date. Apply 60 to 90 days before that date so offers can align with when you're authorized to start. Employers who need someone immediately may not wait.
Prepare a clear one-paragraph OPT explainer
Many hiring managers don't know what OPT is. Have a concise, confident explanation ready: your authorized work period, that no employer petition is required, and how STEM OPT extends your timeline if the role qualifies as a STEM position.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly Data Specialist roles
Generic job boards don't filter for visa sponsorship willingness. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students, so you can browse Data Specialist openings where employers already understand and accept OPT work authorization from the start.
Data Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Data Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Data Specialist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under STEM-designated CIP codes in fields like computer science, information systems, or applied statistics. Eligibility depends on your degree's specific CIP code, not just the job title. Confirm with your DSO before applying.
Do I need an employer to file anything with USCIS for me to work on OPT?
No employer petition or USCIS filing is required during your initial 12-month OPT period. Your EAD card is your work authorization, and your employer only needs to verify it through Form I-9. If you qualify for STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a training plan with your DSO.
How do I find Data Specialist employers who accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Data Specialist roles from employers who already understand OPT work authorization. Searching there saves you the time of filtering through postings where visa status is a dealbreaker. Employers listed on Migrate Mate have been vetted for sponsorship willingness.
Can I work as a Data Specialist for multiple employers during OPT?
Yes, OPT permits concurrent employment. You can work for more than one employer at the same time, as long as each job is directly related to your degree field and you maintain full-time employment status overall. Your DSO needs to be informed of each employer through SEVIS reporting updates.
What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off from my Data Specialist job?
F-1 OPT students can accumulate up to 90 days of unemployment during the initial OPT period, or up to 150 days if you're on STEM OPT extension. If you exceed those limits, your OPT is considered violated. Contact your DSO immediately after a layoff to understand your options and remaining authorized unemployment days.