Immunologist Jobs for OPT Students

Immunologist jobs on OPT are available at research universities, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical companies. Most roles require a graduate degree and fall under STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers typically file H-1B sponsorship for research and clinical immunology positions.

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Overview

Open Jobs11+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Salary Range$323K – $585K
Top LocationRochester, MN
Most JobsMayo Clinic

Showing 5 of 11+ Immunologist jobs

KBR
Immunologist
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KBR
Added 1d ago
Immunologist
KBR
Houston, Texas
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Clinical Trials
On-Site
5+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Academic Clinical Immunologist
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Added 1w ago
Academic Clinical Immunologist
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Medical Specialists
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Doctorate
10,000+

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Highland Clinic
Allergist/Immunologist
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Highland Clinic
Added 2w ago
Allergist/Immunologist
Highland Clinic
Shreveport, Louisiana
Nursing
Medical Specialists
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Doctorate
201-500

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Urban Health Plan, Inc
Allergist Immunologist
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Urban Health Plan, Inc
Added 3w ago
Allergist Immunologist
Urban Health Plan, Inc
Bronx, New York
Nursing
Medical Specialists
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
None

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Emory University
Pediatric Allergist/ Immunologist
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Emory University
Added 2mo ago
Pediatric Allergist/ Immunologist
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia
Nursing
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Doctorate

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Immunologist

Target STEM-designated employers first

Immunology roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Prioritize employers registered with E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT and signals they have experience hiring international researchers on work authorization.

Lead with your research specialization

Employers distinguish between candidates by subspecialty. Whether you focus on autoimmunity, infectious disease, or cancer immunology, make your specific expertise prominent in your application materials rather than presenting yourself as a generalist immunologist.

Apply to institutions with established sponsorship track records

Academic medical centers, NIH-funded labs, and large pharma companies sponsor H-1B visas for immunologists regularly. These institutions have immigration infrastructure in place, which makes the transition from OPT to long-term status significantly smoother.

Secure your DSO's I-983 training plan early

STEM OPT requires a formal training plan signed by your employer and DSO. Start this conversation before your offer letter is signed so there are no delays between your start date and your STEM OPT extension approval.

Document your publications and lab contributions clearly

Immunology hiring managers evaluate research output closely. A clear record of publications, conference presentations, and funded projects strengthens both your job application and any future O-1 or EB-1 petition your employer might consider filing.

Ask directly about visa sponsorship during the interview process

Many academic and biotech employers expect the question. Asking about their H-1B sponsorship process before accepting an offer confirms they can support your long-term work authorization and prevents joining a team that cannot keep you beyond OPT.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do immunologist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes. Immunology falls under CIP code 26.0507 (Immunology) and related life sciences codes, all of which are on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. If your degree is in immunology, microbiology, or a related biological science, you're eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization.

What types of employers hire immunologists on OPT?

The main categories are academic medical centers and research universities, biotechnology companies working on therapeutics or diagnostics, pharmaceutical companies with immunology pipelines, and government research agencies like the NIH and CDC. You can browse immunologist roles currently open to OPT candidates on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for employers willing to hire on work authorization.

How common is H-1B sponsorship for immunologist roles?

Sponsorship is relatively common in this field because immunology requires specialized graduate training that many employers cannot easily find in the domestic workforce. Academic institutions and larger pharma and biotech companies sponsor H-1B petitions for researchers and scientists regularly. Smaller startups may be willing but lack established immigration processes, so it's worth asking about their experience with prior sponsorships.

Can I work as an immunologist in a clinical setting on OPT?

It depends on the role. Research-focused positions in hospital or clinical environments are straightforward for OPT. Clinical laboratory scientist or diagnostic roles may require additional state licensure regardless of immigration status. If the position involves direct patient care or requires a medical license, OPT alone won't resolve those credentialing requirements. Confirm the role type and any licensure requirements before applying.

What should I do if my OPT expires before my H-1B is approved?

If your employer filed your H-1B petition before your OPT expired and you're inside the cap-gap period, you may be authorized to continue working while your petition is pending. Cap-gap protection applies to F-1 students whose status and employment authorization bridge the gap between OPT expiration and the October 1 H-1B start date. Work with your DSO immediately if you're approaching this window.

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