OPT Operations Technician Jobs
Operations Technician roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, giving F-1 students access to a 24-month STEM extension on top of the standard 12 months. Most employers in manufacturing, utilities, and logistics hire technicians under direct employment, which satisfies OPT's full-time work authorization requirement.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Ref:
JR-5639
Location:
450 Brookline Ave, BOSTON, MA 02215
Category:
Research Laboratory
Employment Type:
Full time
Work Location:
Onsite: occasional remote
Salary/Pay Rate:
$52,400.00 - $57,200.00 per year
Overview
The positions in this job family will assist scientists in performing scientific research, development and/or clinical tasks of varying complexity. In general, they will assist in the set up, operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment, monitoring experiments, making observations and calculating and recording results. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Responsibilities:
- Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment
- Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas and may be responsible for ordering of supplies. Collaborates with Purchasing and may be responsible for negotiating with vendors
- Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection of information and samples from organic substances, such as blood, drugs, and animals
- Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings, including grant preparation and presentations, and look for opportunities to co-author publications. May be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff
- Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required
- Maintains detailed notebook of all work-related activities
- Monitors laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to each laboratory
- Expected to provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications
- May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures
- Uses computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties
- May be responsible for designing and executing advanced experiments and setting strategy
- May be responsible for the examination of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems
- May be responsible for monitoring laboratory budgets
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred
- Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff
- Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems
- Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks
- Ability to work within a team environment
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
The position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology or chemistry, and 1-4 years of related experience. Candidates should develop technical expertise, institutional policies to address various issues, and analyze situations or data of moderate scope. The role involves exercising judgment within established procedures and building productive internal and external working relationships.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No supervisory responsibilities. Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new projects or assignments.
PATIENT CONTACT:
None
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO Poster
Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$52,400.00 - $57,200.00
Job Ref:
JR-5639
Location:
450 Brookline Ave, BOSTON, MA 02215
Category:
Research Laboratory
Employment Type:
Full time
Work Location:
Onsite: occasional remote
Salary/Pay Rate:
$52,400.00 - $57,200.00 per year
Overview
The positions in this job family will assist scientists in performing scientific research, development and/or clinical tasks of varying complexity. In general, they will assist in the set up, operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment, monitoring experiments, making observations and calculating and recording results. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Responsibilities:
- Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment
- Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas and may be responsible for ordering of supplies. Collaborates with Purchasing and may be responsible for negotiating with vendors
- Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection of information and samples from organic substances, such as blood, drugs, and animals
- Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings, including grant preparation and presentations, and look for opportunities to co-author publications. May be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff
- Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required
- Maintains detailed notebook of all work-related activities
- Monitors laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to each laboratory
- Expected to provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications
- May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures
- Uses computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties
- May be responsible for designing and executing advanced experiments and setting strategy
- May be responsible for the examination of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems
- May be responsible for monitoring laboratory budgets
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred
- Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff
- Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems
- Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks
- Ability to work within a team environment
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
The position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology or chemistry, and 1-4 years of related experience. Candidates should develop technical expertise, institutional policies to address various issues, and analyze situations or data of moderate scope. The role involves exercising judgment within established procedures and building productive internal and external working relationships.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No supervisory responsibilities. Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new projects or assignments.
PATIENT CONTACT:
None
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO Poster
Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$52,400.00 - $57,200.00
See all 1,445+ OPT Operations Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Operations Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Operations Technician
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM
Operations Technician positions typically fall under CIP codes tied to engineering technology or applied sciences. Verify your employer's listed SOC code matches a STEM-designated field before accepting an offer to protect your STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Start your OPT application 90 days early
USCIS can take up to 90 days to issue your EAD card. Submit your OPT application as early as your DSO allows so your work authorization is active before your start date, avoiding gaps that could put your status at risk.
Target employers with established OPT hiring processes
Large manufacturers, energy companies, and infrastructure firms regularly hire OPT students as operations technicians. These employers understand EAD-based authorization and are far less likely to confuse OPT with visa sponsorship during the hiring process.
Address work authorization directly and early
When recruiters ask about authorization, explain clearly that you have an EAD card and do not require employer sponsorship for OPT. Many hiring managers conflate the two. Clarifying upfront prevents unnecessary rejections late in the process.
Align your job duties with your degree program
OPT requires employment directly related to your major area of study. For a STEM extension, this connection must be well-documented. Roles in process control, equipment maintenance, or quality systems typically satisfy this for engineering and applied science graduates.
Track your 90-day unemployment limit carefully
F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 days of unemployment during the standard OPT period. Once a STEM extension is approved, you get 60 additional days. Do not let job searching drift past these limits without an active offer in hand.
Operations Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Operations Technician on OPT without employer visa sponsorship?
Yes. OPT work authorization comes from USCIS through your DSO, not from the employer. You present your EAD card as proof of authorization, so the employer does not need to sponsor a visa or file any petition on your behalf. Most operations technician roles at manufacturing and utilities companies accept EAD holders without issue.
Does an Operations Technician role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree and the employer's listed SOC code. Operations technician positions rooted in engineering technology, industrial systems, or applied sciences frequently qualify. Your degree must be on the STEM OPT designated degree list, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm the SOC code with your DSO before signing an offer.
Where can I find Operations Technician jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists operations technician roles specifically filtered for OPT and visa-sponsored candidates, so you are not wasting applications on employers who do not hire international students. Browsing Migrate Mate by role type lets you identify employers already familiar with EAD-based work authorization, which significantly reduces screening friction.
What happens to my OPT status if my Operations Technician role ends before my EAD expires?
Your EAD remains valid, but the 90-day unemployment clock starts immediately. You have 90 days to secure a new qualifying position during standard OPT, and 60 additional days if you are on a STEM extension. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly. Extended gaps beyond these limits can result in loss of F-1 status.
Does my degree need to match the Operations Technician job description for OPT to be valid?
Yes. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. For an operations technician role, degrees in mechanical engineering technology, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, or applied sciences typically satisfy this requirement. Your DSO must confirm the connection is documented in SEVIS before your OPT application is submitted.