OPT Research Analyst Jobs
Research Analyst roles are a strong fit for OPT authorization because most require a bachelor's or master's degree in a specific field, satisfying the specialty occupation standard employers need to justify hiring. STEM OPT extensions of up to 24 months are available for graduates in economics, statistics, and data science programs.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), every role is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, youth, and families across our state. We are committed to building a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated workforce that works collaboratively to ensure safety, promote well-being, and strengthen families. Whether you are in the field supporting families face-to-face, working behind the scenes to improve systems, or helping to shape the agency from a leadership level, your work here has purpose and long-lasting impact. Join a team that values integrity, resilience, and service and be part of meaningful change for New Mexico's future.
THIS JOB POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
PURPOSE:
This position is responsible for improving the quality of the Youth Services and Delinquency Prevention Units data through quality assurance processes. Data management and analysis are performed using Microsoft applications (e.g. Power BI, Excel) and statistical software (e.g. R). This position will collaborate with other unit members to improve the quality of YSDP Unit data and streamline data collection and entry.
This position applies advanced data analysis methods to identify and describe a variety of issues regarding the diversion of youth from the Juvenile Justice System (JJS); disparities that may be present in the JJS, and what support and services are provided to JJS-involved youth and those youth at risk of becoming involved in JJS. This position uses various statistical software to query and analyze data, and creates reports for leadership and youth services providers. This position assists in making recommendations to management on oversight and planning of direct funding and resource allocation by evaluating youth services and outcomes. Daily activities include data collection, data entry, assessing data quality, data analysis, creating reports, and presenting results to stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
This position will be required to perform the following duties:
- Data collection and entry
- Querying, aggregating, assessing quality, and analyzing data
- Creating reports (including documentation of methodology) from the databases and other sources for program managers and stakeholders including the CYFD Secretary, JJS senior management, staff, legislators, and other stakeholders
- Supporting process improvement and problem solving by presenting management with alternatives and recommendations
CUSTOMERS:
CYFD and JJS leadership, YSDP management, Continuum Boards and Coordinators, and youth services providers. The person will also work closely with the other YSDP Unit staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience directly related to the position in research, statistics, computer science, data analysis, accounting, auditing, finance, economics, business, public administration, budgeting, management, and/or systems analysis or related professional certification as determined by the hiring agency. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The position is primarily in an office setting, with extensive use of personal computers, keyboards, and computer screens. The position also does significant reading and has extended periods of sitting or standing at their workstation. Phone use is periodic. The position requires occasional travel throughout the state to field, facility, and stakeholder locations for training and on-site support.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Bob Cleavall, (505) 660-3489. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
INTRODUCTION
At the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), every role is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, youth, and families across our state. We are committed to building a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated workforce that works collaboratively to ensure safety, promote well-being, and strengthen families. Whether you are in the field supporting families face-to-face, working behind the scenes to improve systems, or helping to shape the agency from a leadership level, your work here has purpose and long-lasting impact. Join a team that values integrity, resilience, and service and be part of meaningful change for New Mexico's future.
THIS JOB POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
PURPOSE:
This position is responsible for improving the quality of the Youth Services and Delinquency Prevention Units data through quality assurance processes. Data management and analysis are performed using Microsoft applications (e.g. Power BI, Excel) and statistical software (e.g. R). This position will collaborate with other unit members to improve the quality of YSDP Unit data and streamline data collection and entry.
This position applies advanced data analysis methods to identify and describe a variety of issues regarding the diversion of youth from the Juvenile Justice System (JJS); disparities that may be present in the JJS, and what support and services are provided to JJS-involved youth and those youth at risk of becoming involved in JJS. This position uses various statistical software to query and analyze data, and creates reports for leadership and youth services providers. This position assists in making recommendations to management on oversight and planning of direct funding and resource allocation by evaluating youth services and outcomes. Daily activities include data collection, data entry, assessing data quality, data analysis, creating reports, and presenting results to stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
This position will be required to perform the following duties:
- Data collection and entry
- Querying, aggregating, assessing quality, and analyzing data
- Creating reports (including documentation of methodology) from the databases and other sources for program managers and stakeholders including the CYFD Secretary, JJS senior management, staff, legislators, and other stakeholders
- Supporting process improvement and problem solving by presenting management with alternatives and recommendations
CUSTOMERS:
CYFD and JJS leadership, YSDP management, Continuum Boards and Coordinators, and youth services providers. The person will also work closely with the other YSDP Unit staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience directly related to the position in research, statistics, computer science, data analysis, accounting, auditing, finance, economics, business, public administration, budgeting, management, and/or systems analysis or related professional certification as determined by the hiring agency. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The position is primarily in an office setting, with extensive use of personal computers, keyboards, and computer screens. The position also does significant reading and has extended periods of sitting or standing at their workstation. Phone use is periodic. The position requires occasional travel throughout the state to field, facility, and stakeholder locations for training and on-site support.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Bob Cleavall, (505) 660-3489. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all 8,190+ OPT Research Analyst Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Analyst
Target research-heavy industries first
Consulting firms, think tanks, financial institutions, and academic research centers regularly hire Research Analysts and have established processes for OPT work authorization. These employers are accustomed to sponsoring international talent and understand the documentation requirements.
Lead with your degree field, not just your title
Employers need to connect your degree to the role to justify OPT hiring. Frame your application around your academic specialization, whether economics, public policy, or data science, and show how it directly maps to the analytical work the position requires.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Most Research Analyst roles involve a structured onboarding process. Applying three to four months before your OPT authorization begins gives employers enough lead time and reduces the perceived risk of bringing on a candidate with a near-term start constraint.
Highlight technical skills that reduce employer hesitation
Proficiency in R, Python, SQL, or Stata signals you can contribute immediately without extensive training. Employers weighing OPT candidates against domestic ones are more likely to move forward when your technical baseline removes onboarding uncertainty from the equation.
Address OPT authorization directly in your cover letter
A brief, confident sentence stating your current authorization status and STEM extension eligibility removes ambiguity early. Employers who might otherwise screen you out due to visa assumptions are more likely to keep your application active when the facts are clear upfront.
Focus on employers with existing OPT or H-1B sponsorship history
Companies that have previously sponsored research roles are significantly more likely to hire OPT candidates again. Prioritizing employers with a demonstrated track record shortens your search and increases your conversion rate from application to interview.
Research Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Research Analyst roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many Research Analyst positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but it depends on your degree field, not the job title. Degrees in economics, statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, and related STEM fields are eligible. Your degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
How do I find Research Analyst employers who are open to OPT candidates?
The most efficient approach is to search platforms that filter specifically for visa-friendly employers. Migrate Mate is built for this, letting you browse Research Analyst roles posted by employers with a history of hiring international candidates on OPT. This saves considerable time compared to applying broadly and discovering visa limitations late in the process.
Can I work as a Research Analyst at a nonprofit or government contractor on OPT?
Yes. Nonprofits, government contractors, and federally funded research centers regularly hire Research Analysts on OPT. These organizations often have structured compliance teams familiar with employment authorization documentation. Note that direct federal government employment is generally restricted to U.S. citizens, but contracted research roles are typically open to OPT holders.
What counts as a qualifying Research Analyst job for OPT purposes?
The role must be directly related to your degree field and constitute at least 20 hours of work per week. A Research Analyst position in health policy qualifies for a public health graduate, while the same title at a financial firm qualifies for an economics or finance graduate. The connection between your degree and the specific work performed is what matters for OPT compliance.
What documentation should I have ready when applying for Research Analyst roles on OPT?
Have your current EAD card, a copy of your I-20 with OPT authorization noted, and your most recent visa stamp available. Some employers will also request your SEVIS ID and DSO contact information. Preparing a one-page authorization summary that clearly states your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility can help HR teams process your paperwork without unnecessary delays.