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.
Find OPT Research Analyst JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 9,491+ Research Analyst jobs
See all 9,491+ Research Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Analyst roles.
Get Access To All JobsDescription
Summary:
The Research Data Analyst II - MaineHealth Institute for Research role is responsible for identifying, collecting, integrating, and analyzing data in support of the assigned project and/or department, working independently and using methodologies consistent with applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
- License/Certifications: N/A
- Experience: Three years of experience analyzing data required, preferably in a healthcare setting. Demonstrates competency in all essential functions of a Research Data Analyst I role.
Additional Information
MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources—so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.
We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization. Any offer of employment will depend on qualifications such as skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other job-related factors. The base range is an estimate and does not reflect the full value of our total compensation package.
The pay range for this position is $66,123.20 to $89,481.60 per year.
Compensation for part-time positions is determined on a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full-time equivalent (FTE).
In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offers comprehensive benefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and, where applicable, shift differentials or other incentives.
If you have questions about this role, please contact sharon.nightingale@mainehealth.org
Hiring Scam Alert
MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre-hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to mhcareers@mainehealth.org.
Notice Regarding Maine Employer Surveillance Statute: Pursuant to Maine's Employer Surveillance Statute, prospective care team members are notified that MaineHealth may monitor, collect, record, review, or retain information related to the use of its systems, networks, applications, files, data, communications platforms (including notified recordings), smart badges, building access, company vehicle GPS data, business calls, and workplace security cameras.
Information collected may be used for legitimate business purposes, including security, safety, compliance, investigations, training, quality assurance, and operational management.
Description
Summary:
The Research Data Analyst II - MaineHealth Institute for Research role is responsible for identifying, collecting, integrating, and analyzing data in support of the assigned project and/or department, working independently and using methodologies consistent with applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
- License/Certifications: N/A
- Experience: Three years of experience analyzing data required, preferably in a healthcare setting. Demonstrates competency in all essential functions of a Research Data Analyst I role.
Additional Information
MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources—so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.
We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization. Any offer of employment will depend on qualifications such as skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other job-related factors. The base range is an estimate and does not reflect the full value of our total compensation package.
The pay range for this position is $66,123.20 to $89,481.60 per year.
Compensation for part-time positions is determined on a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full-time equivalent (FTE).
In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offers comprehensive benefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and, where applicable, shift differentials or other incentives.
If you have questions about this role, please contact sharon.nightingale@mainehealth.org
Hiring Scam Alert
MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre-hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to mhcareers@mainehealth.org.
Notice Regarding Maine Employer Surveillance Statute: Pursuant to Maine's Employer Surveillance Statute, prospective care team members are notified that MaineHealth may monitor, collect, record, review, or retain information related to the use of its systems, networks, applications, files, data, communications platforms (including notified recordings), smart badges, building access, company vehicle GPS data, business calls, and workplace security cameras.
Information collected may be used for legitimate business purposes, including security, safety, compliance, investigations, training, quality assurance, and operational management.
See all 9,491+ OPT Research Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Analyst Jobs.
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.