OPT Research And Development Jobs
Research and Development jobs are among the strongest fits for F-1 OPT students, particularly those in STEM fields who qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Many R&D roles at universities, research institutes, and private companies directly align with the degree-field match requirement USCIS requires for OPT authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation
ST. LOUIS, MO 63110
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences 2-year WashU EnVision postbaccalaureate program will introduce recent college graduates to intensive vision science research, while building transferrable skills required for future graduate training and careers in science. It is expected that the participant will perform research and analysis, as well as technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
For more information about program requirements and benefits please visit: https://sites.wustl.edu/visionscience/postbac-program/
- Works under the supervision of senior personnel on research project/s providing independent complex research support.
- Presents results of research activities to peers and supervisors in written and/or verbal presentation or form.
- Through active research and analysis, gains proficiency in essential aspects of research, which may include some or all of the following: conducting experiments, assays, collection of data, preparation of solutions, tissue culture, animal care and maintenance, and setup and maintenance of equipment.
- Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
- Attends meetings, educational workshops and seminars to prepare for advanced study.
- Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
- Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. Physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
Physical Effort
- Sitting at desk or table.
- Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement.
Equipment
- Office and lab equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Detailed Reports, Detail-Oriented, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communications, Written Communication
Grade
R07-H
Salary Range
$17.10 - $29.09 / Hourly
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity or shared ancestry, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.
Location
ST. LOUIS, MO 63110
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences 2-year WashU EnVision postbaccalaureate program will introduce recent college graduates to intensive vision science research, while building transferrable skills required for future graduate training and careers in science. It is expected that the participant will perform research and analysis, as well as technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
For more information about program requirements and benefits please visit: https://sites.wustl.edu/visionscience/postbac-program/
- Works under the supervision of senior personnel on research project/s providing independent complex research support.
- Presents results of research activities to peers and supervisors in written and/or verbal presentation or form.
- Through active research and analysis, gains proficiency in essential aspects of research, which may include some or all of the following: conducting experiments, assays, collection of data, preparation of solutions, tissue culture, animal care and maintenance, and setup and maintenance of equipment.
- Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
- Attends meetings, educational workshops and seminars to prepare for advanced study.
- Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
- Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. Physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
Physical Effort
- Sitting at desk or table.
- Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement.
Equipment
- Office and lab equipment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Detailed Reports, Detail-Oriented, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communications, Written Communication
Grade
R07-H
Salary Range
$17.10 - $29.09 / Hourly
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity or shared ancestry, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. As a federal contractor, the university maintains affirmative action programs to implement its equal employment opportunity policy for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended.
See all 516+ OPT Research And Development Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research And Development Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Research And Development
Confirm your degree field aligns with the role
USCIS requires your OPT job to be directly related to your degree. For R&D roles, your field of study, such as bioengineering, chemistry, or computer science, should match the research focus of the position you're applying for.
Target employers with active research programs
Large technology companies, pharmaceutical firms, national laboratories, and research universities regularly hire OPT students for R&D. These organizations have dedicated HR teams experienced with work authorization and are more likely to support STEM OPT extensions.
Emphasize your technical research output early
Hiring managers in R&D want to see publications, patents, thesis work, or lab projects. Lead with specific research contributions in your resume and cover letter to differentiate yourself before work authorization questions arise.
Understand how STEM OPT training plans work
If your degree qualifies, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must agree to a formal training plan on Form I-983, so confirm this willingness early in the interview process before accepting an offer.
Apply before your OPT start date approaches
USCIS processing for OPT EAD cards can take two to three months. Begin your R&D job search at least three to four months before graduation so you have an authorized start date that aligns with employer onboarding timelines.
Use Migrate Mate to find R&D roles that sponsor OPT
Not every R&D employer is familiar with OPT requirements. Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers open to sponsoring international students, saving you time and reducing the risk of pursuing roles that won't work out.
Research And Development OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do R&D jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most R&D roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in an eligible STEM field such as biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline. The job must be directly related to your degree. Your employer must also be E-Verify enrolled and willing to sign a Form I-983 training plan.
Can I work at a university or national laboratory on OPT?
Yes. Universities, federal research agencies, and national laboratories such as those operated by the Department of Energy are common OPT employers for R&D roles. Some positions at federally funded labs involve security clearance requirements, which can complicate or delay hiring for international students, so it is worth confirming eligibility before applying.
How do I find R&D employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
The most efficient approach is to search Migrate Mate, which curates job listings from employers experienced with F-1 OPT and STEM OPT sponsorship. You can filter specifically for R&D roles without having to manually screen each employer for work authorization willingness, which significantly reduces wasted applications.
Does part-time R&D work count toward my OPT authorization?
Yes, but with restrictions. During the standard OPT period, you may work part-time, defined as fewer than 20 hours per week. During the STEM OPT extension, you must work at least 20 hours per week to remain in valid status. Unpaid research positions at qualifying organizations can also count toward your OPT employment requirement.
What happens to my OPT if my R&D employer ends my contract early?
If your employment ends before your OPT authorization expires, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new qualifying R&D position, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the United States. During this period, you cannot work. Reporting the employment change to your designated school official promptly is required to maintain compliance.