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.
See All OPT Research And Development JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 78+ Research And Development jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 78+ Research And Development Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research And Development roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!
At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.
BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of eight high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it’s better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South.
In Research & Development, we’re driven by innovation, curiosity, and a commitment to delivering high-quality leafy crops that make a difference. Our team thrives at the intersection of science, creativity, and purpose. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Research & Development Scientist I to focus on product development, and to help us bring the next generation of hydroponic leafy products to life. In this role, you’ll support the design, development, and optimization of new and existing products from concept to launch. You’ll work closely with the agriculture team, operations, marketing, and commercial teams to ensure our products meet performance targets, regulatory requirements, and customer needs.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specifically, you will:
- Be responsible for the planning, execution, and analysis of product development trials, experiments, and scale-up processes
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams across different farm locations to accomplish R&D plans
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data using appropriate scientific methods and tools
- Prepare clear and concise technical reports, presentations, and documentation
- Communicate trial results and learnings to different BF stakeholders
- Implement BF pipeline processes before, during, and after each trial
- Ensure data quality and act as a strong steward of the experimental database
- Ensure compliance with safety protocols and best practices when running trials in production farms
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and knowledge sharing
- Develop and review SOPs for R&D processes
- Serve as an internal and external technical reference and provide expert knowledge on new varieties
- Support sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and pilot-scale equipment trials
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate:
- B.S. or M.S. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Biology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field
- 1–5 years of relevant industry or academic experience in product development, R&D, agriculture, seed production, or a related field
- Strong technical knowledge of plant science and hydroponic vegetable production practices
- Excellent problem-solving, oral and written communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Strong relationship-building skills
- Ability to develop and maintain long-term industry relationships
- Team-oriented mindset
- Comfortable with hands-on research equipment, trial execution, and data analysis
- Familiarity with experimental design and basic statistical tools is a plus
- Knowledge of product lifecycle management and documentation systems
- Interest in sustainable and innovative product solutions
- Willingness to travel nationally and/or internationally
- Lifting to 25 pounds, working under different conditions of high and low temperatures
BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
BrightFarms is The Place to Grow!
At BrightFarms, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way leafy greens are grown. But we don’t just want to grow great tasting greens, we want them to do good as well: for the planet, for the health of people, and for the well-being of our employees. We give BrightFarmers the tools, training, support, and opportunities they need to do better for themselves and the world every day. Because when you do good for your people, they do good for the world.
BrightFarms is a national leader in the booming indoor farming industry, transforming how produce is grown and delivered with its expanding network of eight high-tech, sustainable hydroponic farms. From seed to leaf we grow lettuce smarter, with less space, no pesticides and protected inside, so it’s better for the planet and way better for humans. BrightFarms' fresh lettuce options, from classic greens to crunchy mixes and salad kits, are available in more than 4,500 retail stores across the East Coast, Midwest, and South.
In Research & Development, we’re driven by innovation, curiosity, and a commitment to delivering high-quality leafy crops that make a difference. Our team thrives at the intersection of science, creativity, and purpose. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Research & Development Scientist I to focus on product development, and to help us bring the next generation of hydroponic leafy products to life. In this role, you’ll support the design, development, and optimization of new and existing products from concept to launch. You’ll work closely with the agriculture team, operations, marketing, and commercial teams to ensure our products meet performance targets, regulatory requirements, and customer needs.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specifically, you will:
- Be responsible for the planning, execution, and analysis of product development trials, experiments, and scale-up processes
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams across different farm locations to accomplish R&D plans
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data using appropriate scientific methods and tools
- Prepare clear and concise technical reports, presentations, and documentation
- Communicate trial results and learnings to different BF stakeholders
- Implement BF pipeline processes before, during, and after each trial
- Ensure data quality and act as a strong steward of the experimental database
- Ensure compliance with safety protocols and best practices when running trials in production farms
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and knowledge sharing
- Develop and review SOPs for R&D processes
- Serve as an internal and external technical reference and provide expert knowledge on new varieties
- Support sensory evaluation, shelf-life testing, and pilot-scale equipment trials
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate:
- B.S. or M.S. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Biology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field
- 1–5 years of relevant industry or academic experience in product development, R&D, agriculture, seed production, or a related field
- Strong technical knowledge of plant science and hydroponic vegetable production practices
- Excellent problem-solving, oral and written communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Strong relationship-building skills
- Ability to develop and maintain long-term industry relationships
- Team-oriented mindset
- Comfortable with hands-on research equipment, trial execution, and data analysis
- Familiarity with experimental design and basic statistical tools is a plus
- Knowledge of product lifecycle management and documentation systems
- Interest in sustainable and innovative product solutions
- Willingness to travel nationally and/or internationally
- Lifting to 25 pounds, working under different conditions of high and low temperatures
BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
See all 78+ 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.