OPT Research Assistant Jobs
Research Assistant jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles available, particularly at universities, research hospitals, and federally funded labs that routinely hire F-1 students. Most positions align directly with STEM degree fields, which matters for your 24-month STEM OPT extension eligibility.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation
ST. LOUIS, MO 63130
Scheduled Hours
37.5
Position Summary
Assists with research study, experiments, preparation of material, and documentation.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Conducts research experiments and assays independently.
- Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved.
- Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
- Coordinates tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
- Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
- Coordinates research project with other institutions and investigators.
- Participates in developing hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
- Assists with general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning.
- Performs literature research on specified topics.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
- Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
- Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
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 or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Laboratory Operations (2 Years)
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:
Document Research, Laboratory Processes, Scientific Research
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 63130
Scheduled Hours
37.5
Position Summary
Assists with research study, experiments, preparation of material, and documentation.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Conducts research experiments and assays independently.
- Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved.
- Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
- Coordinates tissue cultures, reagents, probe tests, etc.
- Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
- Coordinates research project with other institutions and investigators.
- Participates in developing hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
- Assists with general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning.
- Performs literature research on specified topics.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
- Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
- Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
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 or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications /Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Laboratory Operations (2 Years)
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:
Document Research, Laboratory Processes, Scientific Research
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 1,299+ OPT Research Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Assistant
Target STEM-designated programs first
Research Assistant roles tied to STEM degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree program's CIP code is on the STEM OPT list before applying, so you maximize your authorized work window.
Prioritize university and federal lab employers
Universities, national labs, and federally funded research centers hire F-1 OPT students regularly and often have dedicated HR processes for work authorization. They're far less likely to reject your application over visa status than private employers.
Clarify your authorization upfront
State in your cover letter that you're authorized to work on OPT and specify your end date. Research employers deal with sponsored visa holders often, and transparency early removes hesitation before the interview stage.
Align your research experience to the lab's focus
Principal investigators care about methodological fit, not just degree level. Tailor your application to match the lab's published research, naming specific techniques or datasets you've used that overlap with their ongoing work.
Ask about E-Verify enrollment before accepting
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this during the offer stage, not after. Most universities and large research institutions already participate, but smaller private labs may not.
Document your training plan early for STEM extension
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan on Form I-983 signed by your employer. Raise this with your supervisor before your initial OPT expires, giving both sides enough time to complete the paperwork without gaps in authorization.
Research Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Research Assistant on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. OPT work authorization comes from USCIS through your university's DSO, not from your employer. You can work as a Research Assistant at any qualifying employer without them filing any petition on your behalf. The employer simply needs to be enrolled in E-Verify if you're on STEM OPT extension.
Does a Research Assistant role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It can, but the determining factor is your degree field, not the job title. Your degree's CIP code must appear on the official STEM OPT designated degree program list. If you hold a STEM degree in biology, computer science, or engineering, a Research Assistant role in that field will almost always qualify.
How do I find Research Assistant jobs that actively hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate specializes in jobs that welcome OPT and visa-sponsored candidates, making it a practical starting point for Research Assistant roles. University job boards and federal agency postings are also strong sources since those employers routinely hire F-1 students and are already familiar with OPT work authorization requirements.
Does working as a Research Assistant count toward OPT employment requirements?
Yes, paid Research Assistant positions count toward your OPT employment requirement. Part-time positions (20 hours or more per week) also count. You must report the employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting. Unpaid volunteer research may not satisfy the requirement, so confirm the position is compensated before accepting.
Can I work as a Research Assistant at multiple institutions simultaneously on OPT?
Yes. OPT allows concurrent employment, so you can hold Research Assistant positions at more than one employer at the same time. Each position must be in a field directly related to your degree. You're required to report all employers to your DSO and ensure cumulative hours meet the minimum employment threshold for your authorization period.