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 JobsWHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
JOB SUMMARY
Works under general direction to either plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in assigned research projects or perform more complex research assignments requiring considerable experience and thorough knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical or scientific research.
Children’s Medical Center Research Institute
Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) is addressing fundamental scientific questions related to the biological basis of disease. Through transformative biomedical research, we seek breakthroughs that change scientific fields and yield new strategies for treating disease.
We seek a Research Assistant to work in the Ohlstein lab in CRI. The Ohlstein lab investigates the role of physiology on intestinal stem cell function using Drosophila, mouse, and human research models. CRI is a highly collaborative environment focused on basic and translational biology at the interface of stem cells, cancer and metabolism.
Under supervision and/or in collaboration with lab members, this position will assist in carrying out independent research projects. Prior experience using organoid models and/or expertise in bioinformatics will be taken into consideration in the hiring process. This is also a great opportunity for those interested in applying for graduate school or to an MD/PhD program. A small amount of time will be spent maintaining lab equipment, managing inventory, and replenishing supplies.
The ideal candidate will have effective written and oral communication skills and proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
Education
- Master's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
- Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
- Completion of 2 years of college or specialized training in histology, serology, medical technology, etc. or
- High School Diploma including courses in basic sciences or GED equivalent
Experience
- 1 year of experience as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Master's degree or
- 2 years of experience including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Bachelor's degree or
- 5 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with two years of college or
- 7 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with High School Diploma or GED equivalent
JOB DUTIES
-
Plans, coordinates, and supervises assigned research projects, which may be limited as segment of larger project, exercising responsibility for project performance and accountability for progress; and/or personally performs advanced scientific and medical research work, suggesting modifications to, or improvements in, design of research projects, presenting original ideas for follow-up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.
-
Constructs, assembles, and operates experimental or other special designed laboratory apparatus and equipment.
-
Assembles and analyzes research data.
-
Assists in preparation of material for reports or publication.
-
May supervise group of Research Technicians and/or Research Assistants of lower grade, making work assignments, advising on work procedures, and reviewing work in process and upon completion.
-
Performs other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
JOB SUMMARY
Works under general direction to either plan, coordinate, supervise, and participate in assigned research projects or perform more complex research assignments requiring considerable experience and thorough knowledge of techniques and practices related to particular field of medical or scientific research.
Children’s Medical Center Research Institute
Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) is addressing fundamental scientific questions related to the biological basis of disease. Through transformative biomedical research, we seek breakthroughs that change scientific fields and yield new strategies for treating disease.
We seek a Research Assistant to work in the Ohlstein lab in CRI. The Ohlstein lab investigates the role of physiology on intestinal stem cell function using Drosophila, mouse, and human research models. CRI is a highly collaborative environment focused on basic and translational biology at the interface of stem cells, cancer and metabolism.
Under supervision and/or in collaboration with lab members, this position will assist in carrying out independent research projects. Prior experience using organoid models and/or expertise in bioinformatics will be taken into consideration in the hiring process. This is also a great opportunity for those interested in applying for graduate school or to an MD/PhD program. A small amount of time will be spent maintaining lab equipment, managing inventory, and replenishing supplies.
The ideal candidate will have effective written and oral communication skills and proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
Education
- Master's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
- Bachelor's Degree with major coursework in field of assignment or
- Completion of 2 years of college or specialized training in histology, serology, medical technology, etc. or
- High School Diploma including courses in basic sciences or GED equivalent
Experience
- 1 year of experience as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Master's degree or
- 2 years of experience including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with Bachelor's degree or
- 5 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with two years of college or
- 7 years of experience, including one (1) year as Research Assistant I or equivalent with High School Diploma or GED equivalent
JOB DUTIES
-
Plans, coordinates, and supervises assigned research projects, which may be limited as segment of larger project, exercising responsibility for project performance and accountability for progress; and/or personally performs advanced scientific and medical research work, suggesting modifications to, or improvements in, design of research projects, presenting original ideas for follow-up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.
-
Constructs, assembles, and operates experimental or other special designed laboratory apparatus and equipment.
-
Assembles and analyzes research data.
-
Assists in preparation of material for reports or publication.
-
May supervise group of Research Technicians and/or Research Assistants of lower grade, making work assignments, advising on work procedures, and reviewing work in process and upon completion.
-
Performs other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
See all 1,152+ OPT Research Assistant Jobs
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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.