Research Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
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 the direction of an Investigator(s) with general supervision, to primarily provide ongoing data management for local and national research studies. May coordinate observational (non-treatment) studies.
This position will support PI's in completing patient recruitment and enrollment, compile regulatory documents, complete necessary study start-up activities, coordinate study procedures, monitor protocol and adverse events reported for patient safety, and ensure studies remain fiscally responsible by providing necessary information for Sponsor billing.
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
High School Diploma or GED
Preferred
Education
Bachelor's degree
Licenses and Certifications
(BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT may be required based on research study protocols or affiliate location requirements.
(CPRAED) CPR AED may be required based on affiliate location requirements
JOB DUTIES
- Enters data into case report forms or other data collection system based on research study. Assists with maintenance of study level documentation.
- Assists with data queries and possible edits for accuracy.
- Compiles data for regulatory requirements and/or deadlines for local or sponsor submissions.
- Maintains existing databases and ensures data integrity.
- Understands visit schedules, criteria and protocol requirements for routine and low complexity trials (e.g., questionnaire, data registry, scripted); schedules research visits.
- Assists research staff by completing research protocol related tasks.
- Assists with preparing annual reports and/or modifications to institutional review board (IRB). This may include reportable events (UPIRSO).
- Reviews and abstracts information from medical records including eligibility criteria.
- Recruits and enrolls patients in research study that may include consenting patients after training and with supervision.
- Assists with ordering and maintaining research supplies following university/department procedures, ensuring that equipment is in good working order.
- With adequate training and supervision, assists with collecting and processing specimens following established procedures/protocols.
- Assists in preparing studies for closeout (e.g. packing files, documenting files for storage, shipping extra supplies back to sponsor).
- With adequate training/credentialing and supervision, performs study procedures such as phlebotomy, vital signs, and EKG's needed for research study. Based on research study, other procedures/equipment/services may be required.
- Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
- 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 the direction of an Investigator(s) with general supervision, to primarily provide ongoing data management for local and national research studies. May coordinate observational (non-treatment) studies.
This position will support PI's in completing patient recruitment and enrollment, compile regulatory documents, complete necessary study start-up activities, coordinate study procedures, monitor protocol and adverse events reported for patient safety, and ensure studies remain fiscally responsible by providing necessary information for Sponsor billing.
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
High School Diploma or GED
Preferred
Education
Bachelor's degree
Licenses and Certifications
(BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT may be required based on research study protocols or affiliate location requirements.
(CPRAED) CPR AED may be required based on affiliate location requirements
JOB DUTIES
- Enters data into case report forms or other data collection system based on research study. Assists with maintenance of study level documentation.
- Assists with data queries and possible edits for accuracy.
- Compiles data for regulatory requirements and/or deadlines for local or sponsor submissions.
- Maintains existing databases and ensures data integrity.
- Understands visit schedules, criteria and protocol requirements for routine and low complexity trials (e.g., questionnaire, data registry, scripted); schedules research visits.
- Assists research staff by completing research protocol related tasks.
- Assists with preparing annual reports and/or modifications to institutional review board (IRB). This may include reportable events (UPIRSO).
- Reviews and abstracts information from medical records including eligibility criteria.
- Recruits and enrolls patients in research study that may include consenting patients after training and with supervision.
- Assists with ordering and maintaining research supplies following university/department procedures, ensuring that equipment is in good working order.
- With adequate training and supervision, assists with collecting and processing specimens following established procedures/protocols.
- Assists in preparing studies for closeout (e.g. packing files, documenting files for storage, shipping extra supplies back to sponsor).
- With adequate training/credentialing and supervision, performs study procedures such as phlebotomy, vital signs, and EKG's needed for research study. Based on research study, other procedures/equipment/services may be required.
- Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
- 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.
How to Get Visa 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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