OPT Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Research Assistant Professor roles are among the strongest fits for F-1 OPT students with advanced degrees, since most universities already sponsor H-1B visa and O-1 visas. STEM OPT extension applies if your degree is in a qualifying field, giving you up to three years of work authorization to establish yourself in academic research.
Find OPT Research Assistant Professor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,024+ Research Assistant Professor jobs
See all 1,024+ Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Assistant Professor roles.
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 1,024+ OPT Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Assistant Professor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Assistant Professor
Target research-intensive universities first
R1 and R2 Carnegie-classified universities file the most H-1B visa petitions for academic researchers. These institutions have established immigration infrastructure, making the transition from OPT to sponsored status significantly smoother than at smaller colleges.
Align your OPT employment with your degree field
For STEM OPT extension eligibility, your Research Assistant Professor role must be directly related to your degree. Document this connection clearly in your DSO reporting, since USCIS scrutinizes academic positions for field alignment during extension applications.
Confirm your employer has a STEM-designated program
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be E-Verify enrolled. Most major universities already are, but confirm before accepting an offer. Your DSO must also approve the extension before your current EAD expires to maintain work authorization.
Frame your research funding as job security
Hiring departments worry that OPT timelines won't align with grant cycles. Present your current grant funding or fellowship duration upfront, showing you can contribute meaningfully within the authorization window before the department commits to sponsorship.
Build relationships with your department's HR immigration specialist
Large universities have dedicated immigration coordinators who process faculty visa petitions routinely. Identifying and meeting this person early helps you understand the internal sponsorship timeline and signals that you're planning ahead rather than creating last-minute urgency.
Use your publication record as a sponsorship argument
For O-1A or EB-1A pathways, peer-reviewed publications, citations, and conference presentations serve as direct evidence of extraordinary ability. Departments are more willing to sponsor researchers whose credentials already support a strong visa petition case.
Research Assistant Professor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Assistant Professor role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field that matches the research focus of the position. The role must be a paid, bona fide employment relationship with at least 20 hours per week. Unpaid visiting appointments or purely adjunct teaching roles typically do not meet OPT employment requirements, so confirm the terms with your DSO before accepting.
Will universities typically sponsor Research Assistant Professors for H-1B visas?
Most R1 and R2 universities sponsor Research Assistant Professors for H-1B visas regularly, especially when the hire is tied to a funded research project. Universities are cap-exempt employers, meaning they can file H-1B petitions at any time of year without waiting for the annual lottery. This is a meaningful advantage over industry roles, where cap-subject lottery odds add significant uncertainty.
Can I work as a Research Assistant Professor while on OPT if I'm still completing my dissertation?
No. OPT requires that you have already completed or are completing your degree program. You cannot begin post-completion OPT until after your program end date, and your Research Assistant Professor employment must start after your EAD is valid. If you're still ABD and want to work, discuss whether the role qualifies under pre-completion OPT with your DSO.
Where can I find Research Assistant Professor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so the jobs listed there are filtered for visa sponsorship openness. Searching Migrate Mate for Research Assistant Professor roles saves time compared to sorting through postings that don't address work authorization at all.
Does a Research Assistant Professor role count as qualifying employment for an EB-1A or EB-2 NIW green card?
Yes. Research faculty positions are among the most commonly cited roles in successful EB-1A extraordinary ability and EB-2 National Interest Waiver petitions. Your publications, citations, grant funding, peer review activity, and contributions to your field all serve as direct evidence. Many researchers begin building their green card case while on OPT, since the record you establish during this period forms the foundation of the petition.