OPT Research Associate Jobs
Research Associate roles are among the more OPT-friendly positions in academia, biotech, and pharma, many employers in these sectors have established sponsorship pipelines and are familiar with F-1 work authorization. STEM OPT extensions of up to 24 months apply if your degree is in a qualifying field like biology, chemistry, or data science.
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Get Access To All JobsABOUT ABBVIE
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
COVERING THE NJ/PA AREA
Advance AbbVie's pipeline by striving for excellence in clinical research, turning science into medicine for our patients and leveraging new advanced capabilities to drive industry leading performance. Partners with the investigator and site staff for meaningful and effective engagements positioning AbbVie as the choice in clinical trials. Focus on site clinical research that ensures appropriate conduct of the trial while driving improvement in data integrity, compliance, overall study performance and customer experience.
Responsibilities
- Considered as the primary point of contact for the investigative site. High level of competency or experience in providing contextual information on the clinical trials, connects stakeholder to the investigative sites and strengthens AbbVie’s positioning.
- Aligns, trains and motivates the site staff and principal investigator on the goals of the clinical trial program, protocol and patient treatment principles for the trial ensuring a trusted partnership.
- Conducts site evaluation, site training, routine, and site closure monitoring activities with compliance to the protocol and monitoring plans, in accordance with applicable regulations, Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), ICH Guidelines, AbbVie Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality standards, ensuring safety and protection of study subjects.
- Advanced understanding of site engagement and ability to customize site engagement strategy for assigned study (ies). Gather local/site insights and utilize site engagement tools such as the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool, to report/track progress and measure impact of that strategy.
- Advanced level of competency connecting the study protocol, scientific principles and clinical trial requirements to the day-to-day clinical trial execution activities. Evaluate and ensure effective recruitment and retention techniques/plans based on the patient disease journey. Develop solid knowledge of therapeutic area, asset and clinical landscape / patient journey to enable successful patient recruitment and overall protocol compliance.
- Possesses experienced level of competency to mentor and train less experienced CRAs on various aspects of work and provides input into their development. May participate in global/local task forces and initiatives. Responsible for activities as assigned by manager.
- Responsible for continuous risk-assessment proactively, and in collaboration with Central Monitoring team, monitor activities conducted by clinical sites to detect early overall study performance or patient safety issues.
- Advanced ability to think critically to resolve site risk signals while having robust understanding of site processes to drive study execution. Ensures preventative and corrective action plans are put into place, as needed, to mitigate risk and promote compliance using a customer centric approach.
- Identifies, evaluates and recommends new/potential investigators/sites on an ongoing basis. Potential sites may be identified through networking or internal AbbVie requests to assist in the placement of planned clinical studies with qualified investigators.
- Ensures quality of data submitted from study sites and assures timely submission of data, including appropriate reporting and follow-up for all safety events by site personnel. Ensures audit and regulatory inspection readiness at assigned clinical site at all times. Manages investigator payments as per executed contract obligations, as applicable.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Appropriate tertiary qualification in health related disciplines (Medical, Scientific, Nursing) preferred.
- Minimum of 1 year of clinically related experience, of which a period of 6 months is required in clinical research monitoring of investigational drug or device trials. Familiar with risk‐based monitoring approach, onsite and offsite monitoring.
- Knowledge of appropriate therapeutic area indications is preferred with the ability to understand and apply scientific concepts as they relate to the conduct of clinical trials.
- Advanced knowledge on existing and emerging local regulatory and legal requirements, ICH/GCP Guidelines and applicable policies.
- Demonstrate strong cross-functional collaboration skills among internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrate strong planning and organizational skills and the ability to work effectively and efficiently in a dynamic environment with competing projects and deadlines.
- Advanced ability to leverage technology, tools and resources to provide customer centric support based on the health of the site.
- Strong interpersonal skills with excellent written, verbal, active listening and presentation skills, with ability to establish and leverage site relationships and trusted partnerships through engagement, motivation, and training.
- Ability to use functional expertise with appropriate guidance, leverage critical thinking skills and apply good judgement to address clinical site issues.
- Acts with integrity in accordance with AbbVie code of business conduct and leadership values. Self-motivated individual focused on delivering timely and quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
ABOUT ABBVIE
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
COVERING THE NJ/PA AREA
Advance AbbVie's pipeline by striving for excellence in clinical research, turning science into medicine for our patients and leveraging new advanced capabilities to drive industry leading performance. Partners with the investigator and site staff for meaningful and effective engagements positioning AbbVie as the choice in clinical trials. Focus on site clinical research that ensures appropriate conduct of the trial while driving improvement in data integrity, compliance, overall study performance and customer experience.
Responsibilities
- Considered as the primary point of contact for the investigative site. High level of competency or experience in providing contextual information on the clinical trials, connects stakeholder to the investigative sites and strengthens AbbVie’s positioning.
- Aligns, trains and motivates the site staff and principal investigator on the goals of the clinical trial program, protocol and patient treatment principles for the trial ensuring a trusted partnership.
- Conducts site evaluation, site training, routine, and site closure monitoring activities with compliance to the protocol and monitoring plans, in accordance with applicable regulations, Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), ICH Guidelines, AbbVie Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality standards, ensuring safety and protection of study subjects.
- Advanced understanding of site engagement and ability to customize site engagement strategy for assigned study (ies). Gather local/site insights and utilize site engagement tools such as the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool, to report/track progress and measure impact of that strategy.
- Advanced level of competency connecting the study protocol, scientific principles and clinical trial requirements to the day-to-day clinical trial execution activities. Evaluate and ensure effective recruitment and retention techniques/plans based on the patient disease journey. Develop solid knowledge of therapeutic area, asset and clinical landscape / patient journey to enable successful patient recruitment and overall protocol compliance.
- Possesses experienced level of competency to mentor and train less experienced CRAs on various aspects of work and provides input into their development. May participate in global/local task forces and initiatives. Responsible for activities as assigned by manager.
- Responsible for continuous risk-assessment proactively, and in collaboration with Central Monitoring team, monitor activities conducted by clinical sites to detect early overall study performance or patient safety issues.
- Advanced ability to think critically to resolve site risk signals while having robust understanding of site processes to drive study execution. Ensures preventative and corrective action plans are put into place, as needed, to mitigate risk and promote compliance using a customer centric approach.
- Identifies, evaluates and recommends new/potential investigators/sites on an ongoing basis. Potential sites may be identified through networking or internal AbbVie requests to assist in the placement of planned clinical studies with qualified investigators.
- Ensures quality of data submitted from study sites and assures timely submission of data, including appropriate reporting and follow-up for all safety events by site personnel. Ensures audit and regulatory inspection readiness at assigned clinical site at all times. Manages investigator payments as per executed contract obligations, as applicable.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Appropriate tertiary qualification in health related disciplines (Medical, Scientific, Nursing) preferred.
- Minimum of 1 year of clinically related experience, of which a period of 6 months is required in clinical research monitoring of investigational drug or device trials. Familiar with risk‐based monitoring approach, onsite and offsite monitoring.
- Knowledge of appropriate therapeutic area indications is preferred with the ability to understand and apply scientific concepts as they relate to the conduct of clinical trials.
- Advanced knowledge on existing and emerging local regulatory and legal requirements, ICH/GCP Guidelines and applicable policies.
- Demonstrate strong cross-functional collaboration skills among internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrate strong planning and organizational skills and the ability to work effectively and efficiently in a dynamic environment with competing projects and deadlines.
- Advanced ability to leverage technology, tools and resources to provide customer centric support based on the health of the site.
- Strong interpersonal skills with excellent written, verbal, active listening and presentation skills, with ability to establish and leverage site relationships and trusted partnerships through engagement, motivation, and training.
- Ability to use functional expertise with appropriate guidance, leverage critical thinking skills and apply good judgement to address clinical site issues.
- Acts with integrity in accordance with AbbVie code of business conduct and leadership values. Self-motivated individual focused on delivering timely and quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
See all 2,425+ OPT Research Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Associate
Target research-heavy employers with existing OPT pipelines
Universities, national labs, and biotech firms like Pfizer, Genentech, and NIH-affiliated institutions regularly hire OPT students. These employers have HR teams familiar with EAD cards and STEM extension requirements, reducing friction in the hiring process.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Research Associate roles often align with STEM-designated programs in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or data science. A 24-month STEM extension gives you significantly more runway than standard OPT, making you a lower-risk hire for employers considering future H-1B visa sponsorship.
Apply before your OPT start date is imminent
Research positions involve onboarding steps, background checks, and lab access approvals that take time. Starting your search three to four months before your current authorization expires gives employers enough lead time to move through their hiring process comfortably.
Highlight research output, not just lab skills
Publications, poster presentations, thesis chapters, and conference abstracts signal research independence to hiring managers. Employers sponsoring OPT want evidence you can contribute without constant supervision, so lead with outputs, not just the techniques you've used.
Ask directly about sponsorship willingness before investing in a long process
Research hiring cycles can stretch over several months. Confirming early in the process whether the employer can support your OPT period, and whether they have a history of H-1B sponsorship, saves time and avoids a difficult conversation at the offer stage.
Leverage your faculty and PI network for referrals
Principal investigators and faculty advisors frequently have industry connections at research organizations and biotech firms. A direct referral from a known researcher carries significant weight and often bypasses the initial screening where OPT status can become a concern.
Research Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Research Associate on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, you're authorized to work based on your F-1 status, not employer sponsorship. Your employer does not file anything with USCIS to start your OPT employment. For STEM OPT extensions, your employer does need to sign a formal training plan, but that is distinct from sponsoring a new visa.
Does a Research Associate role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree field, not the job title. If your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated program such as biochemistry, neuroscience, computer science, or data science, and the Research Associate role is directly related to that field, you will likely qualify. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your CIP code, not your job description.
Do Research Associate employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Many do, particularly in biotech, pharmaceutical companies, and university research settings. Research roles often require specialized advanced degrees, which can support an H-1B specialty occupation petition. Employers in these sectors tend to have immigration counsel on retainer and established sponsorship processes. Migrate Mate lists Research Associate positions at employers with known sponsorship histories.
What happens to my OPT if my research contract ends before my EAD expires?
You have a cumulative 90-day unemployment allowance during standard OPT, extended to 150 days if you are on a STEM extension. Research contracts and grant-funded positions do carry end-date risk, so tracking your unemployment days carefully matters. If a gap is approaching, search for your next role early rather than waiting for the contract to formally conclude.
Does part-time Research Associate work count toward my OPT requirements?
Yes, but only during pre-completion OPT. Post-completion OPT requires you to work at least 20 hours per week to remain in valid status. Part-time research positions at 20 hours or more satisfy this requirement. Positions under 20 hours per week count as unemployment days against your allowance, which can create compliance issues over a long job search.