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.
Find OPT Research Associate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 8,813+ Research Associate jobs
See all 8,813+ Research Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Associate roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
NYU Grossman School of Medicine is one of the nation’s top-ranked medical schools. For 175 years, NYU Grossman School of Medicine has trained thousands of physicians and scientists who have helped to shape the course of medical history and enrich the lives of countless people. An integral part of NYU Langone Health, the Grossman School of Medicine at its core is committed to improving the human condition through medical education, scientific research, and direct patient care. At NYU Langone Health, equity and inclusion are fundamental values. We strive to be a place where our exceptionally talented faculty, staff, and students of all identities can thrive. We embrace inclusion and individual skills, ideas, and knowledge.
Position Summary:
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Data Associate.
In this role, the successful candidate is responsible for providing direct data and/or clinical research in support of clinical trials, studies, and general research under direct supervision. Works with School of Medicine and Medical Center staff and departments, including Directors, Managers, Clinical Information Systems, Research Nursing, and Regulatory Services. May also interface with patients and their families.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Interacts with patient/subject and families in a courteous and professional manner. Collaborates with various personnel that may be involved in assisting with specific aspects in the study.
- Gathers, properly packages, stores, and transfers slides, samples, and other important materials. Coordinates the shipment and transfer of varied types of materials among the various departments and labs.
- May complete assessments on study subjects/patients per protocol (with proper training); continue to follow-through with items and patients as part of research study. May (if proper training has occurred) draw patients/subjects blood, perform EKG, and/or take vital signs. May be required to travel to study initiation (that is, where sponsor teaches protocol to PI and CRC).
- Ensures protocol compliance. Follows standard steps regarding eligibility criteria, follow-up process, and documentation.
- Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures of the host institution where the study is being conducted, including the regulatory requirements such as IRB and other approvals if necessary.
- Under supervision, acts as an internal auditor during quarterly internal audits for other studies, is aware of study regulatory status, and keeps an up-to-date copy of regulatory documents.
- Initiates and continues regular contact with patients; encourages visit reminders and compliance to research; ensures contact with patients and their families is courteous, effective, professional, and cooperative.
- Utilizes established methodologies to collect patient information for the research project(s); gathers and compiles data, statistics, and other materials as needed. Inputs clinical and non-clinical data into the database and/or case report forms. With guidance, extracts data for publications, or provides data collection from outside physicians' offices. May perform library searches and retrieve reference materials from various sources; request articles from medical journals.
- Compiles data and assists in consolidating data for presentation to sponsoring and regulatory agencies. Reviews data with supervisor and then provides reports to all parties (e.g., data and safety monitoring committee, the principal investigator, sponsoring agency, etc.) on the progress of the study.
- Recruits and screens potential patients/subjects for eligibility to the study.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To qualify you must have an Associate’s degree plus one year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Computer literate with good interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in science, public health, health education, or a related field. Prior experience in healthcare settings and/or research level interviews.
Prior patient education experience.
Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine provides its staff with far more than just a place to work. Rather, we are an institution you can be proud of, an institution where you’ll feel good about devoting your time and your talents. At NYU Langone Health, we are committed to supporting our workforce and their loved ones with a comprehensive benefits and wellness package. Our offerings provide a robust support system for any stage of life, whether it’s developing your career, starting a family, or saving for retirement. The support employees receive goes beyond a standard benefit offering, where employees have access to financial security benefits, a generous time-off program, and employee resources groups for peer support. Additionally, all employees have access to our holistic employee wellness program, which focuses on seven key areas of well-being: physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, social, financial, and preventive care. The benefits and wellness package is designed to allow you to focus on what truly matters. Join us and experience the extensive resources and services designed to enhance your overall quality of life for you and your family.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and committed to inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration. We require applications to be completed online.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $53,797.96 – $53,797.97 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay, or other forms of compensation or benefits.
LOCATION
Facility: NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Shift: Day
Schedule: Monday-Friday; 9:00AM-5:00PM
Department: Research, Neurology-Cognitive Division (S430), NYU Grossman School of Medicine
ABOUT NYU LANGONE HEALTH
Be Where Everyone Is Dedicated to Exceptional Care
NYU Langone is a world-class, patient-centered, integrated academic health system with Magnet®-recognized status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Our trifold mission to care, teach, and discover is achieved daily through NYU Langone’s inclusive culture devoted to excellence across the organization. Here, you can advance your career supported by exceptionally talented faculty and staff in an environment where everyone works together to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.
OUR HIRING PROCESS
Joining Our Team
Get ready to start your career journey at NYU Langone, where cutting-edge research meets compassionate care, and discover how you can contribute to shaping the future of medicine.
Step 1
Apply Online
The NYU Langone hiring process begins with you applying through our online portal. Be sure to update and upload your resume. Shortly after you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. Ten days after applying you will receive a talent assessment to be completed.
Step 2
Schedule Interviews
If selected to continue the interview process, HR will reach out via phone or email first. Then, depending on your position, they will schedule an interview with unit managers or team members. You are encouraged to dress professionally for all interviews.
Step 3
Receive Offer
If you successfully complete the interview process and are identified as a finalist for the position, we will require that you complete a professional reference process. After evaluating the completed references, a decision will be made on who will receive a preliminary offer. If you receive a preliminary offer, HR will start the onboarding process with an agreed-upon tentative start date.
Step 4
Training & Orientation
You will be contacted by an onboarding specialist who will work with you on your pre-boarding requirements. Once fully cleared, we will ask you to complete compliance orientation regulatory training. On your first day, you will attend an online required orientation to acclimate to the health system and report to your new department based on instructions provided by your hiring manager.
INTRODUCTION
NYU Grossman School of Medicine is one of the nation’s top-ranked medical schools. For 175 years, NYU Grossman School of Medicine has trained thousands of physicians and scientists who have helped to shape the course of medical history and enrich the lives of countless people. An integral part of NYU Langone Health, the Grossman School of Medicine at its core is committed to improving the human condition through medical education, scientific research, and direct patient care. At NYU Langone Health, equity and inclusion are fundamental values. We strive to be a place where our exceptionally talented faculty, staff, and students of all identities can thrive. We embrace inclusion and individual skills, ideas, and knowledge.
Position Summary:
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Data Associate.
In this role, the successful candidate is responsible for providing direct data and/or clinical research in support of clinical trials, studies, and general research under direct supervision. Works with School of Medicine and Medical Center staff and departments, including Directors, Managers, Clinical Information Systems, Research Nursing, and Regulatory Services. May also interface with patients and their families.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Interacts with patient/subject and families in a courteous and professional manner. Collaborates with various personnel that may be involved in assisting with specific aspects in the study.
- Gathers, properly packages, stores, and transfers slides, samples, and other important materials. Coordinates the shipment and transfer of varied types of materials among the various departments and labs.
- May complete assessments on study subjects/patients per protocol (with proper training); continue to follow-through with items and patients as part of research study. May (if proper training has occurred) draw patients/subjects blood, perform EKG, and/or take vital signs. May be required to travel to study initiation (that is, where sponsor teaches protocol to PI and CRC).
- Ensures protocol compliance. Follows standard steps regarding eligibility criteria, follow-up process, and documentation.
- Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures of the host institution where the study is being conducted, including the regulatory requirements such as IRB and other approvals if necessary.
- Under supervision, acts as an internal auditor during quarterly internal audits for other studies, is aware of study regulatory status, and keeps an up-to-date copy of regulatory documents.
- Initiates and continues regular contact with patients; encourages visit reminders and compliance to research; ensures contact with patients and their families is courteous, effective, professional, and cooperative.
- Utilizes established methodologies to collect patient information for the research project(s); gathers and compiles data, statistics, and other materials as needed. Inputs clinical and non-clinical data into the database and/or case report forms. With guidance, extracts data for publications, or provides data collection from outside physicians' offices. May perform library searches and retrieve reference materials from various sources; request articles from medical journals.
- Compiles data and assists in consolidating data for presentation to sponsoring and regulatory agencies. Reviews data with supervisor and then provides reports to all parties (e.g., data and safety monitoring committee, the principal investigator, sponsoring agency, etc.) on the progress of the study.
- Recruits and screens potential patients/subjects for eligibility to the study.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To qualify you must have an Associate’s degree plus one year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Computer literate with good interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in science, public health, health education, or a related field. Prior experience in healthcare settings and/or research level interviews.
Prior patient education experience.
Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine provides its staff with far more than just a place to work. Rather, we are an institution you can be proud of, an institution where you’ll feel good about devoting your time and your talents. At NYU Langone Health, we are committed to supporting our workforce and their loved ones with a comprehensive benefits and wellness package. Our offerings provide a robust support system for any stage of life, whether it’s developing your career, starting a family, or saving for retirement. The support employees receive goes beyond a standard benefit offering, where employees have access to financial security benefits, a generous time-off program, and employee resources groups for peer support. Additionally, all employees have access to our holistic employee wellness program, which focuses on seven key areas of well-being: physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, social, financial, and preventive care. The benefits and wellness package is designed to allow you to focus on what truly matters. Join us and experience the extensive resources and services designed to enhance your overall quality of life for you and your family.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and committed to inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration. We require applications to be completed online.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $53,797.96 – $53,797.97 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay, or other forms of compensation or benefits.
LOCATION
Facility: NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Shift: Day
Schedule: Monday-Friday; 9:00AM-5:00PM
Department: Research, Neurology-Cognitive Division (S430), NYU Grossman School of Medicine
ABOUT NYU LANGONE HEALTH
Be Where Everyone Is Dedicated to Exceptional Care
NYU Langone is a world-class, patient-centered, integrated academic health system with Magnet®-recognized status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Our trifold mission to care, teach, and discover is achieved daily through NYU Langone’s inclusive culture devoted to excellence across the organization. Here, you can advance your career supported by exceptionally talented faculty and staff in an environment where everyone works together to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.
OUR HIRING PROCESS
Joining Our Team
Get ready to start your career journey at NYU Langone, where cutting-edge research meets compassionate care, and discover how you can contribute to shaping the future of medicine.
Step 1
Apply Online
The NYU Langone hiring process begins with you applying through our online portal. Be sure to update and upload your resume. Shortly after you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. Ten days after applying you will receive a talent assessment to be completed.
Step 2
Schedule Interviews
If selected to continue the interview process, HR will reach out via phone or email first. Then, depending on your position, they will schedule an interview with unit managers or team members. You are encouraged to dress professionally for all interviews.
Step 3
Receive Offer
If you successfully complete the interview process and are identified as a finalist for the position, we will require that you complete a professional reference process. After evaluating the completed references, a decision will be made on who will receive a preliminary offer. If you receive a preliminary offer, HR will start the onboarding process with an agreed-upon tentative start date.
Step 4
Training & Orientation
You will be contacted by an onboarding specialist who will work with you on your pre-boarding requirements. Once fully cleared, we will ask you to complete compliance orientation regulatory training. On your first day, you will attend an online required orientation to acclimate to the health system and report to your new department based on instructions provided by your hiring manager.
See all 8,813+ 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.