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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Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
Join Us as a Senior Clinical Research Associate (Level I/II) – Make an Impact at the Forefront of Innovation
We have successfully supported the top 50 pharmaceutical companies and more than 750 biotechs, spanning 2,700 clinical trials across 100+ countries in the last 5 years.
As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to perform and coordinate all aspects of the clinical monitoring and site management process. As a Senior Clinical Research Associate (Level I), you'll conduct remote or on-site visits to assess protocol and regulatory compliance and manage required documentation. You will manage procedures and guidelines from different sponsors and/or monitoring environments (i.e., FSO, FSP, Government, etc.). Acting as a site processes specialist, you will ensure that the trial is conducted in accordance with the approved protocol, ICH-GCP guidelines, applicable regulations, and SOPs to guarantee subjects' rights, well-being, and data reliability. You will ensure audit readiness and develop collaborative relationships with investigational sites. Detailed tasks and responsibilities assigned to your role are outlined in the task matrix.
What You’ll Do:
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Monitors investigator sites with a risk-based monitoring approach applies root cause analysis (RCA), critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify site processes failure and corrective/preventive actions to bring the site into compliance and decrease risks. Ensures data accuracy through SDR, SDV and CRF review as applicable through on-site and remote monitoring activities. Assess investigational product through physical inventory and records review. Documents observations in reports and letters in a timely manner using approved business writing standards. Escalates observed deficiencies and issues to clinical management expeditiously and follow all issues through to resolution. May need to maintain regular contact between monitoring visits with investigative sites to confirm that the protocol is being followed, that previously identified issues are being resolved and that the data is being recorded in a timely manner. Conducts monitoring tasks in accordance with the approved monitoring plan. Participates in the investigator payment process. Ensures a shared responsibility with other project team members on issues/findings resolution. Investigates and follows-up on findings as applicable.
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Provides trial status tracking and progress update reports to the Clinical Team Manager (CTM) as required. Ensures study systems are updated per agreed study conventions (e.g. Clinical Trial Management System, CTMS). Performs QC check of reports generated from CTMS system where required.
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Participates in investigator meetings as necessary. Identifies potential investigators in collaboration with the client company to ensure the acceptability of qualified investigative sites. Initiates clinical trial sites according to the relevant procedures to ensure compliance with the protocol and regulatory and ICH GCP obligations, making recommendations where warranted. Ensures trial close out and retrieval of trial materials.
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Ensures that required essential documents are complete and in place, according to ICH-GCP and applicable regulations. Conducts on-site file reviews as per project specifications.
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Contributes to the project team by assisting in preparation of project publications/tools, and sharing ideas/suggestions with team members. Performs additional study tasks as assigned by CTM (e.g. trip report review, newsletter creation, lead CRA team calls etc).
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Facilitates effective communication between investigative sites, the client company and the PPD project team through written, oral and/or electronic contacts.
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Responds to company, client and applicable regulatory requirements/audits/inspections.
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Maintains & completes administrative tasks such as expense reports and timesheets in a timely manner.
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Contributes to other project work and initiatives for process improvement, as required.
Education and Experience Requirements:
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Bachelor's degree in a life sciences related field or a Registered Nursing certification or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification.
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Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 2+ years as a clinical research monitor).
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Valid driver's license where applicable.
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In some cases an equivalency, consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience, will be considered sufficient for an individual to meet the requirements of the role.
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Multiple Options available in either Medical Devices OR Oncology.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Effective clinical monitoring skills.
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Demonstrated understanding of medical/therapeutic area knowledge and medical terminology.
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Excellent understanding and demonstrated application of ICH GCPs, applicable regulations and procedural documents.
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Well-developed critical thinking skills, including but not limited to critical mindset, in-depth investigation for appropriate root cause analysis and problem solving.
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Ability to manage Risk Based Monitoring concepts and processes.
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Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with medical personnel.
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Ability to maintain customer focus through the utilization of good listening skills, attention to detail and the ability to perceive customers’ underlying issues.
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Effective interpersonal skills.
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Strong attention to detail.
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Effective organizational and time management skills.
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Ability to remain flexible and adaptable in a wide range of scenarios.
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Ability to work in a team or independently as required.
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Good computer skills: proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn appropriate software.
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Good English language and grammar skills.
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Good presentation skills.
Working Conditions and Environment:
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Work is performed in an office/laboratory/clinical/and/or home office environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
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Frequent drives to site locations. Frequent travel, generally 60-80% but more for some individuals.
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May also include extended overnight stays.
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Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.
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Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves.
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Exposure to fluctuating and/or extreme temperatures on rare occasions.
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Must be able to comply with specific sponsor/client/site requirements, even if not required by Thermo Fisher Scientific (e.g., disclosure of vaccination status, or other personal information). On some occasions, this information may be required to be provided directly to sponsor/client/site.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in Indiana is $88,600.00–$144,900.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
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A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs.
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Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
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At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy.
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Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
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Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
See all 7,653+ OPT Research Associate Jobs
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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.