OPT Research Coordinator Jobs
Research Coordinator roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, particularly those with degrees in life sciences, public health, social sciences, or psychology. Most positions qualify under STEM OPT extension eligibility when the degree field aligns. Your 12-month OPT window is enough to establish yourself in a lab or study team.
See All OPT Research Coordinator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 604+ Research Coordinator jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 604+ Research Coordinator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Coordinator roles.
Get Access To All JobsOverview:
The Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University is a national leader in Food is Medicine research focused on nutrition security, chronic disease prevention, and equitable food systems. Our work bridges public health, clinical research, and community practice to generate evidence that informs real-world solutions.
The Research Coordinator will play a central role in the NOURISH Study (Nutrition intervention Optimization to better Utilize Resources and Support Health) - a multi-year NIH-funded research study testing innovative, culturally responsive nutrition interventions delivered through the charitable food system. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about public health, community-based research, and improving access to nutritious food.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
This is a grant-funded and 5 year limited-term position, eligible for renewal based upon performance and continued funding. This position is located in Dallas, Texas.
Under the close supervision of the Principal Investigator (Dr. Kelseanna Hollis-Hansen) and project leadership, the Research Coordinator supports the day-to-day implementation of a large, community-based human subjects research study. The Research Coordinator conducts participant-facing research activities, ensures accurate and ethical data collection, supports study logistics, and collaborates closely with community partners.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with participants, values research rigor, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven research environment.
- Conduct participant recruitment, eligibility screening, scheduling, and enrollment in Dallas, Texas. This includes explaining study procedures and obtaining informed consent in accordance with human subjects protections.
- Collect quantitative and qualitative study data, including administering questionnaires and dietary assessments; measuring height and weight using standardized protocols; assisting with rapid clinical data collection (e.g., HbA1c, blood pressure) following training.
- This includes reading, understanding, and consistently following IRB-approved study protocols and procedures and providing participant support during in-person study visits, ensuring a respectful, culturally responsive, and welcoming experience.
- Carefully record study data for each participant and enter information into research database (e.g., REDCap).
- Assist with recruitment strategies and community outreach to increase participation in study.
- Assist with participant compensation, retention activities, and follow-up scheduling.
- Support preparation, translation, and distribution of study materials in English and Spanish.
- Maintain organized research records and contribute to data quality assurance activities.
- Participate in regular study team meetings and trainings.
- Perform other research-related duties as assigned to support study goals.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
- 1–2 years’ experience in community organization and/or research setting.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build rapport with diverse participants.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection.
- Ability to follow protocols and work within regulatory and ethical research frameworks.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools, including, but not limited to PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams, to support research operations.
- Experience with or willingness to learn data systems such as REDCap.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Comfortable working in community settings (e.g., food pantries, schools, places of worship, parks, etc.).
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in public health, nutrition, social sciences, health sciences, or related field preferred.
- Experience with human subjects research and data collection.
- Experience with customer-facing or customer service role.
Special Work Schedule Requirements:
This is a hybrid position expected to be on-site 4 days per week in DALLAS, TEXAS at our community partner locations (4500 S Cockrell Hill Rd, Dallas, TX 75236; 3662 W Camp Wisdom Rd, Dallas, TX 75237; 14040 Rolling Hills Ln, Dallas, TX 75240).
SALARY RANGE:
Minimum $22.50, Midpoint $26.80, Maximum $31.10
Overview:
The Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University is a national leader in Food is Medicine research focused on nutrition security, chronic disease prevention, and equitable food systems. Our work bridges public health, clinical research, and community practice to generate evidence that informs real-world solutions.
The Research Coordinator will play a central role in the NOURISH Study (Nutrition intervention Optimization to better Utilize Resources and Support Health) - a multi-year NIH-funded research study testing innovative, culturally responsive nutrition interventions delivered through the charitable food system. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about public health, community-based research, and improving access to nutritious food.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
This is a grant-funded and 5 year limited-term position, eligible for renewal based upon performance and continued funding. This position is located in Dallas, Texas.
Under the close supervision of the Principal Investigator (Dr. Kelseanna Hollis-Hansen) and project leadership, the Research Coordinator supports the day-to-day implementation of a large, community-based human subjects research study. The Research Coordinator conducts participant-facing research activities, ensures accurate and ethical data collection, supports study logistics, and collaborates closely with community partners.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with participants, values research rigor, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven research environment.
- Conduct participant recruitment, eligibility screening, scheduling, and enrollment in Dallas, Texas. This includes explaining study procedures and obtaining informed consent in accordance with human subjects protections.
- Collect quantitative and qualitative study data, including administering questionnaires and dietary assessments; measuring height and weight using standardized protocols; assisting with rapid clinical data collection (e.g., HbA1c, blood pressure) following training.
- This includes reading, understanding, and consistently following IRB-approved study protocols and procedures and providing participant support during in-person study visits, ensuring a respectful, culturally responsive, and welcoming experience.
- Carefully record study data for each participant and enter information into research database (e.g., REDCap).
- Assist with recruitment strategies and community outreach to increase participation in study.
- Assist with participant compensation, retention activities, and follow-up scheduling.
- Support preparation, translation, and distribution of study materials in English and Spanish.
- Maintain organized research records and contribute to data quality assurance activities.
- Participate in regular study team meetings and trainings.
- Perform other research-related duties as assigned to support study goals.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
- 1–2 years’ experience in community organization and/or research setting.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build rapport with diverse participants.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection.
- Ability to follow protocols and work within regulatory and ethical research frameworks.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools, including, but not limited to PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams, to support research operations.
- Experience with or willingness to learn data systems such as REDCap.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Comfortable working in community settings (e.g., food pantries, schools, places of worship, parks, etc.).
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in public health, nutrition, social sciences, health sciences, or related field preferred.
- Experience with human subjects research and data collection.
- Experience with customer-facing or customer service role.
Special Work Schedule Requirements:
This is a hybrid position expected to be on-site 4 days per week in DALLAS, TEXAS at our community partner locations (4500 S Cockrell Hill Rd, Dallas, TX 75236; 3662 W Camp Wisdom Rd, Dallas, TX 75237; 14040 Rolling Hills Ln, Dallas, TX 75240).
SALARY RANGE:
Minimum $22.50, Midpoint $26.80, Maximum $31.10
See all 604+ OPT Research Coordinator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Coordinator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Coordinator
Target universities and academic medical centers first
Universities and hospital-affiliated research institutions hire Research Coordinators regularly and have established processes for OPT work authorization. Their HR teams understand F-1 status better than most private employers, which reduces friction during onboarding.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
If your degree is in biology, public health, psychology, or a related field, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you can communicate this to employers confidently during interviews.
Lead with your research methods skills, not your visa status
Employers prioritize candidates who can manage IRB protocols, coordinate participant recruitment, and maintain data integrity. Demonstrating technical competency in REDCap, SPSS, or clinical trial software positions you as a strong hire before visa conversations begin.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Research Coordinator roles often have multi-week onboarding requirements tied to IRB training and protocol certifications. Starting your job search 60 to 90 days before your OPT authorization begins gives employers enough runway to complete hiring paperwork.
Get your EAD card details ready before you apply
Many research institutions require work authorization documentation before extending an offer. Have your EAD card number, expiration date, and I-20 readily available. Some federal grant-funded positions also require confirming your authorization category upfront.
Look for NIH, NSF, or federally funded study teams
Grant-funded research programs often have dedicated HR support familiar with international hiring. Principal investigators at federally funded labs are more likely to have sponsored international staff before, making them less hesitant about OPT timelines and future H-1B visa pathways.
Research Coordinator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Research Coordinator on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Research Coordinator roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your degree field. A public health graduate coordinating clinical studies or a psychology graduate managing behavioral research trials both meet the practical training requirement. Your DSO can confirm the connection between your specific role and your degree.
Do Research Coordinator jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, depending on your degree. If you hold a degree in biology, neuroscience, public health, epidemiology, or another STEM-designated field, and your Research Coordinator role involves scientific or technical work, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Check whether your degree's CIP code appears on the official STEM OPT designated degree program list maintained by DHS.
How do I find Research Coordinator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Browse Research Coordinator listings on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship. University job portals and academic medical center career pages are also worth checking directly, as these institutions hire Research Coordinators frequently and are generally familiar with F-1 work authorization requirements.
Will Research Coordinator employers sponsor an H-1B visa after OPT ends?
It depends on the employer. Universities and large hospital systems with established international hiring programs are more likely to support H-1B sponsorship than small private research firms. Research Coordinator positions typically qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B if the role requires a degree in a specific scientific or health-related field, which strengthens the sponsorship case.
What should I do if my OPT expires before a new position starts?
If you're between jobs, you have a 60-day unemployment grace period from your last day of employment, not from your OPT start date. You cannot work during this window, but you can continue your job search. If your OPT end date is approaching, talk to your DSO immediately about STEM extension filing timelines or other status options before the authorization lapses.