OPT Research Data Scientist Jobs
Research Data Scientist roles qualify for OPT work authorization when your degree is in statistics, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related STEM field. Most positions also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience while you pursue long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is home to the Institute for Data Science in Oncology, a multidisciplinary program focused on applying data science and emerging technologies to improve safety, quality, and access in clinical care and operations. Within the Institute's surgical data science program, the Data Scientist - Operations Research supports translational research in image-guided surgery and collaborates closely with data scientists, engineers, clinicians, and scientific partners to advance innovative approaches in surgical care.
UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Data Scientist - Operations Research contributes to the development and clinical translation of advanced imaging, image analysis, and registration methods. The Data Scientist - Operations Research works with surgeons and collaborators across the institution, with primary areas of impact in orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery. The Data Scientist - Operations Research plays a key role in advancing computational approaches that support data-driven surgical care.
The ideal candidate has advanced education in science, engineering, computer science, statistics, computational biology, or a related field, with preference given to candidates holding a Master's or PhD degree. Preferred experience includes clinical operations and workflow analysis in surgery, radiology, or other clinical specialties, along with knowledge of patient safety factors, systems engineering, systems integration, requirements management, risk mitigation, programming in Python and/or Matlab, statistical analysis, and advanced data science techniques.
Why Us?
Join UT MD Anderson and contribute to transformative research that improves patient care, safety, quality, and operational efficiency. This role offers opportunities to collaborate with leading clinicians, engineers, and researchers while advancing innovative surgical data science initiatives. Team members benefit from meaningful work, professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports long-term career growth and personal well-being.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Clinical & Research Collaboration
- Collaborate with clinicians, engineers, data scientists, and scientific partners on surgical data science initiatives
- Work closely with surgeons and collaborators in orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, and related clinical specialties
- Assist supervisors and senior research staff with reports, grant requests, and research activities
- Provide consulting support to internal teams and external collaborators regarding data models, findings, and process improvements
Research & Experimental Design
- Plan and execute experiments and evaluate, interpret, and communicate study results
- Participate in the development and revision of research techniques and methodologies
- Assemble, operate, and support laboratory apparatus and equipment used in research activities
- Develop computational modeling approaches related to surgical data science
Data Acquisition & Clinical Systems
- Work with clinical hardware and software, including anesthesia systems, imaging platforms, surgical robots, and related technologies
- Capture and curate multidimensional data from healthcare environments
- Utilize healthcare information systems including electronic medical records, EPIC, PACS, and related clinical data sources
- Support development of new data science methods in surgery
Data Engineering & Analytics
- Create data tools for analytics and data science team members
- Design and maintain optimal data pipeline architecture
- Build systems for extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of data from diverse clinical data sources
- Develop analytics tools that generate actionable insights related to clinical workflow and operational efficiency
Leadership & Oversight
- Supervise technicians and provide guidance on assigned work activities
- Support requirements specification, management, and risk mitigation activities
- Participate in workflow analysis, process mapping, and systems integration efforts
- Perform other duties as assigned
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Required: Demonstrated experience with systems engineering, systems integration, workflow analysis, process mapping, human factors engineering, clinical data analysis, specification and management of requirements, risk management/mitigation, unsupervised learning, decision trees, A/B testing, and natural language processing
- Preferred: Knowledge and experience with computing/programming (Python and/or Matlab), statistical analysis, experience with clinical operations and workflow in surgery, radiology, or other areas of clinical medicine, and experience with factors affecting patient safety
Education
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Computational Biology, or related field.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Science, Engineering or related field.
- Preferred: PhD Science, Engineering or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 3 years Scientific software or industry development/analysis experience. or
- Required: 1 year Required experience with Master's degree. or
- Required: With PhD, no experience required.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 182325
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 106,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 133,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 159,500
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Soft
- Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
LI-Hybrid
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is home to the Institute for Data Science in Oncology, a multidisciplinary program focused on applying data science and emerging technologies to improve safety, quality, and access in clinical care and operations. Within the Institute's surgical data science program, the Data Scientist - Operations Research supports translational research in image-guided surgery and collaborates closely with data scientists, engineers, clinicians, and scientific partners to advance innovative approaches in surgical care.
UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Data Scientist - Operations Research contributes to the development and clinical translation of advanced imaging, image analysis, and registration methods. The Data Scientist - Operations Research works with surgeons and collaborators across the institution, with primary areas of impact in orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery. The Data Scientist - Operations Research plays a key role in advancing computational approaches that support data-driven surgical care.
The ideal candidate has advanced education in science, engineering, computer science, statistics, computational biology, or a related field, with preference given to candidates holding a Master's or PhD degree. Preferred experience includes clinical operations and workflow analysis in surgery, radiology, or other clinical specialties, along with knowledge of patient safety factors, systems engineering, systems integration, requirements management, risk mitigation, programming in Python and/or Matlab, statistical analysis, and advanced data science techniques.
Why Us?
Join UT MD Anderson and contribute to transformative research that improves patient care, safety, quality, and operational efficiency. This role offers opportunities to collaborate with leading clinicians, engineers, and researchers while advancing innovative surgical data science initiatives. Team members benefit from meaningful work, professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports long-term career growth and personal well-being.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Clinical & Research Collaboration
- Collaborate with clinicians, engineers, data scientists, and scientific partners on surgical data science initiatives
- Work closely with surgeons and collaborators in orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, and related clinical specialties
- Assist supervisors and senior research staff with reports, grant requests, and research activities
- Provide consulting support to internal teams and external collaborators regarding data models, findings, and process improvements
Research & Experimental Design
- Plan and execute experiments and evaluate, interpret, and communicate study results
- Participate in the development and revision of research techniques and methodologies
- Assemble, operate, and support laboratory apparatus and equipment used in research activities
- Develop computational modeling approaches related to surgical data science
Data Acquisition & Clinical Systems
- Work with clinical hardware and software, including anesthesia systems, imaging platforms, surgical robots, and related technologies
- Capture and curate multidimensional data from healthcare environments
- Utilize healthcare information systems including electronic medical records, EPIC, PACS, and related clinical data sources
- Support development of new data science methods in surgery
Data Engineering & Analytics
- Create data tools for analytics and data science team members
- Design and maintain optimal data pipeline architecture
- Build systems for extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of data from diverse clinical data sources
- Develop analytics tools that generate actionable insights related to clinical workflow and operational efficiency
Leadership & Oversight
- Supervise technicians and provide guidance on assigned work activities
- Support requirements specification, management, and risk mitigation activities
- Participate in workflow analysis, process mapping, and systems integration efforts
- Perform other duties as assigned
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Required: Demonstrated experience with systems engineering, systems integration, workflow analysis, process mapping, human factors engineering, clinical data analysis, specification and management of requirements, risk management/mitigation, unsupervised learning, decision trees, A/B testing, and natural language processing
- Preferred: Knowledge and experience with computing/programming (Python and/or Matlab), statistical analysis, experience with clinical operations and workflow in surgery, radiology, or other areas of clinical medicine, and experience with factors affecting patient safety
Education
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Computational Biology, or related field.
- Preferred: Master's Degree Science, Engineering or related field.
- Preferred: PhD Science, Engineering or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 3 years Scientific software or industry development/analysis experience. or
- Required: 1 year Required experience with Master's degree. or
- Required: With PhD, no experience required.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 182325
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 106,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 133,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 159,500
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Soft
- Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
LI-Hybrid
See all 673+ OPT Research Data Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Data Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Data Scientist
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers first
Focus your search on companies enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Research-heavy employers in tech, pharma, and finance are more likely to be enrolled and familiar with the extension process.
Align your degree field with the job description
STEM OPT eligibility depends on your role being directly related to your degree. Request a job description that explicitly references statistical modeling, machine learning, or data analysis to strengthen your I-983 training plan approval.
Start your STEM extension application 90 days early
USCIS recommends filing the STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Filing late risks a gap in work authorization, which most research employers cannot accommodate without pausing your employment.
Prepare a training plan that maps to actual research work
The I-983 requires your employer to outline specific learning objectives. Work with your hiring manager to document concrete goals around model development, experimental design, or data pipeline work before your DSO submits the form.
Prioritize employers with existing H-1B sponsorship track records
Research labs and data science teams at large technology and life sciences companies have established immigration processes. Employers who have sponsored H-1B visas before are significantly more likely to continue sponsoring after your OPT period ends.
Document your research contributions throughout OPT
Publications, conference presentations, and documented project outcomes strengthen future H-1B and O-1A petitions. Keeping a running record of your research impact from day one of OPT makes building your immigration case substantially easier later.
Research Data Scientist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Data Scientist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Research Data Scientist positions typically fall under CIP codes in computer science, statistics, or applied mathematics, all of which are on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your role must be directly related to your degree field, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Research Data Scientist jobs where the employer is open to OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters Research Data Scientist listings by OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility, so you're not wasting applications on employers who won't hire international students. Large research-focused employers in technology, healthcare, and financial services are the most common sponsors. Searching by industry on Migrate Mate narrows your list to roles where your work authorization is already expected.
Can I work as a Research Data Scientist at a university or nonprofit research lab on OPT?
Yes. Universities, federally funded research centers, and nonprofit laboratories regularly hire OPT students for research data science roles. These positions often align closely with your academic degree, which simplifies the I-983 training plan. However, confirm that the institution is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer if you plan to apply for the STEM OPT extension.
What happens to my OPT if my research contract ends before my authorization period expires?
You enter a 60-day grace period when your employment ends. During that window you can search for a new Research Data Scientist position, change employers, or take steps to change your immigration status. You cannot work during the grace period. Filing a STEM OPT extension before your initial OPT expires resets this clock, so timing your job search matters significantly.
Does presenting research at conferences or publishing papers count as unauthorized employment on OPT?
Unpaid academic activities like presenting at conferences, co-authoring papers, or peer reviewing are generally not considered employment under OPT regulations and do not require separate authorization. However, if you receive honoraria or other compensation, consult your DSO before accepting payment. Keeping these activities clearly separate from your primary OPT employment avoids complications with your work authorization status.