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 JobsINTRODUCTION
The laboratory of Dr. Kai Zhou at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging seeks a hands-on mass spectrometry scientist or postdoctoral researcher to establish and operate a structural mass spectrometry platform. We welcome candidates with expertise in native mass spectrometry, crosslinking mass spectrometry, HDX-MS, or intact-protein/top-down analysis. Our laboratory investigates how protein structure, interactions, and assembly change with aging and disease. Projects include intrinsically disordered proteins (IDR/IDPs), protein complexes, and ribosomes. The successful candidate will take substantial ownership of instrument operation, method development, data quality, and biological interpretation. The role offers opportunities to develop new workflows and pursue scientific questions in collaboration with protein biochemists, structural biologists, and computational researchers.
LOCATION
Location: Novato, CA (on-site)
Responsibilities
- Establish, optimize, and run structural-MS workflows, including low-flow LC for bottom-up proteomics and crosslinking, and a separate LC workflow for intact-protein and native MS analysis
- Develop native-MS and/or crosslinking-MS methods to characterize protein-complex composition, stoichiometry, interactions, and structural changes. Explore intact-complex analysis and complex-down MS workflows where experimentally feasible
- Prepare and evaluate samples, including buffer exchange, desalting, crosslinking, digestion, and enrichment as appropriate; optimize native SEC or rapid online buffer exchange while assessing sample integrity and complex stability
- Optimize ionization, ion transmission, precursor isolation, and fragmentation for heterogeneous proteins and assemblies; assess instrument performance, troubleshoot problems, and coordinate maintenance and training with vendor specialists
- Establish quality-control standards, reproducible protocols, and reliable workflows for increasing sample throughput, including automated or unattended acquisition, batch QC, carryover checks, and reproducible switching between native and denaturing analyses
- Analyze and interpret spectra with appropriate controls, uncertainty assessment, and validation; distinguish solution-state interactions from source-induced dissociation or adducts and assess crosslink identifications and proteoform/PTM assignments as appropriate
- Maintain clear experimental records and organize raw data, analysis files, and protocols
- Collaborate on experimental design, train colleagues, and contribute to publications and consortium deliverables
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or a related discipline. Experienced master’s-level applicants with substantial independent instrument-operation and method-development experience may be considered for an appropriate staff appointment
- Demonstrated hands-on operation of a high-resolution mass spectrometer, including acquisition-method setup, performance assessment, and troubleshooting
- Substantial practical expertise in at least one of the following: native MS, crosslinking MS, HDX-MS, or intact-protein/top-down MS
- Experience connecting sample preparation, acquisition settings, data analysis, and experimental controls to reliable conclusions
- Strong scientific reasoning, careful documentation, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Native electrospray, native MS, intact-protein/top-down or complex-down analysis, or multistage fragmentation
- Crosslinker selection, reaction optimization, enrichment, crosslinked-peptide identification, and false-discovery-rate assessment
- Recombinant protein purification, sample-integrity assessment, and troubleshooting aggregation or heterogeneity
- Analysis of disordered proteins, heterogeneous assemblies, or ribonucleoprotein complexes
- Workflow automation, quantitative analysis, or scripting for reproducible data processing; familiarity with crosslinking or proteoform-analysis software. Experience supporting complementary bottom-up proteomics or metabolomics applications is also welcome
Candidates need not have experience in every listed technique. We value demonstrated depth, ownership, and the ability to learn complementary approaches.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Annual salary range: $75,920 - $85,500, commensurate with qualifications and experience
- Generous benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, vacation/sick, and 401(k) with 5% employer match
- Visa sponsorship (J visa) is available for this position
ABOUT THE BUCK INSTITUTE
Our success will ultimately change healthcare. At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations by bringing together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede how we age. We are an independent, non-profit institution located in Marin County, CA, with the goal of increasing human healthspan, or the healthy years of life. Globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging—the number one risk factor for diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes—the Buck seeks to help people live better longer. We are an equal-opportunity employer and strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background is welcomed, valued, and supported. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY
- Please submit a CV, a brief cover letter, and contact information for three references
- Postdoctoral applicants, please include your completed or expected PhD date
- In your cover letter, describe one representative MS project and specify:
+ The instrument and techniques you used
+ Which sample-preparation, acquisition, troubleshooting, and analysis steps you personally performed
+ A technical problem you solved and how you verified the solution
+ Your scientific contribution and the resulting publication, method, dataset, or operational improvement
INTRODUCTION
The laboratory of Dr. Kai Zhou at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging seeks a hands-on mass spectrometry scientist or postdoctoral researcher to establish and operate a structural mass spectrometry platform. We welcome candidates with expertise in native mass spectrometry, crosslinking mass spectrometry, HDX-MS, or intact-protein/top-down analysis. Our laboratory investigates how protein structure, interactions, and assembly change with aging and disease. Projects include intrinsically disordered proteins (IDR/IDPs), protein complexes, and ribosomes. The successful candidate will take substantial ownership of instrument operation, method development, data quality, and biological interpretation. The role offers opportunities to develop new workflows and pursue scientific questions in collaboration with protein biochemists, structural biologists, and computational researchers.
LOCATION
Location: Novato, CA (on-site)
Responsibilities
- Establish, optimize, and run structural-MS workflows, including low-flow LC for bottom-up proteomics and crosslinking, and a separate LC workflow for intact-protein and native MS analysis
- Develop native-MS and/or crosslinking-MS methods to characterize protein-complex composition, stoichiometry, interactions, and structural changes. Explore intact-complex analysis and complex-down MS workflows where experimentally feasible
- Prepare and evaluate samples, including buffer exchange, desalting, crosslinking, digestion, and enrichment as appropriate; optimize native SEC or rapid online buffer exchange while assessing sample integrity and complex stability
- Optimize ionization, ion transmission, precursor isolation, and fragmentation for heterogeneous proteins and assemblies; assess instrument performance, troubleshoot problems, and coordinate maintenance and training with vendor specialists
- Establish quality-control standards, reproducible protocols, and reliable workflows for increasing sample throughput, including automated or unattended acquisition, batch QC, carryover checks, and reproducible switching between native and denaturing analyses
- Analyze and interpret spectra with appropriate controls, uncertainty assessment, and validation; distinguish solution-state interactions from source-induced dissociation or adducts and assess crosslink identifications and proteoform/PTM assignments as appropriate
- Maintain clear experimental records and organize raw data, analysis files, and protocols
- Collaborate on experimental design, train colleagues, and contribute to publications and consortium deliverables
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or a related discipline. Experienced master’s-level applicants with substantial independent instrument-operation and method-development experience may be considered for an appropriate staff appointment
- Demonstrated hands-on operation of a high-resolution mass spectrometer, including acquisition-method setup, performance assessment, and troubleshooting
- Substantial practical expertise in at least one of the following: native MS, crosslinking MS, HDX-MS, or intact-protein/top-down MS
- Experience connecting sample preparation, acquisition settings, data analysis, and experimental controls to reliable conclusions
- Strong scientific reasoning, careful documentation, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Native electrospray, native MS, intact-protein/top-down or complex-down analysis, or multistage fragmentation
- Crosslinker selection, reaction optimization, enrichment, crosslinked-peptide identification, and false-discovery-rate assessment
- Recombinant protein purification, sample-integrity assessment, and troubleshooting aggregation or heterogeneity
- Analysis of disordered proteins, heterogeneous assemblies, or ribonucleoprotein complexes
- Workflow automation, quantitative analysis, or scripting for reproducible data processing; familiarity with crosslinking or proteoform-analysis software. Experience supporting complementary bottom-up proteomics or metabolomics applications is also welcome
Candidates need not have experience in every listed technique. We value demonstrated depth, ownership, and the ability to learn complementary approaches.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Annual salary range: $75,920 - $85,500, commensurate with qualifications and experience
- Generous benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, vacation/sick, and 401(k) with 5% employer match
- Visa sponsorship (J visa) is available for this position
ABOUT THE BUCK INSTITUTE
Our success will ultimately change healthcare. At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations by bringing together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede how we age. We are an independent, non-profit institution located in Marin County, CA, with the goal of increasing human healthspan, or the healthy years of life. Globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging—the number one risk factor for diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes—the Buck seeks to help people live better longer. We are an equal-opportunity employer and strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background is welcomed, valued, and supported. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY
- Please submit a CV, a brief cover letter, and contact information for three references
- Postdoctoral applicants, please include your completed or expected PhD date
- In your cover letter, describe one representative MS project and specify:
+ The instrument and techniques you used
+ Which sample-preparation, acquisition, troubleshooting, and analysis steps you personally performed
+ A technical problem you solved and how you verified the solution
+ Your scientific contribution and the resulting publication, method, dataset, or operational improvement
See all 248+ 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.