OPT Research Director Jobs
Research Director roles are highly compatible with OPT authorization, including the 24-month STEM extension available to graduates in fields like social sciences, life sciences, and engineering. Most positions require a master's or doctoral degree, which works in your favor when demonstrating the specialty occupation standard employers need to support future H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The World’s Brightest Minds Always Innovate At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That’s why we provide world-class facilities, state-of-the-art technologies, extraordinary support, and a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve. Quite simply, at St. Jude, we encourage you to dream big and stop at nothing when it comes to finding cures and saving children.
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Researcher to join Dr. Aseem's laboratory within the Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dedicated researcher to contribute to innovative research focused on the design and synthesis of novel DNA-binding molecules with potential therapeutic applications. The successful candidate will have a strong background in organic chemistry, with demonstrated experience in imidazole/pyrrole polyamide synthesis. This role involves the multi-step synthesis and characterization of complex heterobifunctional molecules and will be carried out as part of a collaborative research team led by a senior PhD chemist. Strong attention to detail, scientific rigor, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment are essential for success in this position.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs laboratory experiments as directed using specific and prescribed techniques/protocols.
- Follows basic protocols, implementing experimental techniques prescribed by supervisor and providing basic troubleshooting where appropriate.
- Accurately records experimental procedures and data.
- May draft results/data for posters, presentations or publications.
- Operates lab equipment.
- Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:
Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
No experience required.
COMPENSATION
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $24.00 - $42.00 per hour for the role of Researcher - Aseem's Lab. Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
INTRODUCTION
The World’s Brightest Minds Always Innovate At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we know what can be achieved when the brightest scientific minds face the fewest barriers. That’s why we provide world-class facilities, state-of-the-art technologies, extraordinary support, and a collaborative, bench-to-bedside environment where you can see, firsthand, how your science translates into survival for the children we serve. Quite simply, at St. Jude, we encourage you to dream big and stop at nothing when it comes to finding cures and saving children.
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Researcher to join Dr. Aseem's laboratory within the Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dedicated researcher to contribute to innovative research focused on the design and synthesis of novel DNA-binding molecules with potential therapeutic applications. The successful candidate will have a strong background in organic chemistry, with demonstrated experience in imidazole/pyrrole polyamide synthesis. This role involves the multi-step synthesis and characterization of complex heterobifunctional molecules and will be carried out as part of a collaborative research team led by a senior PhD chemist. Strong attention to detail, scientific rigor, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment are essential for success in this position.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs laboratory experiments as directed using specific and prescribed techniques/protocols.
- Follows basic protocols, implementing experimental techniques prescribed by supervisor and providing basic troubleshooting where appropriate.
- Accurately records experimental procedures and data.
- May draft results/data for posters, presentations or publications.
- Operates lab equipment.
- Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:
Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
No experience required.
COMPENSATION
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $24.00 - $42.00 per hour for the role of Researcher - Aseem's Lab. Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Research Director
Lead with your research credentials upfront
Research Director roles are credential-heavy. Highlight your graduate degree, published work, and funded projects in your first contact with employers. Hiring committees evaluate academic pedigree early, so front-loading your qualifications removes friction before OPT even comes up.
Target institutions with established OPT hiring pipelines
Universities, research hospitals, think tanks, and federal contractors hire OPT students regularly and have HR teams familiar with the process. These employers are far less likely to withdraw an offer due to authorization questions than companies encountering OPT for the first time.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility before applying
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, confirm your eligibility for the 24-month extension before interviews. Being able to tell an employer you have up to three years of work authorization significantly improves your chances of advancing past initial screening conversations.
Position H-1B sponsorship as a low-friction next step
Research Director candidates often hold doctoral degrees in specialty fields, which makes H-1B visa eligibility straightforward. Frame future sponsorship as a simple continuation of your employment, not an unknown risk. Employers are more receptive when you can explain the process with confidence.
Document your research impact with measurable outcomes
Grants secured, studies published, teams managed, and programs built all signal leadership capacity. Quantifying your research impact reduces employer hesitation about sponsoring someone in a senior role. Numbers and outcomes outperform job descriptions when you're asking an employer to invest in your visa.
Engage your university's international office proactively
Your DSO can provide employer support letters, answer HR questions directly, and help prevent misunderstandings about OPT conditions. Connecting your prospective employer with your international office early removes the most common reason research institutions delay or cancel OPT job offers.
Research Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Research Director on OPT?
Yes, Research Director roles are fully eligible for OPT work authorization as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Because this is a senior leadership role, your degree should align with the research domain you'll be directing. A public health graduate directing epidemiological research, for example, satisfies the relatedness requirement without issue.
Does a Research Director role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program, such as data science, biomedical engineering, or computer science, and your Research Director role applies that training, you're eligible for the 24-month STEM extension. The extension is tied to your CIP code, so verify your program's designation with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
What types of employers hire Research Directors on OPT?
Universities, research hospitals, government-affiliated research centers, think tanks, and large corporations with dedicated R&D divisions are the most common. These organizations hire OPT students with enough regularity that their HR and legal teams understand the authorization requirements. You can browse Research Director roles open to OPT candidates on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for visa-friendly employers.
Will employers see a Research Director as too senior a role to sponsor?
Not typically. Research Director positions usually require advanced degrees in a specific discipline, which makes them strong candidates for H-1B classification as specialty occupations. Employers in academia and research are accustomed to sponsoring senior scientists and program leaders. The key is demonstrating that your qualifications match the scope of the role, which makes the sponsorship case straightforward for their legal team.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my employer completes H-1B sponsorship?
If you're on STEM OPT and your employer files an H-1B before October 1 of the cap year, you may be eligible for a 60-day cap-gap extension that bridges your authorization through the H-1B start date. Plan your OPT end date carefully relative to the H-1B lottery timeline. Your DSO can confirm whether cap-gap applies to your situation and issue an updated I-20 if needed.