OPT Research Fellow Jobs
Research Fellow positions are among the most OPT-compatible roles available, with universities, research hospitals, and federal labs regularly hiring international students. Most positions align directly with STEM degree fields, extending your OPT authorization to 24 additional months and giving you time to transition toward long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsWe are looking for highly motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative candidates with strong writing and verbal communication skills to join our research team. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently with minimal supervision within a multidisciplinary, diverse group, and have experience with whole-cell patch electrophysiology and preparation of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. This postdoctoral position offers early-career researchers the chance to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, learn cutting-edge techniques, and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in their area of expertise.
Position Summary:
A biomedical postdoc position provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in their field of expertise.
Position Key Accountabilities:
-
Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications describing results.
-
Assists in training and mentoring of lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
-
Reads and evaluates literature.
-
Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
-
Have strong written and oral communication skills.
-
Performs other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Doctoral/Terminal Degree
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A recent PhD or equivalent in biology or a related scientific field, or candidates who are soon to complete their PhD.
- We are looking for highly self-motivated and collaborative quick learners to join us.
- Experience in one or more of the following is required: whole cell patch electrophysiology, isolation of DRG neurons, isolation and culture of satellite glial cells.
- Development of new projects for possible grant proposal submission and collaboration with other faculty members are strongly encouraged.
Physical Requirements:
Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
SECURITY SENSITIVE:
This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.
This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.
What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.
Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:
- 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
- Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
- The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
- Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!
We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...
- Free financial and legal counseling
- Free mental health counseling services
- Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
- Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
- Resources for child and elder care
- Plus many more!
We are looking for highly motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative candidates with strong writing and verbal communication skills to join our research team. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently with minimal supervision within a multidisciplinary, diverse group, and have experience with whole-cell patch electrophysiology and preparation of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. This postdoctoral position offers early-career researchers the chance to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, learn cutting-edge techniques, and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in their area of expertise.
Position Summary:
A biomedical postdoc position provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in their field of expertise.
Position Key Accountabilities:
-
Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications describing results.
-
Assists in training and mentoring of lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
-
Reads and evaluates literature.
-
Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
-
Have strong written and oral communication skills.
-
Performs other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Doctoral/Terminal Degree
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A recent PhD or equivalent in biology or a related scientific field, or candidates who are soon to complete their PhD.
- We are looking for highly self-motivated and collaborative quick learners to join us.
- Experience in one or more of the following is required: whole cell patch electrophysiology, isolation of DRG neurons, isolation and culture of satellite glial cells.
- Development of new projects for possible grant proposal submission and collaboration with other faculty members are strongly encouraged.
Physical Requirements:
Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
SECURITY SENSITIVE:
This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.
This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.
What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.
Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:
- 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
- Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
- The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
- Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!
We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...
- Free financial and legal counseling
- Free mental health counseling services
- Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
- Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
- Resources for child and elder care
- Plus many more!
See all 665+ OPT Research Fellow Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Fellow Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Research Fellow
Target STEM-designated programs first
Research Fellow roles tied to STEM CIP codes qualify for 24-month OPT extensions. Confirm your degree field appears on the STEM OPT list before applying, since this directly determines how much authorized work time you have.
Verify your employer is E-Verify enrolled
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm enrollment before accepting an offer. Most universities and research institutions are already enrolled, but smaller private labs sometimes are not.
Ask about mentorship and training plans early
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan (Form I-983) signed by your employer. Raise this in the offer stage, not after. Research-focused supervisors are typically familiar with this requirement and expect the conversation.
Prioritize institutions with established international hiring
Universities, national laboratories, and research hospitals regularly sponsor H-1B visa and O-1 visas for Research Fellows. Institutions with existing international researchers on staff understand the process and are far more likely to sponsor you long-term.
Align your application materials to your degree field
Research Fellow roles require a clear connection between your degree and the position. Your resume and cover letter should explicitly name the academic field, methods, and tools that link your degree to the specific research area.
Clarify your OPT end date and cap-gap exposure upfront
If your OPT expires before an H-1B takes effect, cap-gap protection may apply. Discuss your timeline with your DSO early so you understand exactly how long you can work and what documentation your employer needs.
Research Fellow OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Research Fellow on OPT?
Yes, provided the role directly relates to your degree field. Research Fellow positions are generally strong OPT matches because they require specialized academic training. Your DSO must authorize the position on your EAD, and the job duties need to align with the field listed on your I-20. If you hold a STEM degree, you may also qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month period.
Does a Research Fellow role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but eligibility depends on your specific degree CIP code, not the job title itself. Research Fellow positions in fields like biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and data science routinely qualify. Your DSO can confirm whether your degree field appears on the STEM OPT designated degree program list. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which is a separate requirement from the degree match.
How do I find Research Fellow jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT students and filters Research Fellow listings by sponsorship status. Universities, federal research agencies, and large hospital systems are the most reliable sources of Research Fellow roles open to international students. Searching by institution type rather than location often surfaces more relevant results for this role category.
Will a Research Fellow employer sponsor my H-1B after OPT ends?
Many do, particularly universities, national labs, and federally funded research centers. These institutions have dedicated HR and legal teams experienced with H-1B and O-1 petitions for research staff. It is worth asking directly during the offer process whether the organization has a history of sponsoring international researchers. The O-1A visa is also worth exploring if your research record includes publications, awards, or other recognized contributions to your field.
What documentation does my employer need for my STEM OPT extension as a Research Fellow?
Your employer needs to complete Form I-983, which is a training plan outlining your learning objectives, supervision structure, and how the role connects to your STEM degree. Research supervisors at universities and labs are familiar with this process. You submit the I-983 to your DSO, who then files the STEM OPT extension application. The employer does not file directly with USCIS, but their signed participation is required before your DSO can proceed.