Research Scientist Jobs for OPT Students
Research Scientist roles are among the strongest fits for F-1 OPT students, particularly those completing graduate degrees in biology, chemistry, data science, or engineering. Most positions align directly with STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience in a research-focused environment.
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Get Access To All JobsBecome a part of our caring community and help us put health first
Humana’s Clinical Analytics Team is seeking a Research Scientist 2 (Remote).
At Humana, we are focused on transforming the healthcare experience for our members while emphasizing improved health outcomes, cost management, and operational excellence. The Clinical Analytics team at Humana operates at the intersection of enterprise value and member well-being. Utilizing advanced analytics and strategic insights, we inform decision-making and support the execution of clinical priorities. Our team collaborates across the organization to identify opportunities and design clinical solutions that deliver high-value care and address the unmet needs of members with chronic conditions. We are also dedicated to creating value for our members through rigorous performance measurement of clinical solutions and actionable insights for continuous improvement.
The Research Scientist 2 participates in research study design, analysis and interpretation of results, with special emphasis on statistical and analytical plan development; data acquisition, preparation, and management; statistical analysis and interpretation of findings. The Research Scientist 2 work assignments are varied and frequently require interpretation and independent determination of the appropriate courses of action.
This role will be part of the team in Clinical Analytics that supports the long-term sustainability of next-generation value-based clinical models.
Responsibilities
As a Research Scientist 2, you will:
- Design and execute outcomes studies to evaluate the performance of specialty value-based clinical programs using observational and experimental methods
- Analyze program operational data to understand program enrollment and intervention delivery
- Perform deep-dive analyses to understand key performance drivers and identify opportunities to enhance clinical models and improve program outcomes
- Collaborate with business partners to drive optimal strategy, contracting, and program improvement decisions leveraging data-driven insights
- Develop high-quality analytical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholder readouts
- Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for business partners
- Understand department, segment, and enterprise strategies and how analytic work supports operating objectives
- Independently determine appropriate work methods and problem-solving approaches, including in moderately ambiguous situations, with general guidance
Required Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Economics, Statistics, Clinical Informatics, or a related quantitative discipline
- Strong foundation in causal inference, including comparative effectiveness research, observational study design, and randomized controlled trials
- 2+ years of experience applying statistical, mathematical, or epidemiologic methods to large, complex datasets to generate actionable insights
- Experience manipulating and analyzing data using Python, PySpark, R, SAS, or similar analytical tools
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex methodologies and results for non-technical audiences
- Demonstrated analytical thinking and structured problem-solving capabilities
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Strong interest in healthcare and passion for improving population health outcomes
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in cross-functional environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in healthcare or managed care environments
- Hands-on experience with medical and pharmacy claims data
- Familiarity with clinical concepts across multiple disease areas, such as musculoskeletal (MSK), oncology, and chronic kidney disease
Use your skills to make an impact
Travel: While this is a remote position, occasional travel to Humana's offices for training or meetings may be required.
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Pay Range
The compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.
$78,400 - $107,800 per year
This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance.
Description of Benefits
Humana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, “Humana”) offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and many other opportunities.
Application Deadline: 04-12-2026
About us
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers and our company. Through our Humana insurance services and CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Humana not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. It is also the policy of Humana to take affirmative action, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA, to employ and to advance in employment individuals with disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.
Become a part of our caring community and help us put health first
Humana’s Clinical Analytics Team is seeking a Research Scientist 2 (Remote).
At Humana, we are focused on transforming the healthcare experience for our members while emphasizing improved health outcomes, cost management, and operational excellence. The Clinical Analytics team at Humana operates at the intersection of enterprise value and member well-being. Utilizing advanced analytics and strategic insights, we inform decision-making and support the execution of clinical priorities. Our team collaborates across the organization to identify opportunities and design clinical solutions that deliver high-value care and address the unmet needs of members with chronic conditions. We are also dedicated to creating value for our members through rigorous performance measurement of clinical solutions and actionable insights for continuous improvement.
The Research Scientist 2 participates in research study design, analysis and interpretation of results, with special emphasis on statistical and analytical plan development; data acquisition, preparation, and management; statistical analysis and interpretation of findings. The Research Scientist 2 work assignments are varied and frequently require interpretation and independent determination of the appropriate courses of action.
This role will be part of the team in Clinical Analytics that supports the long-term sustainability of next-generation value-based clinical models.
Responsibilities
As a Research Scientist 2, you will:
- Design and execute outcomes studies to evaluate the performance of specialty value-based clinical programs using observational and experimental methods
- Analyze program operational data to understand program enrollment and intervention delivery
- Perform deep-dive analyses to understand key performance drivers and identify opportunities to enhance clinical models and improve program outcomes
- Collaborate with business partners to drive optimal strategy, contracting, and program improvement decisions leveraging data-driven insights
- Develop high-quality analytical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholder readouts
- Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for business partners
- Understand department, segment, and enterprise strategies and how analytic work supports operating objectives
- Independently determine appropriate work methods and problem-solving approaches, including in moderately ambiguous situations, with general guidance
Required Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Economics, Statistics, Clinical Informatics, or a related quantitative discipline
- Strong foundation in causal inference, including comparative effectiveness research, observational study design, and randomized controlled trials
- 2+ years of experience applying statistical, mathematical, or epidemiologic methods to large, complex datasets to generate actionable insights
- Experience manipulating and analyzing data using Python, PySpark, R, SAS, or similar analytical tools
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex methodologies and results for non-technical audiences
- Demonstrated analytical thinking and structured problem-solving capabilities
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Strong interest in healthcare and passion for improving population health outcomes
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in cross-functional environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in healthcare or managed care environments
- Hands-on experience with medical and pharmacy claims data
- Familiarity with clinical concepts across multiple disease areas, such as musculoskeletal (MSK), oncology, and chronic kidney disease
Use your skills to make an impact
Travel: While this is a remote position, occasional travel to Humana's offices for training or meetings may be required.
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Pay Range
The compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.
$78,400 - $107,800 per year
This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance.
Description of Benefits
Humana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, “Humana”) offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and many other opportunities.
Application Deadline: 04-12-2026
About us
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers and our company. Through our Humana insurance services and CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Humana not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. It is also the policy of Humana to take affirmative action, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA, to employ and to advance in employment individuals with disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Research Scientist
Target STEM-designated employers first
Research Scientist roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but your employer must be E-Verify enrolled. Confirm this before applying to avoid wasting time on positions that cannot support your authorization.
Lead with your research output, not just your degree
Employers hiring Research Scientists want publications, conference presentations, patents, or thesis work. List these prominently on your resume. Concrete research output signals readiness for independent work and strengthens your sponsorship case significantly.
Apply before your OPT start date arrives
Research Scientist hiring often involves multiple interview rounds and internal approvals. Starting your search three to four months before your OPT authorization begins gives employers enough runway to move through their process without timeline pressure on either side.
Clarify your authorization status upfront in cover letters
State that you hold F-1 OPT status and are eligible for a 24-month STEM extension if applicable. Addressing this early removes uncertainty for hiring managers and positions you as a well-prepared, low-friction candidate from the first touchpoint.
Prioritize research-intensive industries with H-1B track records
Biotech, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor firms, and national laboratories regularly sponsor H-1B visas for Research Scientists. Targeting these sectors improves your long-term visa prospects well beyond OPT, which matters when evaluating offers strategically.
Use your university network to access unadvertised research roles
Many Research Scientist positions at startups and industry labs are filled through faculty referrals and institutional connections before public posting. Reaching out directly to professors with industry ties often surfaces opportunities that never appear on job boards.
Research Scientist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Research Scientist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Research Scientist positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided your degree is in an eligible STEM field such as biology, chemistry, computer science, or engineering, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. The role must also be directly related to your degree program. Confirm both conditions with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I find Research Scientist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Research Scientist listings specifically for employers open to F-1 OPT candidates, saving you from applying to roles where sponsorship is a non-starter. Searching a general job board gives you no visibility into which employers will actually work with your status, so using a visa-aware platform is a meaningful time saver.
Can I work as a Research Scientist on OPT while my employer files for H-1B?
Yes. You can continue working in your Research Scientist role throughout your OPT period while your employer prepares and files an H-1B petition. If you have the STEM extension and your employer files before your OPT expires, the cap-gap provision may keep you authorized through October 1 of the fiscal year your H-1B takes effect.
What degree fields support a Research Scientist OPT authorization?
Research Scientist roles most commonly align with degrees in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience, materials science, computer science, data science, and various engineering disciplines. Your OPT must be tied to a degree that directly relates to the job duties. If your research area does not match your listed degree field, your DSO can help assess whether the connection is defensible.
Does a Research Scientist role at a national laboratory or university count for OPT?
Yes, national laboratories such as Argonne, Oak Ridge, or Lawrence Berkeley, as well as university research departments, are legitimate OPT employers as long as the position provides direct practical training related to your degree. However, for the STEM OPT extension specifically, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Some academic institutions qualify, but confirm enrollment with HR before relying on the extension.
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