OPT Research Scientist Jobs
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 JobsPOSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
To investigate how chronic metabolic stress drives mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in adipocytes.
A postdoctoral training position is available in the laboratory of Philipp Scherer, Ph.D. in the Touchstone Diabetes Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The successful candidate will investigate how chronic metabolic stress drives mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in adipocytes. Several exciting projects are available that combine mechanistic studies of adipocyte biology with state-of-the-art genetic, molecular, metabolic, and imaging approaches to define how mitochondrial adaptations contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction and systemic metabolic disease.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must hold a recent Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree. Experience in Physiology or Immunology with a proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested individuals should send a CV, statement of interests, and a list of three references to:
Faculty name, degree(s) held or contact person: Philipp Scherer, Ph.D.
Faculty or contact person email: Karen.kazandjian@utsouthwestern.edu
Faculty lab website: Scherer Lab | Touchstone Diabetes Center.org (touchstonelabs.org)
Faculty profile link: Philipp Scherer, Ph.D. – Faculty Profile – UT Southwestern
Information on our postdoctoral training program, benefits, and a virtual tour can be found at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/postdocs.
EEO STATEMENT
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare – no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
To investigate how chronic metabolic stress drives mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in adipocytes.
A postdoctoral training position is available in the laboratory of Philipp Scherer, Ph.D. in the Touchstone Diabetes Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The successful candidate will investigate how chronic metabolic stress drives mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming in adipocytes. Several exciting projects are available that combine mechanistic studies of adipocyte biology with state-of-the-art genetic, molecular, metabolic, and imaging approaches to define how mitochondrial adaptations contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction and systemic metabolic disease.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must hold a recent Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree. Experience in Physiology or Immunology with a proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested individuals should send a CV, statement of interests, and a list of three references to:
Faculty name, degree(s) held or contact person: Philipp Scherer, Ph.D.
Faculty or contact person email: Karen.kazandjian@utsouthwestern.edu
Faculty lab website: Scherer Lab | Touchstone Diabetes Center.org (touchstonelabs.org)
Faculty profile link: Philipp Scherer, Ph.D. – Faculty Profile – UT Southwestern
Information on our postdoctoral training program, benefits, and a virtual tour can be found at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/postdocs.
EEO STATEMENT
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare – no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
See all 1,165+ OPT Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 OPT: Frequently 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.