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.
Find OPT Research Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,314+ Research Scientist jobs
See all 1,314+ Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob ID: 1164283_RR00121517
Facility: NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Shift: Day
Schedule: Monday-Friday; 9:00AM-5:00PM
Department: Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Radiology-CBI-Research (S670)
NYU Grossman School of Medicine is one of the nation’s top-ranked medical schools. For 175 years, NYU Grossman School of Medicine has trained thousands of physicians and scientists who have helped to shape the course of medical history and enrich the lives of countless people. An integral part of NYU Langone Health, the Grossman School of Medicine at its core is committed to improving the human condition through medical education, scientific research, and direct patient care. At NYU Langone Health, equity and inclusion are fundamental values. We strive to be a place where our exceptionally talented faculty, staff, and students of all identities can thrive. We embrace inclusion and individual skills, ideas, and knowledge.
Position Summary:
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Scientist.
In this role, the successful candidate will be responsible for collaborating with Principal Investigators (PI) and working independently within the scientific framework of the PI’s laboratory.
Job Responsibilities:
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Initiates, interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates research assignments critical to departments mission.
- Formulates and conducts research on problems of considerable scope and complexity.
- Explores subject area and defines scope and selection of problems for investigation through conceptually related studies or series of projects of lesser scope.
- Makes decisions and recommendations that have a major impact on extensive scientific research activities.
- Develops new ideas that promote current research. Exercises a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive scientific research programs and activities of outstanding novelty and/or importance.
- May manage the operations of a lab for the Principal Investigator by supervising Post Docs and technicians. Oversees the maintenance and upkeep of all instruments and laboratory facilities.
- Ensures timely and accurate completion of research projects.
- May provide students with technical guidance and direction in the operation of various sample preparation techniques, extraction lines, and equipment as well as general laboratory practices and safety protocols.
- May seek grant funding from external sources in support of their independent research projects with consent of the PI and the Department Chair. May participate in writing grant proposals.
- May be responsible for research/lab quality control and compliance.
- May develop protocol for the collection and quality of research data.
- Develops research techniques and methodologies.
- May determine and establish laboratory policies, procedures and practices.
- Maintains a thorough knowledge of the advances in specialized fields through attendance of scientific conferences.
- May make significant contributions to scientific papers. Is a resource/ author/ co-author for reports and presentations.
- May provide recommendations for equipment purchases and for the redesign of lab space.
- May coordinate the activity and experimental design between various labs, scientific staff, and collaborators. Identifies and resolves technical problems.
- May serve on internal committees to help further goals of research projects and bring new expertise to the research program.
Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify you must have a PhD and 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in the field of artificial intelligence.
Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine provides its staff with far more than just a place to work. Rather, we are an institution you can be proud of, an institution where you’ll feel good about devoting your time and your talents. At NYU Langone Health, we are committed to supporting our workforce and their loved ones with a comprehensive benefits and wellness package. Our offerings provide a robust support system for any stage of life, whether it’s developing your career, starting a family, or saving for retirement. The support employees receive goes beyond a standard benefit offering, where employees have access to financial security benefits, a generous time-off program and employee resources groups for peer support. Additionally, all employees have access to our holistic employee wellness program, which focuses on seven key areas of well-being: physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, social, financial, and preventive care. The benefits and wellness package is designed to allow you to focus on what truly matters. Join us and experience the extensive resources and services designed to enhance your overall quality of life for you and your family.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and committed to inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration. We require applications to be completed online.
NYU Langone Health provides a salary range to comply with the New York state Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $70,000.00-$85,000.00 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.
About NYU Langone Health
Be Where Everyone Is Dedicated to Exceptional Care
NYU Langone is a world-class, patient-centered, integrated academic health system with Magnet®-recognized status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Our trifold mission to care, teach, and discover is achieved daily through NYU Langone’s inclusive culture devoted to excellence across the organization. Here, you can advance your career supported by exceptionally talented faculty and staff in an environment where everyone works together to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Our Hiring Process
Joining Our Team
Get ready to start your career journey at NYU Langone, where cutting-edge research meets compassionate care, and discover how you can contribute to shaping the future of medicine.
Step 1
Apply Online
The NYU Langone hiring process begins with you applying through our online portal. Be sure to update and upload your resume. Shortly after you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. Ten days after applying you will receive a talent assessment to be completed.
Step 2
Schedule Interviews
If selected to continue the interview process, HR will reach out via phone or email first. Then, depending on your position, they will schedule an interview with unit managers or team members. You are encouraged to dress professionally for all interviews.
Step 3
Receive Offer
If you successfully complete the interview process and are identified as a finalist for the position, we will require that you complete a professional reference process. After evaluating the completed references, a decision will be made on who will receive a preliminary offer. If you receive a preliminary offer, HR will start the onboarding process with an agreed-upon tentative start date.
Step 4
Training & Orientation
You will be contacted by an onboarding specialist who will work with you on your pre-boarding requirements. Once fully cleared, we will ask you to complete compliance orientation regulatory training. On your first day, you will attend an online required orientation to acclimate to the health system and report to your new department based on instructions provided by your hiring manager.
Job ID: 1164283_RR00121517
Facility: NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Shift: Day
Schedule: Monday-Friday; 9:00AM-5:00PM
Department: Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Radiology-CBI-Research (S670)
NYU Grossman School of Medicine is one of the nation’s top-ranked medical schools. For 175 years, NYU Grossman School of Medicine has trained thousands of physicians and scientists who have helped to shape the course of medical history and enrich the lives of countless people. An integral part of NYU Langone Health, the Grossman School of Medicine at its core is committed to improving the human condition through medical education, scientific research, and direct patient care. At NYU Langone Health, equity and inclusion are fundamental values. We strive to be a place where our exceptionally talented faculty, staff, and students of all identities can thrive. We embrace inclusion and individual skills, ideas, and knowledge.
Position Summary:
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Scientist.
In this role, the successful candidate will be responsible for collaborating with Principal Investigators (PI) and working independently within the scientific framework of the PI’s laboratory.
Job Responsibilities:
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Initiates, interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates research assignments critical to departments mission.
- Formulates and conducts research on problems of considerable scope and complexity.
- Explores subject area and defines scope and selection of problems for investigation through conceptually related studies or series of projects of lesser scope.
- Makes decisions and recommendations that have a major impact on extensive scientific research activities.
- Develops new ideas that promote current research. Exercises a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive scientific research programs and activities of outstanding novelty and/or importance.
- May manage the operations of a lab for the Principal Investigator by supervising Post Docs and technicians. Oversees the maintenance and upkeep of all instruments and laboratory facilities.
- Ensures timely and accurate completion of research projects.
- May provide students with technical guidance and direction in the operation of various sample preparation techniques, extraction lines, and equipment as well as general laboratory practices and safety protocols.
- May seek grant funding from external sources in support of their independent research projects with consent of the PI and the Department Chair. May participate in writing grant proposals.
- May be responsible for research/lab quality control and compliance.
- May develop protocol for the collection and quality of research data.
- Develops research techniques and methodologies.
- May determine and establish laboratory policies, procedures and practices.
- Maintains a thorough knowledge of the advances in specialized fields through attendance of scientific conferences.
- May make significant contributions to scientific papers. Is a resource/ author/ co-author for reports and presentations.
- May provide recommendations for equipment purchases and for the redesign of lab space.
- May coordinate the activity and experimental design between various labs, scientific staff, and collaborators. Identifies and resolves technical problems.
- May serve on internal committees to help further goals of research projects and bring new expertise to the research program.
Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify you must have a PhD and 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in the field of artificial intelligence.
Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine provides its staff with far more than just a place to work. Rather, we are an institution you can be proud of, an institution where you’ll feel good about devoting your time and your talents. At NYU Langone Health, we are committed to supporting our workforce and their loved ones with a comprehensive benefits and wellness package. Our offerings provide a robust support system for any stage of life, whether it’s developing your career, starting a family, or saving for retirement. The support employees receive goes beyond a standard benefit offering, where employees have access to financial security benefits, a generous time-off program and employee resources groups for peer support. Additionally, all employees have access to our holistic employee wellness program, which focuses on seven key areas of well-being: physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, social, financial, and preventive care. The benefits and wellness package is designed to allow you to focus on what truly matters. Join us and experience the extensive resources and services designed to enhance your overall quality of life for you and your family.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and committed to inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration. We require applications to be completed online.
NYU Langone Health provides a salary range to comply with the New York state Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $70,000.00-$85,000.00 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.
About NYU Langone Health
Be Where Everyone Is Dedicated to Exceptional Care
NYU Langone is a world-class, patient-centered, integrated academic health system with Magnet®-recognized status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Our trifold mission to care, teach, and discover is achieved daily through NYU Langone’s inclusive culture devoted to excellence across the organization. Here, you can advance your career supported by exceptionally talented faculty and staff in an environment where everyone works together to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Our Hiring Process
Joining Our Team
Get ready to start your career journey at NYU Langone, where cutting-edge research meets compassionate care, and discover how you can contribute to shaping the future of medicine.
Step 1
Apply Online
The NYU Langone hiring process begins with you applying through our online portal. Be sure to update and upload your resume. Shortly after you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. Ten days after applying you will receive a talent assessment to be completed.
Step 2
Schedule Interviews
If selected to continue the interview process, HR will reach out via phone or email first. Then, depending on your position, they will schedule an interview with unit managers or team members. You are encouraged to dress professionally for all interviews.
Step 3
Receive Offer
If you successfully complete the interview process and are identified as a finalist for the position, we will require that you complete a professional reference process. After evaluating the completed references, a decision will be made on who will receive a preliminary offer. If you receive a preliminary offer, HR will start the onboarding process with an agreed-upon tentative start date.
Step 4
Training & Orientation
You will be contacted by an onboarding specialist who will work with you on your pre-boarding requirements. Once fully cleared, we will ask you to complete compliance orientation regulatory training. On your first day, you will attend an online required orientation to acclimate to the health system and report to your new department based on instructions provided by your hiring manager.
See all 1,314+ 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.