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 JobsINTRODUCTION
We are seeking a Research Science Lead to spearhead our initiatives in Social Intelligence within complex multi-agent ecosystems. In this pivotal leadership role, you will bridge the gap between centrally orchestrated multi-agent systems and social reasoning paradigms within cognitive science. You will direct a portfolio of research focused on enabling autonomous agents to navigate the "coordination bottleneck" through the development of Theory of Mind (ToM), intent modeling, and emergent social behaviors such as cooperation, coordination, negotiation, persuasion, etc. By synthesizing principles from reinforcement learning, game theory and behavioral science, you will lead an experienced team to make agents capable of sophisticated alignment, ensuring that agents can operate seamlessly—and ethically—within the intricate social fabric of human-centric environments.
AI Research Scientist - FAIR Social Intelligence Responsibilities:
- Perform research to advance the state of the art in our multi-agent ecosystem
- Work with researchers and engineers in a highly collaborative environment to achieve goals and milestones
- Influence the future of research in frontier modeling with detailed technical reports
- Work towards long-term goals, while identifying intermediate milestones
- Influence progress of relevant research communities by producing publications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- A PhD in AI, computer science, data science, science/engineering, or related technical fields
- First-authored or last-authored publications at peer-reviewed conferences, such as ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, and other similar venues
- 2+ years experience holding an industry, postdoctoral, faculty, or government researcher position
- Research background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational statistics, or applied mathematics
- Experience in developing and debugging in Python or similar programming languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research and engineering experience demonstrated via publications, grants, fellowships, patents, open source code
- Experience collaborating in a team environment on research projects
- Experience in applying AI systems to solve science and engineering problems
About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- $184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking a Research Science Lead to spearhead our initiatives in Social Intelligence within complex multi-agent ecosystems. In this pivotal leadership role, you will bridge the gap between centrally orchestrated multi-agent systems and social reasoning paradigms within cognitive science. You will direct a portfolio of research focused on enabling autonomous agents to navigate the "coordination bottleneck" through the development of Theory of Mind (ToM), intent modeling, and emergent social behaviors such as cooperation, coordination, negotiation, persuasion, etc. By synthesizing principles from reinforcement learning, game theory and behavioral science, you will lead an experienced team to make agents capable of sophisticated alignment, ensuring that agents can operate seamlessly—and ethically—within the intricate social fabric of human-centric environments.
AI Research Scientist - FAIR Social Intelligence Responsibilities:
- Perform research to advance the state of the art in our multi-agent ecosystem
- Work with researchers and engineers in a highly collaborative environment to achieve goals and milestones
- Influence the future of research in frontier modeling with detailed technical reports
- Work towards long-term goals, while identifying intermediate milestones
- Influence progress of relevant research communities by producing publications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- A PhD in AI, computer science, data science, science/engineering, or related technical fields
- First-authored or last-authored publications at peer-reviewed conferences, such as ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, and other similar venues
- 2+ years experience holding an industry, postdoctoral, faculty, or government researcher position
- Research background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational statistics, or applied mathematics
- Experience in developing and debugging in Python or similar programming languages
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research and engineering experience demonstrated via publications, grants, fellowships, patents, open source code
- Experience collaborating in a team environment on research projects
- Experience in applying AI systems to solve science and engineering problems
About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- $184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
See all 1,252+ OPT Research Scientist Jobs
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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.