OPT Research Specialist Jobs
Research Specialist roles are a strong fit for OPT authorization because the work is project-based, degree-specific, and directly tied to academic training, exactly what USCIS looks for. Most positions qualify for STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field, giving you up to three additional years of work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Ref:
JR-8818
Location:
450 Brookline Ave, BOSTON, MA 02215
Category:
Clinical Research
Employment Type:
Full time
Work Location:
Remote: occasional onsite
Salary/Pay Rate:
$50,500.00 - $56,700.00 per year
Overview
The Research Data Specialist (RDS) will support the Lymphoma clinical research program in the areas of data collection, computing, and database organization. Duties include the examination, synthesis, and evaluation of medical records; the abstraction and recording of pertinent medical information; and the monitoring of patient status. The Clinical Research Data Specialist will be responsible for the collection, management, and quality assurance review of patient clinical data.
This position's work location is remote with occasional time on-campus in Boston, MA. The selected candidate may only work remotely from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI). Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for reviewing and abstracting the medical records for research patients on trials they are assigned.
- Entering identified clinical data points in the corresponding database.
- Ensuring that data is entered within the outlined timelines for each trial.
- Assisting research teams with the development, testing and implementation of Case Reports Forms for PI-Initiated clinical trials.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Excellent organizational and communication skills required
- Strong interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts.
- Must be detail oriented
- Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize workload
- Must practice discretion and always adhere to institutional confidentiality guidelines
- Must have computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
- The position requires a bachelor’s degree or 1 year of experience as a Dana-Farber Associate Research Data Specialist.
- Experience of 0-1 years in a medical, scientific research, or technology-oriented business environment is preferred.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None
PATIENT CONTACT:
Yes, all ages.
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO Poster
Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$50,500.00 - $56,700.00
Job Ref:
JR-8818
Location:
450 Brookline Ave, BOSTON, MA 02215
Category:
Clinical Research
Employment Type:
Full time
Work Location:
Remote: occasional onsite
Salary/Pay Rate:
$50,500.00 - $56,700.00 per year
Overview
The Research Data Specialist (RDS) will support the Lymphoma clinical research program in the areas of data collection, computing, and database organization. Duties include the examination, synthesis, and evaluation of medical records; the abstraction and recording of pertinent medical information; and the monitoring of patient status. The Clinical Research Data Specialist will be responsible for the collection, management, and quality assurance review of patient clinical data.
This position's work location is remote with occasional time on-campus in Boston, MA. The selected candidate may only work remotely from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI). Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for reviewing and abstracting the medical records for research patients on trials they are assigned.
- Entering identified clinical data points in the corresponding database.
- Ensuring that data is entered within the outlined timelines for each trial.
- Assisting research teams with the development, testing and implementation of Case Reports Forms for PI-Initiated clinical trials.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Excellent organizational and communication skills required
- Strong interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts.
- Must be detail oriented
- Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize workload
- Must practice discretion and always adhere to institutional confidentiality guidelines
- Must have computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
- The position requires a bachelor’s degree or 1 year of experience as a Dana-Farber Associate Research Data Specialist.
- Experience of 0-1 years in a medical, scientific research, or technology-oriented business environment is preferred.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None
PATIENT CONTACT:
Yes, all ages.
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO Poster
Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$50,500.00 - $56,700.00
See all 1,194+ OPT Research Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Specialist
Verify your role qualifies as directly related to your degree
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your major. A Research Specialist role in biology won't satisfy OPT requirements if your degree is in economics. Document the connection clearly before accepting any offer.
Confirm your employer can sign your STEM OPT I-983
STEM OPT requires your employer to have an E-Verify account and agree to a formal training plan. Confirm this before accepting an offer, many research institutions qualify, but smaller labs and nonprofits sometimes don't.
Apply for STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your EAD expires
USCIS recommends filing your STEM OPT extension no later than 90 days before your current EAD expires. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS before you can file, so start that conversation well in advance.
Target employers with established international hiring pipelines
Universities, federal research labs, biotech firms, and think tanks regularly hire international researchers and understand OPT paperwork. These employers are far less likely to withdraw an offer due to work authorization questions.
Address your OPT timeline proactively in interviews
Research positions often involve grant cycles and long-term project timelines. Explaining your authorization window upfront, and your eligibility for STEM extension, reassures hiring managers that you can commit to multi-year projects.
Keep your employment record consistent with your OPT reporting obligations
OPT students must report employer changes to their DSO within 10 days. Research roles can shift between departments or principal investigators, each change may require an update in SEVIS to keep your status valid.
Research Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Research Specialist jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. Research Specialist positions are among the stronger fits for OPT because the work is typically discipline-specific, a degree requirement in the job description is a good signal. Document how the role connects to your major and keep that record on file in case USCIS ever audits your OPT period.
Can I work as a Research Specialist on STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field and the research role falls within that discipline. Your employer must have an active E-Verify account and co-sign a formal training plan (Form I-983) with your university. Research positions at universities, national labs, and biotech companies almost always meet these requirements. Confirm E-Verify enrollment with your employer before filing.
What happens if my research position is grant-funded and the funding ends before my OPT expires?
Losing a grant-funded position means your OPT employment ends. You have a 90-day unemployment allowance during your initial OPT period (60 days on STEM extension) to find a new qualifying role. Report the employment change to your DSO within 10 days. If you find a new research role within that window, your OPT continues, just make sure the new position also relates directly to your degree.
Where can I find Research Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so every Research Specialist listing on the platform is from employers willing to work with OPT authorization. That filters out the friction of applying to roles where your visa status will disqualify you before anyone reads your resume.
Can I work as a part-time Research Specialist on OPT?
Yes, but with limits. During the post-completion OPT period, you must work at least 20 hours per week to remain in valid OPT status, any less counts toward your unemployment allowance. Part-time research roles can satisfy this threshold. On STEM OPT extension, the same 20-hour minimum applies. Confirm your weekly hours with your employer and keep documentation in case your DSO requests it.