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 JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has positions available for undergraduate research assistants on an interdisciplinary team of engineers working to decarbonize district heat and power systems through renewable fuels and energy efficiency improvements.
Job Duties:
- Student responsibilities will include laboratory research, presentation at meetings with individual research groups, presentation at meetings with the project group, and attendance at seminars, tours, and activities that align with the program’s research.
- Students will also take part in a longitudinal study of how research experiences impact student energy literacy and domain-specific engineering identity.
- As part of this study, students will be expected to take surveys and speak with program assessors to discuss their research experiences.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Preference given to third year undergraduate students having taken ME300
Interested applicants should include their resume/CV and cover letter to be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has positions available for undergraduate research assistants on an interdisciplinary team of engineers working to decarbonize district heat and power systems through renewable fuels and energy efficiency improvements.
Job Duties:
- Student responsibilities will include laboratory research, presentation at meetings with individual research groups, presentation at meetings with the project group, and attendance at seminars, tours, and activities that align with the program’s research.
- Students will also take part in a longitudinal study of how research experiences impact student energy literacy and domain-specific engineering identity.
- As part of this study, students will be expected to take surveys and speak with program assessors to discuss their research experiences.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Preference given to third year undergraduate students having taken ME300
Interested applicants should include their resume/CV and cover letter to be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
See all 1,460+ 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.