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.
See All OPT Research Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 537+ Research Specialist jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 537+ Research Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsVisiting Research Specialist (Laboratory Technician) - Naba Lab
Hiring Department: Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041064
Posting Close Date: 5/25/2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $43,888 to $65,000 annually. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
Dr. Alexandra Naba is seeking a talented candidate interested in working in a laboratory at the cutting edge of biomedical research. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team and actively participate in the day-to-day management of the lab and in the development of different research projects. Information on Dr. Naba’s research can be found at: https://nabalab.uic.edu/.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct routine biochemistry and cell biology experiments in support of multiple projects
- Keep detailed records of experimental procedures and results
- Responsible for ordering of laboratory supplies, maintaining laboratory stocks and inventories, and ensuring compliance with the University’s policies
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioengineering, or other relevant field.
- A minimum of 3 years of related research experience.
- Applicant must be passionate about research, very organized, and show enthusiasm for developing new skills and working in a collaborative and dynamic environment
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Proficiency with Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in some of the following techniques is preferred: mammalian cell culture; protein biochemistry (western blotting, immunoprecipitation, protein concentration measurement, protein purification); microscopy (immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry); PCR; sequencing.
- Prior experience in mass-spectrometry-based proteomics is a plus.
This position is ideal for candidates seeking to gain research experience before applying to medical or graduate school.
For fullest consideration, please submit your application by 5/25/2026.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Visiting Research Specialist (Laboratory Technician) - Naba Lab
Hiring Department: Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041064
Posting Close Date: 5/25/2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $43,888 to $65,000 annually. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
Dr. Alexandra Naba is seeking a talented candidate interested in working in a laboratory at the cutting edge of biomedical research. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team and actively participate in the day-to-day management of the lab and in the development of different research projects. Information on Dr. Naba’s research can be found at: https://nabalab.uic.edu/.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct routine biochemistry and cell biology experiments in support of multiple projects
- Keep detailed records of experimental procedures and results
- Responsible for ordering of laboratory supplies, maintaining laboratory stocks and inventories, and ensuring compliance with the University’s policies
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioengineering, or other relevant field.
- A minimum of 3 years of related research experience.
- Applicant must be passionate about research, very organized, and show enthusiasm for developing new skills and working in a collaborative and dynamic environment
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Proficiency with Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in some of the following techniques is preferred: mammalian cell culture; protein biochemistry (western blotting, immunoprecipitation, protein concentration measurement, protein purification); microscopy (immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry); PCR; sequencing.
- Prior experience in mass-spectrometry-based proteomics is a plus.
This position is ideal for candidates seeking to gain research experience before applying to medical or graduate school.
For fullest consideration, please submit your application by 5/25/2026.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
See all 537+ 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.