OPT Research Technician Jobs
Research Technician roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in academia and industry, with labs and research institutions routinely sponsoring STEM OPT extensions. Your 12-month OPT period begins immediately, and most qualifying positions involve hands-on lab work, data collection, or experimental support that aligns directly with STEM degree requirements.
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Get Access To All JobsScheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
We are looking for someone who will support studies in the lab on ligand-gated ion channels by performing mammalian cell culture, and assays of ion channel function. The candidate should ideally have previous experience with mammalian cell culture although this is not a requirement.
Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
- Performs HEK293 cell culture for the expression of ion channels. This involves careful aseptic technique and preparation of solutions and reagents.
- Assists in cell-based assays of ion channel function.
- Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
- Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
- Assists with general lab maintenance and cleaning.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
- This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
- The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Communication, Detailed Reports, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Software Program, Working Independently
Grade
R06-H
Salary Range
$16.92 - $26.44 / Hourly
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
We are looking for someone who will support studies in the lab on ligand-gated ion channels by performing mammalian cell culture, and assays of ion channel function. The candidate should ideally have previous experience with mammalian cell culture although this is not a requirement.
Assists with the technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assists with research studies, experiments and assays, including collection of data, preparation of solutions and setup and maintenance of equipment.
- Performs HEK293 cell culture for the expression of ion channels. This involves careful aseptic technique and preparation of solutions and reagents.
- Assists in cell-based assays of ion channel function.
- Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
- Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
- Assists with general lab maintenance and cleaning.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
- This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
- The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
The ideal candidate will have up to one year of experience in a laboratory setting.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Communication, Detailed Reports, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Software Program, Working Independently
Grade
R06-H
Salary Range
$16.92 - $26.44 / Hourly
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
See all 661+ OPT Research Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Technician
Target STEM-designated programs first
Research Technician roles at universities, hospitals, and biotech firms frequently qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree is on the STEM designated degree program list before applying to maximize your authorized work period.
Align your application to your degree field
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your major. A biology graduate applying to a chemistry lab should explicitly connect coursework and lab techniques to the posted role requirements in both the resume and cover letter.
Ask about E-Verify enrollment early
STEM OPT extension employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Before investing time in the interview process, confirm the hiring lab or department participates. Academic departments and federal research facilities almost always qualify.
Document your OPT start date before accepting offers
Your OPT authorization card must show an active period before your first day. Notify HR of your EAD card's start date and keep a copy on file. Starting work even one day before that date violates your status.
Prioritize institutions with established OPT pipelines
Universities, national labs, and large biotech companies hire international researchers regularly and have HR teams familiar with OPT paperwork. Smaller private labs may offer great research experience but lack the administrative infrastructure to process your authorization smoothly.
Maintain a work log to support STEM OPT reporting
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan and 6-month employer evaluations. Keep records of your experiments, methods, and responsibilities from day one. This documentation makes the evaluation process straightforward and protects you if your DSO is ever audited.
Research Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Technician job qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, as long as the position is directly related to your degree field. A biochemistry graduate working in a molecular biology lab qualifies. A computer science graduate in a computational genomics role qualifies. The connection must be substantive, not incidental. Your DSO can help you confirm eligibility before you accept an offer.
Can I work as a Research Technician on STEM OPT extension?
Yes, provided the employer is enrolled in E-Verify and the role relates to your STEM degree. Universities, biotech companies, pharmaceutical research divisions, and federal agencies like the NIH and CDC regularly hire on STEM OPT. You can browse Research Technician roles currently open to OPT students on Migrate Mate.
How many hours per week can I work as a Research Technician on OPT?
During your authorized OPT period, you must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid status. Full-time positions are common in research settings and present no issue. Part-time arrangements are permitted but must consistently meet the 20-hour minimum. Unpaid volunteer research positions can count, but only if they meet that threshold.
What happens to my OPT if my research grant funding runs out?
If your employment ends, your 90-day unemployment clock starts. You have 90 cumulative days of unemployment during standard OPT and an additional 60 days during a STEM extension. Use that window to apply for new positions immediately. Grant-funded labs often have irregular funding cycles, so it is worth asking about funding stability before accepting a role.
Do Research Technician jobs typically lead to H-1B sponsorship?
It depends on the employer type. Universities and research hospitals can sponsor H-1B visa petitions and are sometimes cap-exempt, meaning they can file year-round without the lottery. Private biotech and pharmaceutical companies are subject to the annual cap and lottery. Asking about long-term sponsorship intent during the offer stage is reasonable and expected in research hiring.