OPT Scientist Jobs
Scientist roles in the U.S. span research, biotech, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and government labs, many of which actively hire on OPT. STEM-designated positions qualify for the 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization while building a research career.
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Get Access To All JobsDiscover Your Career at Emory University:
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
Description:
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Academic Research Scientist functions as a highly skilled contributor/researcher and has significant authorship on publications and advanced knowledge and expertise of laboratory and experimental platforms necessary to advance basic and/or translational research programs. Staff Scientists will have leadership responsibilities, and will oversee quality and training of other team members. Duties include designing, developing and conducting research experiments. Will have expert knowledge and skills specific to the related program and advanced knowledge of methods of analyzing data from experimental platforms. May assist in grant and other funding applications as necessary and appropriate, or with approval of the responsible faculty director, may have their own research projects and/or have full responsibilities for specific areas of a program. With the approval of the responsible Emory faculty director, the Academic Research Scientist may serve as the principal investigator on funded (grant) proposals. Performs other responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: PhD and two years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab OR master's degree and four years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab OR bachelor's degree and six years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab. Laboratory experience should be based on area of assignment. Internship experience or experience prior to attaining the qualifying degree is not considered eligible work experience for this job classification.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
Discover Your Career at Emory University:
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
Description:
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Academic Research Scientist functions as a highly skilled contributor/researcher and has significant authorship on publications and advanced knowledge and expertise of laboratory and experimental platforms necessary to advance basic and/or translational research programs. Staff Scientists will have leadership responsibilities, and will oversee quality and training of other team members. Duties include designing, developing and conducting research experiments. Will have expert knowledge and skills specific to the related program and advanced knowledge of methods of analyzing data from experimental platforms. May assist in grant and other funding applications as necessary and appropriate, or with approval of the responsible faculty director, may have their own research projects and/or have full responsibilities for specific areas of a program. With the approval of the responsible Emory faculty director, the Academic Research Scientist may serve as the principal investigator on funded (grant) proposals. Performs other responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: PhD and two years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab OR master's degree and four years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab OR bachelor's degree and six years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab. Laboratory experience should be based on area of assignment. Internship experience or experience prior to attaining the qualifying degree is not considered eligible work experience for this job classification.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Scientist
Confirm your role qualifies for the STEM OPT extension
Scientist positions typically fall under STEM-designated CIP codes in life sciences, chemistry, or environmental fields. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer, this directly affects whether you qualify for 24 additional months.
Target employers with established research infrastructure
Large biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, national laboratories, and research universities have dedicated HR teams familiar with OPT and E-Verify requirements. These employers are far less likely to withdraw an offer due to work authorization concerns than smaller startups.
Disclose your OPT status early in the process
Bring up your OPT authorization before the offer stage, not after. Frame it clearly: you have current work authorization, and STEM-eligible roles give the employer up to three years before any sponsorship decision becomes necessary.
Align your job title to your degree field precisely
USCIS scrutinizes whether your role directly relates to your STEM degree for OPT extension eligibility. A title like 'Research Scientist' backed by a biology or chemistry degree is strong. Misaligned titles can jeopardize your extension application.
Get your training plan documented from day one
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan (Form I-983) signed by your employer. Ask your supervisor to outline specific learning objectives tied to your degree field before your extension start date, delays in this step can create serious compliance gaps.
Research employers who have sponsored scientists before
Prior H-1B visa sponsorship for research roles is a reliable signal that an employer understands immigration pathways. Employers who have sponsored Scientist and Research Scientist titles before are significantly more likely to do so again after your OPT period ends.
Scientist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Scientist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but it depends on your degree's CIP code, not just the job title. Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and related STEM fields typically qualify. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your degree, not your employer's job description. Confirm this before accepting any offer.
How do I find Scientist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you're not wasting time applying to roles where work authorization is a dealbreaker. Search Scientist and Research Scientist listings on Migrate Mate to identify employers already comfortable with F-1 OPT candidates and familiar with E-Verify requirements.
What is the E-Verify requirement for my STEM OPT employer?
Any employer who hires you on a STEM OPT extension must be enrolled in E-Verify. This is a federal requirement, not optional. Before signing an offer letter for a role where you plan to use the 24-month extension, confirm your employer's E-Verify enrollment status. If they're not enrolled, you cannot legally work the extension there.
Can I work at a government lab or national research facility on OPT?
Yes, federal contractors and national laboratories can hire OPT students, though some positions require U.S. citizenship or security clearances that OPT students cannot obtain. Look for postdoctoral researcher or contractor scientist roles at facilities like national labs, these are commonly accessible to OPT holders with the right background clearance profile.
What happens to my OPT if my research contract ends before my authorization expires?
You enter a 60-day grace period once your employment ends. During this window, you can search for a new Scientist role and begin working once a new employer is reported to your DSO. You cannot work during the grace period itself. If you do not secure new employment within 60 days, you must leave the U.S. or change status.