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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The Senior Sensory Scientist I has responsibility leading the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end exploration of sensory cues to robust validation, you’ll play a critical role in designing and launching winning innovative products. As a champion of our Consumer Product Performance Program, you’ll ensure our flagship products maintain the quality expectations of our long time consumers. You’ll be challenged to identify new methods and approaches to drive continuous improvement and elevate the sensory function. Your work, in collaboration with R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights, will influence important business decisions across the businesses you support.
LOCATION: Springdale, Arkansas (Greater NWA) Relocation support may be provided for those candidates that qualify based on the Tyson Relocation Policy.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Lead sensory learning agenda for both strategic & tactical initiatives; giving your perspective on how projects might impact the business long term
- Leverage your experience to effectively balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and deep understanding of key sensory attributes to quickly deliver actionable guidance for R&D
- Translate consumer expectations to aid in functional product development and assessment of new technologies
- Interact with the leadership team, sharing key insights and offering advice on product-related challenges
- Work through ambiguous situations with assistance from manager, and demonstrate agility in adjusting to evolving business needs
- Develop & maintain strategic partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality and External Research Vendors
- Learn and grow, as you stretch yourself to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement to evolve the sensory function and your personal development
- Effectively manage the sensory budget; address and prioritize immediate and forward-looking strategic needs with manager support
- Champion the consumer product quality program, and recommend action into strategic planning
- Stay up-to-date on new research techniques through conferences, research materials and industry experts; apply methods new to Tyson, as appropriate, through a ‘test and learn’ approach
- Motivate, engage and empower junior team members through training and mentoring
EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology or related field; M.S., Ph.D. or Sensory Certification is preferred. Proficient in food or meat science. Industry experience with B.S. (6+ yrs.); M.S. (4+ yrs.); Ph.D. (2+ yrs.).
SUPERVISORY & TRAVEL
This role does not have direct reports. Experience managing and/or mentoring junior team members a plus. Travel up to 25%.
SKILLS NEEDED
Food Science / Sensory Science / Advanced data analysis (design of experiments, category appraisals) / Qualitative research / Quantitative research / New Methods Development / Microsoft Office / Project Management / Budget Management / Leadership / Independence / Strategic Agility / Holistic Thinking / Influence / Collaboration / Analytical Thinking / Risk Assessment / Prioritization / Troubleshooting / Mentoring
All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLE:
Yes
WORK SHIFT:
1ST SHIFT (United States of America)
Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
Hourly Applicants ONLY - You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.
The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.
If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.
INTRODUCTION
The Senior Sensory Scientist I has responsibility leading the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end exploration of sensory cues to robust validation, you’ll play a critical role in designing and launching winning innovative products. As a champion of our Consumer Product Performance Program, you’ll ensure our flagship products maintain the quality expectations of our long time consumers. You’ll be challenged to identify new methods and approaches to drive continuous improvement and elevate the sensory function. Your work, in collaboration with R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights, will influence important business decisions across the businesses you support.
LOCATION: Springdale, Arkansas (Greater NWA) Relocation support may be provided for those candidates that qualify based on the Tyson Relocation Policy.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Lead sensory learning agenda for both strategic & tactical initiatives; giving your perspective on how projects might impact the business long term
- Leverage your experience to effectively balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and deep understanding of key sensory attributes to quickly deliver actionable guidance for R&D
- Translate consumer expectations to aid in functional product development and assessment of new technologies
- Interact with the leadership team, sharing key insights and offering advice on product-related challenges
- Work through ambiguous situations with assistance from manager, and demonstrate agility in adjusting to evolving business needs
- Develop & maintain strategic partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality and External Research Vendors
- Learn and grow, as you stretch yourself to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement to evolve the sensory function and your personal development
- Effectively manage the sensory budget; address and prioritize immediate and forward-looking strategic needs with manager support
- Champion the consumer product quality program, and recommend action into strategic planning
- Stay up-to-date on new research techniques through conferences, research materials and industry experts; apply methods new to Tyson, as appropriate, through a ‘test and learn’ approach
- Motivate, engage and empower junior team members through training and mentoring
EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology or related field; M.S., Ph.D. or Sensory Certification is preferred. Proficient in food or meat science. Industry experience with B.S. (6+ yrs.); M.S. (4+ yrs.); Ph.D. (2+ yrs.).
SUPERVISORY & TRAVEL
This role does not have direct reports. Experience managing and/or mentoring junior team members a plus. Travel up to 25%.
SKILLS NEEDED
Food Science / Sensory Science / Advanced data analysis (design of experiments, category appraisals) / Qualitative research / Quantitative research / New Methods Development / Microsoft Office / Project Management / Budget Management / Leadership / Independence / Strategic Agility / Holistic Thinking / Influence / Collaboration / Analytical Thinking / Risk Assessment / Prioritization / Troubleshooting / Mentoring
All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE ELIGIBLE:
Yes
WORK SHIFT:
1ST SHIFT (United States of America)
Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
Hourly Applicants ONLY - You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.
The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.
If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.
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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.