OPT Security Researcher Jobs
Security Researcher jobs on OPT are available at defense contractors, tech companies, and government-adjacent firms. Many roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Strong candidates typically hold degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, or electrical engineering and have hands-on research experience.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Privacy / Data Protection Analysts
Working Title: Research Security Analyst
Career Progression Track: P00
Track Level: P2 - Developing
FLSA Code: Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?: No
Standard Hours per Week: 40
Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary: 8am - 5pm / Monday – Friday
VP Area: President
Department: 00639 - VP for Research
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $65,000 - $80,000
Close Date: 12/02/2026
Job Summary
The Privacy / Data Protection Analyst II monitors, analyzes, and reports on university compliance with internal policies, institutional business practices, and external government regulations regarding personal data, data privacy laws, and research security. This role provides operational support to ensure the university’s compliance with applicable laws regulating research security (e.g., foreign business relationships, foreign travel, and data security). Working under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment, the Analyst reviews university business practices, conducts data privacy audits, identifies areas of non-compliance, and assists in creating and implementing data protection plans to safeguard sensitive university assets and intellectual property.
Responsibilities
-
Data Privacy Screening & Workflow Monitoring: Provides operational assistance with Restricted Party Screenings (RPS) and dynamic screening alerts through Visual Compliance to protect institutional data integrity. Reviews disclosures made through the University’s Business Relationship Reporting (BRR) system to identify data privacy risks and collaborates with the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) on BRR data process improvement and metric tracking in Tableau.
-
Incident Investigation & System Disclosures: Manages the identification, submission, and resolution of data policy variances or non-compliance issues within BRR, ERICA, or associated disclosure systems. Manages the research security email account to address data inquiries and validates or rejects potential data privacy alerts routed from partnering entities (including OSP, TLO, OGC, and ARUP).
-
Inter-Departmental Consultations & Process Streamlining: Coordinates data privacy and foreign influence consultations received from the Office of Global Health (OGH) and the Office of Global Engagement (OGE). Streamlines restricted party screening workflows and assists in securely transitioning internal offices to submission platforms within the university’s Electronic Research Integrity and Compliance Application (ERICA).
-
Institutional Regulatory Reporting: Compiles, validates, and manages sensitive information to ensure timely and accurate institutional reporting of foreign contributions and research security metrics (e.g., Section 117, NSF FFDR). Works with University Advancement and OSP to maintain required portal access, execute scheduled reporting timelines, and process data corrections or back-reporting, as necessary.
-
Privacy Training & Educational Development: Supports the development and implementation of educational programs, guidelines, and training materials in conjunction with the Office of Research Education (REd). Promotes robust data privacy awareness, data minimization, and regulatory compliance regarding foreign influence and export control programs for faculty, staff, and students.
-
Scope of Work: Evaluates future operating systems for institutional research to ensure alignment with data protection and privacy needs. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity utilizing a moderate skill set, with defined latitude for independent judgment under moderate supervision. Identifies and participates in relevant professional development opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Leveraged open-source intelligence (OSINT) and specialized data tools to evaluate foreign affiliations, unstated financial ties, and malign foreign talent recruitment program participation, directly supporting institutional compliance with NSPM-33 disclosure and conflict-of-commitment requirements.
Type: Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
Job Title: Privacy / Data Protection Analysts
Working Title: Research Security Analyst
Career Progression Track: P00
Track Level: P2 - Developing
FLSA Code: Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?: No
Standard Hours per Week: 40
Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary: 8am - 5pm / Monday – Friday
VP Area: President
Department: 00639 - VP for Research
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $65,000 - $80,000
Close Date: 12/02/2026
Job Summary
The Privacy / Data Protection Analyst II monitors, analyzes, and reports on university compliance with internal policies, institutional business practices, and external government regulations regarding personal data, data privacy laws, and research security. This role provides operational support to ensure the university’s compliance with applicable laws regulating research security (e.g., foreign business relationships, foreign travel, and data security). Working under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment, the Analyst reviews university business practices, conducts data privacy audits, identifies areas of non-compliance, and assists in creating and implementing data protection plans to safeguard sensitive university assets and intellectual property.
Responsibilities
-
Data Privacy Screening & Workflow Monitoring: Provides operational assistance with Restricted Party Screenings (RPS) and dynamic screening alerts through Visual Compliance to protect institutional data integrity. Reviews disclosures made through the University’s Business Relationship Reporting (BRR) system to identify data privacy risks and collaborates with the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) on BRR data process improvement and metric tracking in Tableau.
-
Incident Investigation & System Disclosures: Manages the identification, submission, and resolution of data policy variances or non-compliance issues within BRR, ERICA, or associated disclosure systems. Manages the research security email account to address data inquiries and validates or rejects potential data privacy alerts routed from partnering entities (including OSP, TLO, OGC, and ARUP).
-
Inter-Departmental Consultations & Process Streamlining: Coordinates data privacy and foreign influence consultations received from the Office of Global Health (OGH) and the Office of Global Engagement (OGE). Streamlines restricted party screening workflows and assists in securely transitioning internal offices to submission platforms within the university’s Electronic Research Integrity and Compliance Application (ERICA).
-
Institutional Regulatory Reporting: Compiles, validates, and manages sensitive information to ensure timely and accurate institutional reporting of foreign contributions and research security metrics (e.g., Section 117, NSF FFDR). Works with University Advancement and OSP to maintain required portal access, execute scheduled reporting timelines, and process data corrections or back-reporting, as necessary.
-
Privacy Training & Educational Development: Supports the development and implementation of educational programs, guidelines, and training materials in conjunction with the Office of Research Education (REd). Promotes robust data privacy awareness, data minimization, and regulatory compliance regarding foreign influence and export control programs for faculty, staff, and students.
-
Scope of Work: Evaluates future operating systems for institutional research to ensure alignment with data protection and privacy needs. Conducts work assignments of increasing complexity utilizing a moderate skill set, with defined latitude for independent judgment under moderate supervision. Identifies and participates in relevant professional development opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Leveraged open-source intelligence (OSINT) and specialized data tools to evaluate foreign affiliations, unstated financial ties, and malign foreign talent recruitment program participation, directly supporting institutional compliance with NSPM-33 disclosure and conflict-of-commitment requirements.
Type: Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
See all OPT Security Researcher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Security Researcher Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Security Researcher
Lead with published research
CVEs you've discovered, conference papers, or open-source security tools carry more weight than coursework alone. Document your research output clearly. Employers in this space hire for demonstrated capability, not just credentials.
Clarify your STEM OPT timeline upfront
Security research roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you three years total. Confirming this early removes a common objection and signals you understand your own work authorization status.
Target employers with existing cleared research programs
Defense contractors and security consultancies already sponsor security staff regularly. They have legal and HR infrastructure in place, which makes sponsorship conversations far less complicated than approaching companies with no prior experience.
Highlight offensive and defensive research skills separately
Employers distinguish between penetration testing, vulnerability research, malware analysis, and threat intelligence. Be explicit about your specialization. Generalist descriptions make it harder for hiring managers to assess fit quickly.
Address security clearance eligibility honestly
Many federal research roles require clearances that non-citizens cannot currently hold. Focus applications on commercial security research, private sector red teams, and civilian-facing roles where clearance is not a listed requirement.
Network through security conferences and CTF communities
DEF CON, Black Hat, and capture-the-flag communities are where hiring decisions start. Presenting research or placing well in competitions puts your name in front of hiring managers before a job posting ever goes live.
Security Researcher OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Security Researcher jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Security Researcher positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because the role typically requires a degree in computer science, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field. You need to confirm your degree CIP code is on the STEM designated degree program list and that your employer meets the E-Verify requirement before filing the extension.
Can I work as a Security Researcher on OPT without a security clearance?
Yes. Many security research positions in the private sector, including roles at tech companies, financial institutions, and cybersecurity consultancies, do not require a security clearance. Federal government roles and some defense contractor positions do require clearances that are generally unavailable to non-citizens on OPT, so filtering for commercial sector roles is the practical approach. Migrate Mate lists OPT-friendly security research roles where clearance is not a barrier.
What degree fields best support an OPT Security Researcher application?
Computer science, cybersecurity, information security, electrical engineering, and computer engineering are the most common qualifying degree fields. Some employers also accept applied mathematics or software engineering degrees when paired with strong research experience. The degree must appear on SEVIS as your program of study, and it should align with the specific research domain the role covers.
How do employers typically verify OPT work authorization for this role?
Employers will ask to see your EAD card, which serves as your work authorization document, and will run E-Verify as required for STEM OPT employers. Some security-focused employers also request your I-20 to confirm your STEM OPT approval and end date. Having these documents ready before your start date prevents onboarding delays.
What types of companies sponsor Security Researchers on OPT?
Commercial cybersecurity firms, large technology companies, financial services security teams, healthcare organizations with dedicated security programs, and independent research labs are the most active sponsors. These employers regularly hire international researchers and are accustomed to OPT timelines. Browsing roles on Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for positions open to OPT candidates so you are not spending time on applications that will not move forward.