Study Start Up Jobs for OPT Students
Study Start Up roles in clinical research coordinate the activation of new study sites, and they're a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in life sciences, public health, or healthcare administration. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
See All Study Start Up JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Study Start Up 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 12+ Study Start Up jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Study Start Up roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our clinical operations activities are growing rapidly, and we are currently seeking a full-time, office-based Regulatory Submissions Coordinators to join our Study Start-up team. This position works both independently and collaboratively with a team to meet common goals and plays a key role in the clinical trial management and study start-up process at Medpace. We have openings for clinical research coordinators to best match your experience level. If you want to build on your foundational knowledge and your previous experience to develop and grow your career even further, then this is the opportunity for you.
Responsibilities
- Communicate with research sites (doctor's offices, universities, hospitals, etc.) to collect all essential documents required before the site begins to screen patients to participate in the clinical trial;
- Maintain and perform ongoing quality review of trial documents within the Trial Master File (TMF);
- Collect, review, organize, and assemble regulatory start-up submissions (including submissions to Institutional Review Boards (IRB);
- Maintain timelines for study start-up through both internal and external collaboration;
- Provide advice and guidance to internal and external team members to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and requirements; and
- Review pertinent regulations and guidance to develop proactive solutions to regulatory issues and challenges.
SITE ACTIVATION & MAINTENANCE (SAM) TRAINING PROGRAM
Medpace training programs are curated to educate and support experienced associates, as well as those that are new to the industry. The SAM Training Program embraces evidence based learning & development models to advance professional learning and employee performance. In the program, you will…
- Complete independent learning modules, interactive exercises, and team workshops through the core curriculum;
- Gain exposure to real-world tasks through a robust mentoring program; and
- Join other professionals revolutionizing efficient and seamless study start-up to advance clinical trials.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is required (preferably in a Life Sciences field);
- 1-5+ years of prior experience as a study coordinator or within the pharmaceutical industry specializing in study start-up is required;
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills;
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office; and
- Great attention to detail and excellent oral and written communication skills.
Travel: None
Medpace Overview
Medpace is a full-service clinical contract research organization (CRO). We provide Phase I-IV clinical development services to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Our mission is to accelerate the global development of safe and effective medical therapeutics through its scientific and disciplined approach. We leverage local regulatory and therapeutic expertise across all major areas including oncology, cardiology, metabolic disease, endocrinology, central nervous system, anti-viral and anti-infective. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, employing more than 5,000 people across 40+ countries.
Why Medpace?
People. Purpose. Passion. Make a Difference Tomorrow. Join Us Today. The work we’ve done over the past 30+ years has positively impacted the lives of countless patients and families who face hundreds of diseases across all key therapeutic areas. The work we do today will improve the lives of people living with illness and disease in the future.
Cincinnati Perks
- Cincinnati Campus Overview
- Flexible work environment
- Competitive PTO packages, starting at 20+ days
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
- Company-sponsored employee appreciation events
- Employee health and wellness initiatives
- Community involvement with local nonprofit organizations
- Discounts on local sports games, fitness gyms and attractions
- Modern, ecofriendly campus with an on-site fitness center
- Structured career paths with opportunities for professional growth
- Discounted tuition for UC online programs
Awards
- Named a Top Workplace in 2024 by The Cincinnati Enquirer
- Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Most Successful Midsize Companies in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Continually recognized with CRO Leadership Awards from Life Science Leader magazine based on expertise, quality, capabilities, reliability, and compatibility
What To Expect Next
A Medpace team member will review your qualifications and, if interested, you will be contacted with details for next steps.
INTRODUCTION
Our clinical operations activities are growing rapidly, and we are currently seeking a full-time, office-based Regulatory Submissions Coordinators to join our Study Start-up team. This position works both independently and collaboratively with a team to meet common goals and plays a key role in the clinical trial management and study start-up process at Medpace. We have openings for clinical research coordinators to best match your experience level. If you want to build on your foundational knowledge and your previous experience to develop and grow your career even further, then this is the opportunity for you.
Responsibilities
- Communicate with research sites (doctor's offices, universities, hospitals, etc.) to collect all essential documents required before the site begins to screen patients to participate in the clinical trial;
- Maintain and perform ongoing quality review of trial documents within the Trial Master File (TMF);
- Collect, review, organize, and assemble regulatory start-up submissions (including submissions to Institutional Review Boards (IRB);
- Maintain timelines for study start-up through both internal and external collaboration;
- Provide advice and guidance to internal and external team members to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and requirements; and
- Review pertinent regulations and guidance to develop proactive solutions to regulatory issues and challenges.
SITE ACTIVATION & MAINTENANCE (SAM) TRAINING PROGRAM
Medpace training programs are curated to educate and support experienced associates, as well as those that are new to the industry. The SAM Training Program embraces evidence based learning & development models to advance professional learning and employee performance. In the program, you will…
- Complete independent learning modules, interactive exercises, and team workshops through the core curriculum;
- Gain exposure to real-world tasks through a robust mentoring program; and
- Join other professionals revolutionizing efficient and seamless study start-up to advance clinical trials.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is required (preferably in a Life Sciences field);
- 1-5+ years of prior experience as a study coordinator or within the pharmaceutical industry specializing in study start-up is required;
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills;
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office; and
- Great attention to detail and excellent oral and written communication skills.
Travel: None
Medpace Overview
Medpace is a full-service clinical contract research organization (CRO). We provide Phase I-IV clinical development services to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Our mission is to accelerate the global development of safe and effective medical therapeutics through its scientific and disciplined approach. We leverage local regulatory and therapeutic expertise across all major areas including oncology, cardiology, metabolic disease, endocrinology, central nervous system, anti-viral and anti-infective. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, employing more than 5,000 people across 40+ countries.
Why Medpace?
People. Purpose. Passion. Make a Difference Tomorrow. Join Us Today. The work we’ve done over the past 30+ years has positively impacted the lives of countless patients and families who face hundreds of diseases across all key therapeutic areas. The work we do today will improve the lives of people living with illness and disease in the future.
Cincinnati Perks
- Cincinnati Campus Overview
- Flexible work environment
- Competitive PTO packages, starting at 20+ days
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
- Company-sponsored employee appreciation events
- Employee health and wellness initiatives
- Community involvement with local nonprofit organizations
- Discounts on local sports games, fitness gyms and attractions
- Modern, ecofriendly campus with an on-site fitness center
- Structured career paths with opportunities for professional growth
- Discounted tuition for UC online programs
Awards
- Named a Top Workplace in 2024 by The Cincinnati Enquirer
- Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Most Successful Midsize Companies in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Continually recognized with CRO Leadership Awards from Life Science Leader magazine based on expertise, quality, capabilities, reliability, and compatibility
What To Expect Next
A Medpace team member will review your qualifications and, if interested, you will be contacted with details for next steps.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Study Start Up
Confirm your degree aligns with the role
Study Start Up is a specialty occupation requiring a relevant degree. Clinical research, public health, nursing, or life sciences backgrounds align well. Verify your field maps directly to the job to support your OPT authorization and any future H-1B petition.
Target STEM OPT-eligible positions first
Many Study Start Up roles fall under CIP codes in biological sciences or health services administration, qualifying for 24-month STEM OPT extensions. Confirm the employer is E-Verify enrolled before accepting an offer, as that's required for STEM extension eligibility.
Prioritize contract research organizations and large sponsors
CROs like ICON, PPD, and Medpace, along with large pharmaceutical sponsors, have established immigration infrastructure. They're more experienced with OPT authorization, STEM extensions, and H-1B sponsorship, reducing the risk of authorization gaps during your employment.
Start your job search early relative to your OPT start date
Study Start Up hiring often involves background checks, training periods, and credentialing that extend onboarding timelines. Starting your search three to four months before your OPT begins gives you enough runway to clear these steps before your authorization window opens.
Ask directly about STEM extension and H-1B sponsorship history
During interviews, ask whether the company has sponsored STEM OPT extensions and H-1B visas for clinical research roles before. Employers with that track record have the legal processes in place, which significantly reduces risk for your long-term status.
Document your role's connection to your degree field
Keep a clear record of how your Study Start Up responsibilities tie to your degree. USCIS may request this during STEM extension or H-1B adjudication. Specific project descriptions and supervisor letters linking your work to your academic training are valuable evidence.
Study Start Up jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Study Start Up JobsSee all 12+ Study Start Up jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Study Start Up roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work in a Study Start Up role on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Study Start Up positions qualify as OPT-eligible employment as long as the role is directly related to your field of study. Degrees in clinical research, life sciences, public health, or healthcare administration typically support authorization. Your job offer and responsibilities should clearly connect to your degree to remain compliant with USCIS requirements.
Do Study Start Up jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do. If your degree falls under an eligible STEM CIP code, such as biological sciences or health services administration, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This gives you up to three years of total work authorization, making it easier to transition to H-1B sponsorship later.
Where can I find Study Start Up jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for F-1 OPT students searching for Study Start Up roles. It filters jobs by sponsorship and OPT compatibility, so you can focus on employers who actively hire international students rather than spending time on applications at companies that don't.
What happens to my OPT status if my Study Start Up contract ends early?
You enter a 60-day grace period when your employment ends. During that window, you can find a new qualifying job, apply for a STEM extension if eligible, or change your immigration status. You cannot work during the grace period. Staying in close contact with your DSO throughout a job transition helps you avoid accidental status violations.
Will Study Start Up employers sponsor me for an H-1B after OPT?
Sponsorship varies by employer. Contract research organizations and large pharmaceutical companies are more likely to have existing H-1B processes for clinical research roles than smaller sponsors or academic sites. During interviews, ask specifically whether they have sponsored clinical operations or Study Start Up staff for H-1B visas before, and whether they work with an immigration attorney.
See which Study Start Up employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Study Start Up Jobs