OPT Study Start Up Jobs
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.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY
Our clinical operations activities are growing rapidly, and we are currently seeking full-time, office-based Study Start-Up Coordinators to join our Regulatory Submissions team. In this position you will work independently and collaboratively to manage timelines, meet goals, and play a key role in the clinical trial management and study start-up process at Medpace. If you are seeking an exciting, entry-level position where you can build a foundation in the clinical research industry and develop/grow your career through our robust training program, 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 (includes submissions to Institutional Review Boards); and
- Maintain timelines for study start-up through internal team collaboration.
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.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree is required (Life Sciences field preferred);
- Some experience in an office setting is preferred;
- 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) providing 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 the advancement of clinical research. We leverage in-country regulatory and therapeutic expertise across all major therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiology, metabolic, endocrinology, central nervous system, and anti-viral and anti-infective. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, we employ more than 6,500 people across 40+ countries.
WHY MEDPACE?:
When you join Medpace, you become part of an innovative team that brings cutting-edge therapies to market while building a meaningful and rewarding career focused on scientific excellence and improving patient outcomes around the world through continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration.
-
Purpose-Driven Work: Work alongside physicians, scientists, and industry-leading experts committed to advancing the global development of medical therapeutics through clinical research excellence.
-
Collaborative Culture: Contribute to an interactive team environment that empowers decision making, creative thinking, and continuous learning through open communication and mutual trust.
-
Leadership throughout Medpace is both accessible and approachable.
-
Continuous Growth & Development: Office based environment with on-site mentors.
- Defined career paths with clear advancement opportunities.
- Industry renowned onboarding and training programs designed to accelerate professional development.
- Ongoing training and continuous learning opportunities throughout your career.
-
An environment that encourages employees to influence change, contribute ideas, and grow quickly.
-
Other Employee Benefits: Competitive compensation programs that recognize and reward performance.
- Comprehensive health, wellness, retirement, and PTO benefits.
- Office based culture with occasional WFH that provides flexibility for eligible positions after training.
-
Company-sponsored social events and intramural sports.
-
Cincinnati Headquarters Experience: A modern corporate campus designed to support collaboration and productivity.
- Multiple on-site dining options in the heart of Madison Square.
- Free on-site parking.
- Convenient access to on-site 24-7 fitness and wellness facilities.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT
A Medpace team member will review your application and if your profile matches our current needs, you will be contacted for an interview. While we review all applications carefully, we are unable to respond to every applicant, and only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
JOB SUMMARY
Our clinical operations activities are growing rapidly, and we are currently seeking full-time, office-based Study Start-Up Coordinators to join our Regulatory Submissions team. In this position you will work independently and collaboratively to manage timelines, meet goals, and play a key role in the clinical trial management and study start-up process at Medpace. If you are seeking an exciting, entry-level position where you can build a foundation in the clinical research industry and develop/grow your career through our robust training program, 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 (includes submissions to Institutional Review Boards); and
- Maintain timelines for study start-up through internal team collaboration.
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.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree is required (Life Sciences field preferred);
- Some experience in an office setting is preferred;
- 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) providing 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 the advancement of clinical research. We leverage in-country regulatory and therapeutic expertise across all major therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiology, metabolic, endocrinology, central nervous system, and anti-viral and anti-infective. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, we employ more than 6,500 people across 40+ countries.
WHY MEDPACE?:
When you join Medpace, you become part of an innovative team that brings cutting-edge therapies to market while building a meaningful and rewarding career focused on scientific excellence and improving patient outcomes around the world through continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration.
-
Purpose-Driven Work: Work alongside physicians, scientists, and industry-leading experts committed to advancing the global development of medical therapeutics through clinical research excellence.
-
Collaborative Culture: Contribute to an interactive team environment that empowers decision making, creative thinking, and continuous learning through open communication and mutual trust.
-
Leadership throughout Medpace is both accessible and approachable.
-
Continuous Growth & Development: Office based environment with on-site mentors.
- Defined career paths with clear advancement opportunities.
- Industry renowned onboarding and training programs designed to accelerate professional development.
- Ongoing training and continuous learning opportunities throughout your career.
-
An environment that encourages employees to influence change, contribute ideas, and grow quickly.
-
Other Employee Benefits: Competitive compensation programs that recognize and reward performance.
- Comprehensive health, wellness, retirement, and PTO benefits.
- Office based culture with occasional WFH that provides flexibility for eligible positions after training.
-
Company-sponsored social events and intramural sports.
-
Cincinnati Headquarters Experience: A modern corporate campus designed to support collaboration and productivity.
- Multiple on-site dining options in the heart of Madison Square.
- Free on-site parking.
- Convenient access to on-site 24-7 fitness and wellness facilities.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT
A Medpace team member will review your application and if your profile matches our current needs, you will be contacted for an interview. While we review all applications carefully, we are unable to respond to every applicant, and only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
See all OPT Study Start Up Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Study Start Up Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 visa 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 OPT: Frequently 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.