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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Study Start-up Project Manager - Hybrid
The Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) is one of an elite number of National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country, and is a prominent, dynamic, growing and complex Institute within the Stanford University School of Medicine. The SCI actively works to build synergies and collaborations among faculty with cancer-relevant expertise from four Schools and over 30 departments across Stanford University. We seek a Study Start-Up Project Manager to help us enact our mission to reduce cancer mortality through comprehensive programs of cancer research, treatment, education and outreach. Given the SCI’s mission, breadth, and depth, it employs over 320 staff members in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and forward-thinking environment with tremendous opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Clinical Trials Office (CTO) is an integral component of the Stanford Cancer Institute since the vital work performed there enables our adult and pediatric cancer centers to translate research from the laboratory into the clinical setting. You will be working with an unparalleled leading edge community of faculty and staff who are fundamentally changing the world of health care in the cancer arena.
Reporting to The Clinical Research Manager of Study Start-Up, the Study Start-up Project Manager will be conversant in the goals, mission and priorities of the Institute, and utilize this knowledge to conduct industry sponsored trials, cooperative group trials, investigator initiated clinical research studies, from start up to close out. We are seeking candidates with excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and outstanding oral/written communication skills with the ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams. Our staff run toward challenges, and you will have a demonstrated history of doing the same with a high degree of professionalism, initiative and flexibility.
Duties include:
- Oversee study start-up data management for cancer clinical trials. Develop and manage systems to organize, collect, report, and monitor data collection. Extract, analyze, and interpret data.
- Develop project schedules, targets, measurements, and accountabilities, as assigned. Lead team meetings and prepare/approve minutes.
- Formally supervise, train, and/or mentor new staff or students, as assigned, potentially including hiring, preparing or assisting with the preparation of performance evaluations, and performing related duties, in addition to instruction on project work.
- Audit operations, to ensure compliance with applicable regulations; provide leadership in identifying and implementing corrective actions/processes.
- Collaborate with principal investigators and study sponsors, monitor and report serious adverse events, and resolve study queries.
- Provide leadership in determining, recommending, and implementing improvements to policies/processes; define best practices.
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Ensure regulatory compliance. Regularly inspect study document to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
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Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of clinical trials data management and clinical quality management
- Clinical knowledge in the field of Thoracic
- Knowledge of various projects and implementation strategies
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of experience in clinical research, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database applications.
- Experience with research protocols and regulatory or governing bodies, which include HIPAA and FDA regulations, Institutional Review Board requirements, and Good Clinical Practices.
- Knowledge of medical terminology.
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:
Society of Clinical Research Associates or Association of Clinical Research Professionals certification is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat and use fine light/fine grasping.
- Occasionally sit, reach above shoulders, perform desk based computer tasks, use a telephone and write by hand, lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
- Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, grasp forcefully, sort and file paperwork or parts, rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh 40 pounds or more.
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or exposure to chemicals, blood, body fluid or tissues and risk of exposure to contagious diseases and infections. May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The expected pay range for this position is $86,248 to $100,158 per annum.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
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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.