OPT User Researcher Jobs
User Researcher roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in human-computer interaction, psychology, cognitive science, or UX design. Your 12-month OPT window (29 months with a STEM extension) gives you enough runway to build a portfolio and transition into H-1B visa sponsorship at established product companies.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The User Support Analyst is responsible for providing Level II technical hardware and software support. They will facilitate and resolve a wide variety of requests, inquiries and complaints with the use of their extensive technical knowledge of hardware and software. The User Support Analyst will work independently and as part of a team.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assists users to resolve computer related problems such as inoperative hardware or software, including network connections. Resolve customer inquiries efficiently and effectively through the use of active listening and personalizing techniques with a constant focus on service excellence.
- Hardware Support functions include, but are not limited to, end user support, desktop support, laptop support, visiting office setups, and mobile device support. Perform computer imaging and post image configurations, preventative maintenance, and basic printer troubleshooting working with the vendor on repairs.
- Software support functions include, but are not limited to, troubleshooting of applications that are standard within Sidley’s environment, installation and configuration of software, updates and preventative maintenance, and support of third party applications in coordination with vendors.
- Manage the assets that are both deployed and in inventory, maintain accurate Asset records for each user and each piece of equipment. Coordinate and perform Hardware moves, changes and exchanges.
- Provide break/fix support for telephones, including handsets, telephone cords and telephone base-units.
- Assist with projects such hardware or software upgrades, office moves and special events.
- Manage and process Hardware warranty claims and issues, and facilitate warranty repairs with third party vendors.
- Document and maintain user request and incident records in IT Service Management System.
- Perform other duties as required.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- A minimum of 2 years of experience providing direct and exceptional user support in a high performance culture, including:
- Experience supporting Windows-based computers, including Microsoft Windows 11
- Experience supporting VoIP Telephony solutions
- Experience with enterprise imaging solutions for Windows-based computers
- Experience supporting Smartphones, e.g., iPhone, Android
- Experience supporting Microsoft Office Applications and Remote Access technology, such as Citrix
Preferred:
- Law Firm or Professional Services experience
- A+, ITIL and Microsoft Office Application certifications
- Experience using and supporting Adobe Acrobat, NetDocuments Document Management Solutions, Cisco Telephony, Microsoft Intune, and Mac in an enterprise as well as experience deploying operating systems with SCCM
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
The following will also be required of the successful candidate:
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Good judgment
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
- Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
- Able to work under pressure
- Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
COMPENSATION
- The target salary range for this role is: $70,500 - $89,900 if located in Texas. Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
INTRODUCTION
The User Support Analyst is responsible for providing Level II technical hardware and software support. They will facilitate and resolve a wide variety of requests, inquiries and complaints with the use of their extensive technical knowledge of hardware and software. The User Support Analyst will work independently and as part of a team.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assists users to resolve computer related problems such as inoperative hardware or software, including network connections. Resolve customer inquiries efficiently and effectively through the use of active listening and personalizing techniques with a constant focus on service excellence.
- Hardware Support functions include, but are not limited to, end user support, desktop support, laptop support, visiting office setups, and mobile device support. Perform computer imaging and post image configurations, preventative maintenance, and basic printer troubleshooting working with the vendor on repairs.
- Software support functions include, but are not limited to, troubleshooting of applications that are standard within Sidley’s environment, installation and configuration of software, updates and preventative maintenance, and support of third party applications in coordination with vendors.
- Manage the assets that are both deployed and in inventory, maintain accurate Asset records for each user and each piece of equipment. Coordinate and perform Hardware moves, changes and exchanges.
- Provide break/fix support for telephones, including handsets, telephone cords and telephone base-units.
- Assist with projects such hardware or software upgrades, office moves and special events.
- Manage and process Hardware warranty claims and issues, and facilitate warranty repairs with third party vendors.
- Document and maintain user request and incident records in IT Service Management System.
- Perform other duties as required.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- A minimum of 2 years of experience providing direct and exceptional user support in a high performance culture, including:
- Experience supporting Windows-based computers, including Microsoft Windows 11
- Experience supporting VoIP Telephony solutions
- Experience with enterprise imaging solutions for Windows-based computers
- Experience supporting Smartphones, e.g., iPhone, Android
- Experience supporting Microsoft Office Applications and Remote Access technology, such as Citrix
Preferred:
- Law Firm or Professional Services experience
- A+, ITIL and Microsoft Office Application certifications
- Experience using and supporting Adobe Acrobat, NetDocuments Document Management Solutions, Cisco Telephony, Microsoft Intune, and Mac in an enterprise as well as experience deploying operating systems with SCCM
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
The following will also be required of the successful candidate:
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Good judgment
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
- Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
- Able to work under pressure
- Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
COMPENSATION
- The target salary range for this role is: $70,500 - $89,900 if located in Texas. Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See all 67+ OPT User Researcher Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in User Researcher
Target product companies over agencies
Product companies like tech firms and fintech startups are far more likely to sponsor H-1B visas than research agencies or consultancies. Focus your search on in-house UX and research teams where your role has long-term headcount value.
Frame your research methods as specialty occupation evidence
H-1B eligibility requires a specialty occupation. Emphasize your degree-specific methods: conjoint analysis, eye-tracking studies, usability testing protocols. Generic research experience is harder to defend than methodology tied directly to your academic training.
Build a portfolio that shows business impact
Hiring managers and visa sponsors both want evidence your work drives decisions. Document how your research changed product direction, reduced churn, or improved conversion. Quantified outcomes make you a stronger candidate and a more defensible sponsorship case.
Start sponsorship conversations before your OPT clock runs out
Raise H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage, not after you've started. If you wait until month ten of OPT, there may not be enough time to file before your authorization expires. Early clarity protects both you and your employer.
Prioritize STEM-designated programs for the extension
A STEM OPT extension gives you 24 additional months of work authorization, nearly tripling your runway. Degrees in human-computer interaction, cognitive science, or information science often qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before graduation.
Treat contract and internship roles strategically
Contract User Researcher roles can build your U.S. portfolio quickly, but they rarely lead to sponsorship. Use them to gain experience and references, then pivot to full-time positions at companies with established immigration programs before your OPT expires.
User Researcher OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do User Researcher roles qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
User Researcher positions generally qualify as a specialty occupation when the role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as human-computer interaction, psychology, cognitive science, or UX design. Roles where any degree is accepted regardless of field are harder to defend. The stronger your job description ties research responsibilities to a specific discipline, the cleaner the specialty occupation argument.
Can I work as a User Researcher on OPT without my employer needing to do anything special?
Yes. During your OPT period, your employer does not file any immigration petition on your behalf. You work on your EAD card, and your employer simply verifies your work authorization through Form I-9. However, if you want to stay beyond your OPT window, your employer will need to sponsor an H-1B or another visa, which requires their active participation.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor User Researchers for an H-1B?
Large technology companies, enterprise software firms, and funded product startups are the most consistent sponsors. Companies with dedicated UX or design research teams and existing immigration programs are your best targets. You can browse User Researcher roles at OPT-friendly employers directly on Migrate Mate, which filters for companies that actively support international candidates.
Does my degree field affect whether I can work as a User Researcher on OPT?
Your OPT work must be directly related to your degree field. A degree in human-computer interaction, psychology, information science, or cognitive science maps cleanly to User Researcher roles. If your degree is in an unrelated field, your DSO may flag the position as outside your authorized scope. Review the relationship between your CIP code and the job description before accepting an offer.
How does the STEM OPT extension work for User Researchers?
If your degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code, you can apply for a 24-month extension after your initial 12-month OPT. Human-computer interaction, cognitive science, and some information science programs qualify. During the extension, your employer must enroll in E-Verify and submit a formal training plan using Form I-983. This gives you up to 36 months total to build experience and secure H-1B sponsorship.