STEM OPT AI Research Scientist Jobs
AI Research Scientist roles in machine learning, NLP, and computer vision qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months of F-1 work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree must align with a qualifying STEM CIP code to be eligible.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Workato
Workato delivers enterprise infrastructure for the agentic era, redefining iPaaS and helping enterprises unify data, applications, processes, and AI into a single, governed platform. A leader in Enterprise MCP and trusted by 50% of the Fortune 500, Workato’s cloud-native architecture connects every application, data source, and process to power real-time orchestration at scale. With enterprise-grade security and continuous innovation at its core, Workato provides the trusted foundation for organizations to automate with confidence and operationalize AI across the business.
Why join us?
Ultimately, Workato believes in fostering a flexible, trust-oriented culture that empowers everyone to take full ownership of their roles. We are driven by innovation and looking for team players who want to actively build our company.
But, we also believe in balancing productivity with self-care. That’s why we offer all of our employees a vibrant and dynamic work environment along with a multitude of benefits they can enjoy inside and outside of their work lives.
If this sounds right up your alley, please submit an application. We look forward to getting to know you!
Also, feel free to check out why:
- Business Insider named us an “enterprise startup to bet your career on”
- Forbes’ Cloud 100 recognized us as one of the top 100 private cloud companies in the world
- Deloitte Tech Fast 500 ranked us as the 17th fastest growing tech company in the Bay Area, and 96th in North America
- Quartz ranked us the #1 best company for remote workers
Responsibilities
We are looking for an exceptional AI Research Scientist to join our growing team. In this role, you will be responsible to:
- Explore workflow-aware planning, cost-optimised RAG, tool-use evaluation, and multi-agent collaboration.
- Prototype and benchmark models; present findings internally and externally.
- Collaborate with Product & Engineering to ship research-backed features.
- Contribute to open-source repos and author technical blogs.
Requirements
Qualifications / Experience / Technical Skills
- MS/PhD in Computer Science, ML, or related field—or equivalent experience.
- Hands-on with PyTorch/JAX and modern LLM frameworks.
- Strong publication record in top-tier ML venues (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR) or demonstrable impactful experimental work; hands-on experience with large-scale model training, transformer architectures, reinforcement-learning techniques, and CUDA.
Soft Skills / Personal Characteristics
- Curiosity-driven and self-directed.
- Ability to explain complex ideas to non-experts.
- Team player who welcomes feedback and knowledge-sharing.
(REQ ID: 2124)
About Workato
Workato delivers enterprise infrastructure for the agentic era, redefining iPaaS and helping enterprises unify data, applications, processes, and AI into a single, governed platform. A leader in Enterprise MCP and trusted by 50% of the Fortune 500, Workato’s cloud-native architecture connects every application, data source, and process to power real-time orchestration at scale. With enterprise-grade security and continuous innovation at its core, Workato provides the trusted foundation for organizations to automate with confidence and operationalize AI across the business.
Why join us?
Ultimately, Workato believes in fostering a flexible, trust-oriented culture that empowers everyone to take full ownership of their roles. We are driven by innovation and looking for team players who want to actively build our company.
But, we also believe in balancing productivity with self-care. That’s why we offer all of our employees a vibrant and dynamic work environment along with a multitude of benefits they can enjoy inside and outside of their work lives.
If this sounds right up your alley, please submit an application. We look forward to getting to know you!
Also, feel free to check out why:
- Business Insider named us an “enterprise startup to bet your career on”
- Forbes’ Cloud 100 recognized us as one of the top 100 private cloud companies in the world
- Deloitte Tech Fast 500 ranked us as the 17th fastest growing tech company in the Bay Area, and 96th in North America
- Quartz ranked us the #1 best company for remote workers
Responsibilities
We are looking for an exceptional AI Research Scientist to join our growing team. In this role, you will be responsible to:
- Explore workflow-aware planning, cost-optimised RAG, tool-use evaluation, and multi-agent collaboration.
- Prototype and benchmark models; present findings internally and externally.
- Collaborate with Product & Engineering to ship research-backed features.
- Contribute to open-source repos and author technical blogs.
Requirements
Qualifications / Experience / Technical Skills
- MS/PhD in Computer Science, ML, or related field—or equivalent experience.
- Hands-on with PyTorch/JAX and modern LLM frameworks.
- Strong publication record in top-tier ML venues (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR) or demonstrable impactful experimental work; hands-on experience with large-scale model training, transformer architectures, reinforcement-learning techniques, and CUDA.
Soft Skills / Personal Characteristics
- Curiosity-driven and self-directed.
- Ability to explain complex ideas to non-experts.
- Team player who welcomes feedback and knowledge-sharing.
(REQ ID: 2124)
See all 116+ STEM OPT AI Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT AI Research Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an AI Research Scientist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list. Computer Science, Statistics, and Applied Mathematics codes are common matches for AI Research Scientist roles, but Data Science program codes vary by institution.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Ask your recruiter to confirm enrollment status directly, or check the E-Verify employer search tool before signing. A company that's unenrolled cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT.
Target research labs with established I-983 processes
Many startups hiring AI researchers have never filed an I-983 training plan. Prioritize employers whose HR teams can describe their STEM OPT mentorship and reporting obligations, since gaps in the training plan are a common reason DSOs delay recommending the extension.
Use the OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
AI Research Scientist roles fall under SOC code 15-2051 or 15-1221 depending on specialization. Run your offer through the OFLC Wage Search to confirm it meets the prevailing wage level for your metro area, which affects both your STEM OPT standing and any future H-1B visa LCA.
File your STEM OPT extension application on time
Submit your I-765 to USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. If USCIS hasn't adjudicated your case by your EAD end date, you get a 180-day automatic extension, but only if you applied on time. Late filings forfeit that buffer.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify-enrolled employers
Search AI Research Scientist roles on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers with verified sponsorship history so you're not cold-applying to companies that have never hired on OPT. Shortlist roles before contacting recruiters to avoid wasting application cycles on ineligible employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my STEM degree qualify me for the 24-month STEM OPT extension as an AI Research Scientist?
Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the DHS STEM designated degree list. Degrees in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics typically qualify. Degrees in fields like Communications or Business Analytics may not, depending on the CIP code your institution assigned. Confirm with your DSO before applying for the extension, since the degree on file with SEVIS must match, not just the coursework you completed.
What is the I-983 training plan and what does it require for AI Research Scientist roles?
The I-983 is the STEM OPT training plan your employer signs to document how your AI Research Scientist role provides practical training related to your STEM degree. It must describe learning objectives, supervision structure, and how the work connects to your field of study. Your employer submits a self-evaluation every six months and a final evaluation at the end. Your DSO must receive and approve the I-983 before recommending your STEM OPT extension to USCIS.
How do I confirm that a company hiring AI Research Scientists is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify, and request the company's E-Verify Client ID if you want to verify independently. E-Verify enrollment is a hard legal requirement for STEM OPT employers, not optional. If an offer comes through a staffing agency, the agency and the end client both need to evaluate their respective obligations, so clarify which entity will be your legal employer before accepting.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B petition is selected in the lottery?
If your H-1B petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your F-1 status and employment authorization through September 30 of that year. If your STEM OPT EAD is still valid on October 1, your H-1B status begins that day without any gap in work authorization. Your employer must continue E-Verify compliance and your I-983 obligations remain in effect until the H-1B activates.
Where can I find AI Research Scientist jobs at employers who hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists AI Research Scientist roles at employers with confirmed sponsorship and E-Verify enrollment history, so you can focus your applications on companies that have actually hired F-1 students before. Filtering by STEM OPT compatibility early in your search saves significant time compared to discovering employer ineligibility late in the interview process. Your DSO can also connect you with alumni in AI research roles who navigated the same employer vetting process.