STEM OPT AI Researcher Jobs
AI Researcher roles fall under STEM-designated CIP codes, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12-month OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal I-983 training plan. A STEM degree in computer science, electrical engineering, statistics, or a related field is required to qualify.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Design and build the knowledge infrastructure that powers Gallup's most ambitious AI initiatives.
As an AI research scientist at Gallup, you will shape AI systems built on some of the richest behavioral datasets in the world. If you bring the rigor of a researcher and the instincts of a systems thinker, and you want to design what doesn't yet exist, you'll thrive in Gallup Labs.
About Gallup Labs
Gallup Labs is the internal research and incubation engine at Gallup, where the world's most important questions about human behavior meet at the intersection of research and technology. We work on problems that don't have clear road maps: building novel knowledge architectures from decades of behavioral data, designing AI systems that surface talent signals and prototyping the next generation of human-centered intelligence tools for a variety of markets.
- Design, prototype and evaluate applied AI systems for knowledge representation, retrieval and agentic reasoning
- Build knowledge architectures that combine knowledge graphs, vector databases, RAG pipelines and hybrid retrieval approaches for behavioral and scientific data
- Own core retrieval infrastructure, including ontology design, schema design, embeddings, indexing, LLM-based extraction, entity resolution, graph storage and query patterns
- Translate ambiguous research questions into clear technical approaches, experiments and working systems
- Create evaluation frameworks for reasoning quality, retrieval accuracy, scalability and real-world impact
- Partner with researchers, product leaders and technologists to integrate knowledge systems into larger AI workflows and communicate architectural decisions clearly
- Stay current on applied AI research and identify techniques that can strengthen Gallup's AI capabilities
What Makes You Stand Out
- Entrepreneurial mindset: You are relentlessly curious about what could exist, spot unmet needs and take ownership of turning technical possibility into systems that create measurable value.
- Systems thinking: You instinctively see how technical components interact, anticipate failure modes and design and test architectures that are resilient and adaptable.
- Architectural creativity: You evaluate trade-offs across graph, vector and hybrid systems and are energized by inventing new combinations when standard approaches fall short.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, applied mathematics, cognitive science or a related quantitative field, plus two years of experience, or an advanced degree in ML, NLP, information science or computational social science
- Experience building applied AI systems, knowledge architectures or advanced data systems in industry, research or comparable settings
- Strong hands-on experience with knowledge graphs, including ontology and schema design, extraction pipelines, graph storage and traversal
- Experience using LLMs for structured extraction of entities, relations and attributes
- Experience designing advanced retrieval systems and evaluating reasoning and extraction quality
- Strong Python skills and fluency with modern AI development stacks such as LangChain, LangGraph or LlamaIndex
- A commitment to working on-site at Gallup's Omaha office at least three days per week
Preferred
- Experience turning research ideas into production-ready AI systems
- Hands-on experience with agentic workflows, including multi-step reasoning, tool use and planner/executor patterns
- Ability to build lightweight service layers and interfaces, such as FastAPI, to inspect and evaluate extraction and retrieval quality
- Advanced experience with entity resolution, graph learning or hybrid database architectures that combine graph, vector and relational systems
- Experience with major cloud AI ecosystems such as Azure OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, GCP Vertex or comparable self-hosted solutions
About Gallup
At Gallup, we change the world, one client at a time, through extraordinary analytics and advice on everything important facing humankind. Learn more about our work and life at Gallup.
Gallup offers a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and other insurance options; a fully vested 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching; an employee stock ownership program; family-building benefits; an employee assistance program; and various reimbursements and activities that enhance our associates' wellbeing. We also offer an estimated annual salary range of $165,000-$225,000 for this role. Salaries are based on a variety of factors, including an individual's education, experience and skills.
Gallup is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.
To review Gallup's Privacy Statement, please click this link: https://www.gallup.com/privacy. This privacy policy is meant to help you understand what information we collect, why we collect it, and how you can update, manage and delete your information. Your application and the information you provide will be processed and stored in the United States.
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INTRODUCTION
Design and build the knowledge infrastructure that powers Gallup's most ambitious AI initiatives.
As an AI research scientist at Gallup, you will shape AI systems built on some of the richest behavioral datasets in the world. If you bring the rigor of a researcher and the instincts of a systems thinker, and you want to design what doesn't yet exist, you'll thrive in Gallup Labs.
About Gallup Labs
Gallup Labs is the internal research and incubation engine at Gallup, where the world's most important questions about human behavior meet at the intersection of research and technology. We work on problems that don't have clear road maps: building novel knowledge architectures from decades of behavioral data, designing AI systems that surface talent signals and prototyping the next generation of human-centered intelligence tools for a variety of markets.
- Design, prototype and evaluate applied AI systems for knowledge representation, retrieval and agentic reasoning
- Build knowledge architectures that combine knowledge graphs, vector databases, RAG pipelines and hybrid retrieval approaches for behavioral and scientific data
- Own core retrieval infrastructure, including ontology design, schema design, embeddings, indexing, LLM-based extraction, entity resolution, graph storage and query patterns
- Translate ambiguous research questions into clear technical approaches, experiments and working systems
- Create evaluation frameworks for reasoning quality, retrieval accuracy, scalability and real-world impact
- Partner with researchers, product leaders and technologists to integrate knowledge systems into larger AI workflows and communicate architectural decisions clearly
- Stay current on applied AI research and identify techniques that can strengthen Gallup's AI capabilities
What Makes You Stand Out
- Entrepreneurial mindset: You are relentlessly curious about what could exist, spot unmet needs and take ownership of turning technical possibility into systems that create measurable value.
- Systems thinking: You instinctively see how technical components interact, anticipate failure modes and design and test architectures that are resilient and adaptable.
- Architectural creativity: You evaluate trade-offs across graph, vector and hybrid systems and are energized by inventing new combinations when standard approaches fall short.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, applied mathematics, cognitive science or a related quantitative field, plus two years of experience, or an advanced degree in ML, NLP, information science or computational social science
- Experience building applied AI systems, knowledge architectures or advanced data systems in industry, research or comparable settings
- Strong hands-on experience with knowledge graphs, including ontology and schema design, extraction pipelines, graph storage and traversal
- Experience using LLMs for structured extraction of entities, relations and attributes
- Experience designing advanced retrieval systems and evaluating reasoning and extraction quality
- Strong Python skills and fluency with modern AI development stacks such as LangChain, LangGraph or LlamaIndex
- A commitment to working on-site at Gallup's Omaha office at least three days per week
Preferred
- Experience turning research ideas into production-ready AI systems
- Hands-on experience with agentic workflows, including multi-step reasoning, tool use and planner/executor patterns
- Ability to build lightweight service layers and interfaces, such as FastAPI, to inspect and evaluate extraction and retrieval quality
- Advanced experience with entity resolution, graph learning or hybrid database architectures that combine graph, vector and relational systems
- Experience with major cloud AI ecosystems such as Azure OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, GCP Vertex or comparable self-hosted solutions
About Gallup
At Gallup, we change the world, one client at a time, through extraordinary analytics and advice on everything important facing humankind. Learn more about our work and life at Gallup.
Gallup offers a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and other insurance options; a fully vested 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching; an employee stock ownership program; family-building benefits; an employee assistance program; and various reimbursements and activities that enhance our associates' wellbeing. We also offer an estimated annual salary range of $165,000-$225,000 for this role. Salaries are based on a variety of factors, including an individual's education, experience and skills.
Gallup is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.
To review Gallup's Privacy Statement, please click this link: https://www.gallup.com/privacy. This privacy policy is meant to help you understand what information we collect, why we collect it, and how you can update, manage and delete your information. Your application and the information you provide will be processed and stored in the United States.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in AI Researcher
Verify your CIP code before applying
Cross-check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list before targeting roles. A degree in data science or applied mathematics qualifies; a general information systems degree may not. Confirm with your DSO before your OPT end date.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
STEM OPT requires your employer to be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Ask the recruiter to confirm current enrollment before your first interview. An employer that lets enrollment lapse after your start date puts your authorization at risk.
Align your I-983 training plan with research deliverables
AI Researcher roles require a signed I-983 training plan with specific learning objectives and performance benchmarks. Frame your objectives around measurable research outputs, such as model accuracy improvements or published findings, so the plan satisfies USCIS requirements on its face.
Use Migrate Mate to target verified STEM OPT employers
Search for AI Researcher openings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history. This cuts the time you'd otherwise spend manually vetting employers through the E-Verify employer search tool.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Look up the SOC code 15-2051 or 15-1221 wage level for your metro area using the OFLC Wage Search before you negotiate. Your offer must meet the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location, so knowing the floor prevents a mismatch that could delay your I-983 approval.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed before your initial OPT EAD expires. Submit at least 90 days early to stay inside the automatic 180-day cap-gap protection window and avoid a gap in your work authorization between approval cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as an AI Researcher?
Your degree qualifies if it appears on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list with a matching CIP code. Degrees in computer science, statistics, mathematics, electrical engineering, and applied data science typically qualify. Degrees in general business or information management often do not, even if your coursework was technical. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying.
What does an AI Researcher I-983 training plan need to include?
The I-983 must name your employer, describe how the AI Researcher role relates to your STEM degree, and list measurable learning objectives and performance benchmarks. USCIS expects concrete deliverables tied to your research work, such as model development milestones or publication targets. Both you and your employer supervisor must sign it, and your DSO must update your SEVIS record before you can file the extension.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask your recruiter or HR contact to confirm active E-Verify enrollment before you accept an offer. You can also search the public E-Verify employer search tool by company name or EIN to check enrollment status. Enrollment must remain active throughout your STEM OPT period, not just at the time of hiring. A lapsed enrollment requires your employer to re-enroll before you can legally continue working.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my AI Researcher role changes within the same company?
A material change in job duties, location, or compensation requires an updated I-983 training plan submitted to your DSO within 10 days. If your role shifts from AI research to a non-STEM function, your STEM OPT authorization may no longer apply to that position. Minor project changes within the same research track generally do not require a new plan, but document the continuity in writing with your employer.
Where can I find AI Researcher jobs that already accept STEM OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists AI Researcher openings from employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and a track record of hiring STEM OPT students. Searching there filters out employers who either aren't E-Verify enrolled or have no history of supporting OPT extensions, which saves you the back-and-forth of vetting eligibility after you've already applied.