STEM OPT Bioinformatics Jobs

Bioinformatics roles in genomics, computational biology, and data analysis are strong matches for STEM OPT work authorization. Your STEM degree qualifies you for the 24-month extension beyond initial OPT, giving you up to 36 months total, as long as your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.

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Overview

Open Jobs43+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type84% On-site
Median Salary$87K
Top LocationOklahoma City, OK
Most JobsOklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Showing 5 of 43+ Bioinformatics jobs

Bayer
Genome Editing Scientist-Bioinformatics
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Bayer
Added 1w ago
Genome Editing Scientist-Bioinformatics
Bayer
Chesterfield, Missouri
Data Science & Analytics
Biotech & Life Sciences
Laboratory Research
Data Science
Data Analytics
$76,480/yr - $114,720/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Doctorate
10,000+

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BillionToOne
Bioinformatics Intern, Prenatal
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BillionToOne
Added 2w ago
Bioinformatics Intern, Prenatal
BillionToOne
Menlo Park, California
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
$25/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
11-50

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Plasmidsaurus
Bioinformatics Scientist
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Plasmidsaurus
Added 2w ago
Bioinformatics Scientist
Plasmidsaurus
San Francisco, California
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
Data Analytics
$170,000/yr - $190,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Doctorate

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University Of Washington
Research Scientist/Engineer 3, Bioinformatics Analyst
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University Of Washington
Added 3w ago
Research Scientist/Engineer 3, Bioinformatics Analyst
University Of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
$80,244/yr - $110,004/yr
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Axle Informatics LLC
Computer Science/Bioinformatics Intern
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Axle Informatics LLC
Added 1mo ago
Computer Science/Bioinformatics Intern
Axle Informatics LLC
Rockville, Maryland
Software Engineering
Backend Engineering
Not listed
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Bioinformatics

Verify your CIP code matches bioinformatics

Your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code must map to a STEM-designated field. Check your I-20 and confirm with your DSO that your program qualifies, since bioinformatics, computational biology, and related fields each have distinct CIP codes.

Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers

Before signing, ask your hiring contact to confirm their E-Verify Company ID or look it up through E-Verify's employer search. Smaller biotech startups and university-affiliated labs frequently lack E-Verify enrollment, which disqualifies them from hosting STEM OPT extensions.

Use Migrate Mate to target verified bioinformatics employers

Search Migrate Mate to find bioinformatics roles at employers already confirmed as E-Verify participants. Filtering for verified employers at the research stage saves time and prevents late-stage offer complications once your STEM OPT extension timeline is already in motion.

Build your I-983 training plan around job duties

Your Form I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your actual role, not a generic job description. For bioinformatics positions, map duties like pipeline development, variant calling, or RNA-seq analysis directly to the STEM learning goals your DSO must sign off on.

Check O*NET to align your job title with STEM criteria

USCIS expects the offered role to require a STEM degree. Cross-referencing your job title against O*NET confirms whether the occupation is classified as STEM-qualifying, which strengthens your extension application and gives your employer documentation support if questions arise.

File your STEM OPT extension application 90 days early

USCIS requires your I-765 extension application to be filed at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Bioinformatics job timelines can stretch, so starting this process while still interviewing protects your authorization gap and preserves your full 24-month extension window.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my bioinformatics degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension?

Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Degrees in bioinformatics, computational biology, biostatistics, and related fields typically qualify, but the determining factor is your specific program's CIP code on your I-20, not the degree title. Confirm with your DSO before applying.

Do bioinformatics employers need to be on E-Verify for STEM OPT?

Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for any employer hosting a STEM OPT extension student, not a preference. If your employer isn't enrolled, your extension cannot be approved regardless of how well the role matches your degree. Before you reach the offer stage, search E-Verify's employer directory or ask your recruiter directly for their Company ID.

What goes into the I-983 training plan for a bioinformatics role?

The I-983 requires a structured training plan that links your specific job duties to concrete STEM learning goals. For bioinformatics, this means documenting how tasks like genomic data analysis, algorithm development, or database pipeline work advance skills in your field. Both you and your employer supervisor must sign it, and your DSO must receive a copy before your extension is filed with USCIS.

How does cap-gap work if my H-1B is selected while I'm on STEM OPT?

If your H-1B petition is filed and accepted before your STEM OPT authorization expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. This keeps you employed continuously while USCIS adjudicates your H-1B. Your employer doesn't need to take any separate action, but your DSO should update your SEVIS record to reflect the cap-gap status.

Where can I find bioinformatics jobs at E-Verify enrolled employers?

Migrate Mate lists bioinformatics roles filtered for E-Verify compliance, which removes the most common early-stage obstacle for STEM OPT students. Many postings on general platforms don't disclose E-Verify status, forcing you to find out late in the process. Searching through Migrate Mate surfaces employers already confirmed as eligible hosts before you invest time in applications.

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