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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
DESCRIPTION
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintains software, hardware and information networks in a bioinformatics and molecular modeling laboratory.
- Analyzes protein structure, data collections and high throughput screening results with sophisticated bioinformatics software in order to carry out structure activity analyses and to generate predictive correlations.
- Applies a broad range of molecular modeling tools to formulate novel bioactivity hypotheses and to design stereospecific molecular structures as candidates for biological in-vitro and cellular probes, independently and in collaboration with synthetic chemists.
- May hire, supervise, and evaluate a small staff.
- Performs related responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A master's degree in biology, biostatistics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics or related science or IT-based discipline; PhD preferred.
- Two years of bioinformatics and/or computational chemistry experience.
NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
INTRODUCTION
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
DESCRIPTION
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintains software, hardware and information networks in a bioinformatics and molecular modeling laboratory.
- Analyzes protein structure, data collections and high throughput screening results with sophisticated bioinformatics software in order to carry out structure activity analyses and to generate predictive correlations.
- Applies a broad range of molecular modeling tools to formulate novel bioactivity hypotheses and to design stereospecific molecular structures as candidates for biological in-vitro and cellular probes, independently and in collaboration with synthetic chemists.
- May hire, supervise, and evaluate a small staff.
- Performs related responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A master's degree in biology, biostatistics, chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics or related science or IT-based discipline; PhD preferred.
- Two years of bioinformatics and/or computational chemistry experience.
NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
See all STEM OPT Bioinformatics Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Bioinformatics Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips 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.
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 visa 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.