STEM OPT Clinical Research Scientist Jobs
Clinical Research Scientist roles in biotech, pharma, and academic medical centers are strong fits for STEM OPT. Your STEM degree in biological sciences, chemistry, or a related field qualifies you for the 24-month extension, and employers in this space routinely use E-Verify, making the authorization process straightforward.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Keros, our mission is to deliver significant clinical benefit to a wide range of patients with disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family of proteins. With a focus on developing differentiated product candidates that are designed to alter TGF-β signaling, we aim to target the pathways critical for the growth, repair and maintenance of blood cells and a number of tissues, including bone, skeletal muscle, adipose and heart tissue. We believe our product candidates have the potential to unlock the full therapeutic benefits of modulating the TGF-β superfamily and provide disease-modifying benefit to patients.
JOB SUMMARY
In the role of Scientist, Preclinical Biomarkers and Translational Research, you will join the Bioanalytical Sciences group to advance novel biologic programs from pre-clinical to clinical development. You will partner closely with Biology, Toxicology, and other cross-functional teams to translate biological questions into biomarker strategies; design and execute hypothesis-driven studies; develop fit-for-purpose assays; analyze preclinical samples; and interpret results in the context of TGF-beta superfamily biology, mechanism of action, PK/PD, efficacy, and safety. This is a highly hands-on research position requiring strong scientific judgement, rigorous experimental design, excellent bench and in vivo skills, and clear communication of actionable conclusions.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with Biology, Toxicology and other cross-functional teams to identify critical biological questions and establish biomarker strategies for target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, efficacy, disease biology, and potential safety findings.
- Independently generate scientific hypotheses and design, execute, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies that clarify mechanism of action and support program decisions.
- Develop, optimize, qualify, and troubleshoot fit-for-purpose biomarker assays using relevant platforms such as ELISA/MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, multicolor flow cytometry, and cell-based assays.
- Perform hands-on analysis of serum, plasma, tissue, and cellular samples from preclinical studies, including tissue processing, tissue dissociation, primary cell isolation, and ex vivo functional analyses.
- Evaluate commercial kits, antibodies, reagents, and assay platforms; develop custom methods when needed; and ensure assay performance, reproducibility, data integrity, and appropriate documentation.
- Present study designs, data, interpretations, limitations, and recommendations at project team meetings and contribute to study reports, technical documents, publications, and patent-related activities.
- Support assay transfer and external CRO activities under the guidance of the Director of Bioanalysis, as needed.
CORE COMPETENCIES (REQUIRED SKILLS)
- Strong research ability, including hypothesis generation, experimental design, assay troubleshooting, and critical data interpretation
- Good understanding of TGF-β superfamily biology, related signaling pathways, and their roles in disease mechanisms.
- Hands-on experience within vivo models, tissue collection and processing, and preclinical sample analysis.
- Technical expertise in relevant methods such as ELISA, MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and mammalian cell culture, and experience developing and optimizing biomarker assays.
- Strong quantitative analysis and data visualization skills using GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, or comparable software, with careful attention to reproducibility and data integrity.
- Strong collaboration, scientific communication, documentation, and data-presentation skills.
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Experience supporting biologic drug-discovery programs.
- Experience applying TGF-beta pathway biology to preclinical, target validation, mechanism-of-action, or biomarker studies.
- Experience with MSD, Luminex, multiplex assays, flow cytometry.
- Experience with primary cells, ex vivo assays, gene perturbation, or novel disease-model development.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline, with at least 2 years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral research experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.
This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, and other relevant factors. Potential base pay range: $133,000 USD - $157,000 USD
OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT:
Keros is an inclusive company. We believe that diversity drives innovation. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. As such, Keros takes a holistic approach in mentoring, coaching, and developing all of our Keros team members.
Keros Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
RECRUITMENT & STAFFING AGENCIES:
Keros Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than the candidate directly. Any unsolicited submission by an agency to Keros is prohibited. Any resume submitted by an agency without a signed contract or expressed consent by a member of the Keros Therapeutics Human Resources Department, will be considered property of Keros Therapeutics, and no fee shall be owed with respect thereto.
INTRODUCTION
At Keros, our mission is to deliver significant clinical benefit to a wide range of patients with disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family of proteins. With a focus on developing differentiated product candidates that are designed to alter TGF-β signaling, we aim to target the pathways critical for the growth, repair and maintenance of blood cells and a number of tissues, including bone, skeletal muscle, adipose and heart tissue. We believe our product candidates have the potential to unlock the full therapeutic benefits of modulating the TGF-β superfamily and provide disease-modifying benefit to patients.
JOB SUMMARY
In the role of Scientist, Preclinical Biomarkers and Translational Research, you will join the Bioanalytical Sciences group to advance novel biologic programs from pre-clinical to clinical development. You will partner closely with Biology, Toxicology, and other cross-functional teams to translate biological questions into biomarker strategies; design and execute hypothesis-driven studies; develop fit-for-purpose assays; analyze preclinical samples; and interpret results in the context of TGF-beta superfamily biology, mechanism of action, PK/PD, efficacy, and safety. This is a highly hands-on research position requiring strong scientific judgement, rigorous experimental design, excellent bench and in vivo skills, and clear communication of actionable conclusions.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with Biology, Toxicology and other cross-functional teams to identify critical biological questions and establish biomarker strategies for target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, efficacy, disease biology, and potential safety findings.
- Independently generate scientific hypotheses and design, execute, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies that clarify mechanism of action and support program decisions.
- Develop, optimize, qualify, and troubleshoot fit-for-purpose biomarker assays using relevant platforms such as ELISA/MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, multicolor flow cytometry, and cell-based assays.
- Perform hands-on analysis of serum, plasma, tissue, and cellular samples from preclinical studies, including tissue processing, tissue dissociation, primary cell isolation, and ex vivo functional analyses.
- Evaluate commercial kits, antibodies, reagents, and assay platforms; develop custom methods when needed; and ensure assay performance, reproducibility, data integrity, and appropriate documentation.
- Present study designs, data, interpretations, limitations, and recommendations at project team meetings and contribute to study reports, technical documents, publications, and patent-related activities.
- Support assay transfer and external CRO activities under the guidance of the Director of Bioanalysis, as needed.
CORE COMPETENCIES (REQUIRED SKILLS)
- Strong research ability, including hypothesis generation, experimental design, assay troubleshooting, and critical data interpretation
- Good understanding of TGF-β superfamily biology, related signaling pathways, and their roles in disease mechanisms.
- Hands-on experience within vivo models, tissue collection and processing, and preclinical sample analysis.
- Technical expertise in relevant methods such as ELISA, MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and mammalian cell culture, and experience developing and optimizing biomarker assays.
- Strong quantitative analysis and data visualization skills using GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, or comparable software, with careful attention to reproducibility and data integrity.
- Strong collaboration, scientific communication, documentation, and data-presentation skills.
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Experience supporting biologic drug-discovery programs.
- Experience applying TGF-beta pathway biology to preclinical, target validation, mechanism-of-action, or biomarker studies.
- Experience with MSD, Luminex, multiplex assays, flow cytometry.
- Experience with primary cells, ex vivo assays, gene perturbation, or novel disease-model development.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline, with at least 2 years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral research experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.
This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, and other relevant factors. Potential base pay range: $133,000 USD - $157,000 USD
OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT:
Keros is an inclusive company. We believe that diversity drives innovation. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. As such, Keros takes a holistic approach in mentoring, coaching, and developing all of our Keros team members.
Keros Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
RECRUITMENT & STAFFING AGENCIES:
Keros Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than the candidate directly. Any unsolicited submission by an agency to Keros is prohibited. Any resume submitted by an agency without a signed contract or expressed consent by a member of the Keros Therapeutics Human Resources Department, will be considered property of Keros Therapeutics, and no fee shall be owed with respect thereto.
See all 251+ STEM OPT Clinical Research Scientist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Clinical Research Scientist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code falls within a STEM-designated field recognized by ICE. Life sciences, biochemistry, and biomedical engineering codes are typically covered, but applied health programs sometimes are not. Confirm with your DSO before your OPT end date.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment during outreach
Ask your recruiter directly whether the hiring entity, not just the parent company, is enrolled in E-Verify. Contract research organizations often use separate legal entities for different sites, and E-Verify enrollment must match the specific employer of record listed on your I-983.
Build an I-983 training plan around protocol milestones
Clinical Research Scientist roles map cleanly to STEM OPT training goals when you tie your I-983 learning objectives to specific trial phases, GCP compliance tasks, and data integrity responsibilities. Generic training plans draw more scrutiny from your DSO and USCIS during any review.
Target sponsors through DOL LCA disclosure data
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for research scientist roles. This surfaces companies with a documented history of supporting STEM OPT and later H-1B visa transitions, which matters when you're evaluating long-term authorization continuity.
Check prevailing wage tiers before negotiating offers
Run the OFLC Wage Search using SOC code 19-1042 to see Level I through Level IV wage bands for the metro area where the role is located. Offers below the Level I threshold signal an employer unlikely to clear DOL requirements for any future PERM or H-1B filing.
Time your cap-gap window around trial timelines
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection extends your authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year. Clinical trial roles with fixed protocol schedules benefit from aligning your petition filing with enrollment milestones to avoid gaps mid-study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my STEM degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a Clinical Research Scientist?
It depends on your specific CIP code, not your job title. Degrees in biological sciences, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, and chemistry are commonly STEM-designated and qualify. Degrees in public health, health administration, or clinical programs without a hard science core often do not. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO against the current ICE STEM Designated Degree Program List before assuming you're eligible.
Does every employer hiring Clinical Research Scientists use E-Verify?
Not automatically. Pharmaceutical companies and academic medical centers frequently maintain E-Verify enrollment, but smaller contract research organizations and startups sometimes do not. You must confirm that the specific legal entity employing you, not just a parent company or staffing firm, is enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension is approved. Your DSO can't authorize the extension without that confirmation.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Clinical Research Scientist role?
Your I-983 should connect your degree-level training to concrete on-the-job learning outcomes: protocol design, GCP compliance, adverse event documentation, statistical analysis, or regulatory submission support. Vague objectives like 'gain research experience' are routinely flagged. Map each goal to a skill area from your STEM degree and a specific deliverable in the role. USCIS expects a clear relationship between your coursework and your training activities.
How does cap-gap work if my Clinical Research Scientist employer files an H-1B petition?
If your employer submits a timely H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT EAD expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. If USCIS selects and approves the petition, your H-1B status begins October 1. If the petition is not selected, your authorization ends September 30 and you must stop working. Cap-gap doesn't apply if the petition is filed after your EAD expires.
Where can I find Clinical Research Scientist jobs with E-Verify employers?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers with STEM OPT authorization history, so you're not manually screening hundreds of postings for E-Verify status. Clinical Research Scientist roles in pharma, biotech, and CRO environments appear alongside employer filing records, which helps you prioritize companies already experienced with the STEM OPT process and more likely to support long-term sponsorship.