STEM OPT Epidemiologist Jobs
Epidemiologist roles in public health agencies, research universities, and healthcare systems qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension if your degree is in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. That combination gives you up to 36 months to build U.S. research experience before pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsJob no: 494164
Work type: Professional
Location: Oklahoma City
Categories: Technology/Research
Pay Range: Targeted annual salary ranges from $54,700 to $72,500, based on experience.
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (may include some weekends)
Travel: Not required
Position Introduction:
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, and one of only 74 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in the United States. This highly competitive accreditation ensures that our patients receive the highest standard of care and have access to the most advanced cancer treatment options. At the Stephenson Cancer Center, we have an exciting new job opportunity that could be right for you!
Turn Data Into Discoveries. Transform Research Into Better Health.
The TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) at the Stephenson Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated Research Epidemiologist to join our innovative team of scientists dedicated to advancing cancer prevention, chronic disease prevention, health promotion, and population health research.
This is an exciting opportunity for a research epidemiologist/biostatistician who is passionate about using data to answer important public health questions, drive meaningful research, and contribute to evidence-based solutions that improve the health of Oklahomans and communities nationwide. Working alongside nationally recognized researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals, you will help design studies, analyze complex data, evaluate health programs, and contribute to scientific publications that make a real-world impact.
As a Research Epidemiologist in Dr. Michael Businelle’s lab, you will contribute to a broad portfolio of population health and public health research initiatives by assisting Dr. Businelle in the design of research studies, managing research projects, cleaning large datasets, analyzing data, and disseminating findings.
Key Responsibilities
- Study diseases and health outcomes within human populations, including communicable diseases, chronic illnesses, cancer-related outcomes, and other public health concerns.
- Investigate disease risk factors, health behaviors, and adverse health outcomes using novel research methods.
- Collaborate with medical, public health, and scientific researchers in the development and implementation of research studies.
- Conduct research to develop and improve methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures used in medical and public health research projects.
- Design, manage, and evaluate study protocols and public health programs.
- Develop research designs, sampling strategies, data collection plans, and data analysis approaches.
- Develop and implement research instruments and data collection tools.
- Collect research data and perform data entry while maintaining high standards for data quality and integrity.
- Manage, clean, and organize research datasets.
- Analyze large and complex datasets using epidemiologic and statistical methods.
- Interpret findings and discuss results with Dr. Businelle and HPRC Biostatisticians prior to presenting conclusions and recommendations.
- Present research findings to department leadership, collaborators, investigators, and research teams.
- Assist with the preparation of manuscripts, reports, abstracts, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Contribute to dissemination activities, including scientific meetings, publications, and stakeholder reports.
- Evaluate public health programs and interventions to assess effectiveness and impact.
- Perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the functions of the position.
Why Join the TSET Health Promotion Research Center?
The TSET Health Promotion Research Center is a nationally recognized research center within the Stephenson Cancer Center, focused on advancing innovative research that promotes health, prevents disease, and improves population-level outcomes. Our researchers are committed to generating evidence that informs policy, programs, and interventions that create healthier communities.
- When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Conduct meaningful, high-impact public health research.
- Collaborate with leading researchers, clinicians, and public health experts.
- Contribute to publications that advance scientific knowledge.
- Support research that informs health promotion and disease prevention efforts.
- Be part of an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and communities through innovative research.
Make an Impact
At the TSET Health Promotion Research Center, every study has the potential to improve health outcomes, influence policy, and shape the future of public health. If you're ready to apply your epidemiologic expertise to research that makes a difference, we encourage you to apply today.
Join us in advancing discovery, promoting health, and improving lives.
Required Education:
- Master's Degree in Epidemiology, Statistics, or Mathematics.
- No experience required.
Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept a Bachelor's Degree in Epidemiology, Statistics, or Mathematics and 24 months SAS, SPSS or equivalent experience in a public health or biomedical science environment.
Required Certifications and Licenses:
- None
Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes
Advertised: 29 Sep 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 Dec 2026 Central Standard Time
Job no: 494164
Work type: Professional
Location: Oklahoma City
Categories: Technology/Research
Pay Range: Targeted annual salary ranges from $54,700 to $72,500, based on experience.
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (may include some weekends)
Travel: Not required
Position Introduction:
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, and one of only 74 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in the United States. This highly competitive accreditation ensures that our patients receive the highest standard of care and have access to the most advanced cancer treatment options. At the Stephenson Cancer Center, we have an exciting new job opportunity that could be right for you!
Turn Data Into Discoveries. Transform Research Into Better Health.
The TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) at the Stephenson Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated Research Epidemiologist to join our innovative team of scientists dedicated to advancing cancer prevention, chronic disease prevention, health promotion, and population health research.
This is an exciting opportunity for a research epidemiologist/biostatistician who is passionate about using data to answer important public health questions, drive meaningful research, and contribute to evidence-based solutions that improve the health of Oklahomans and communities nationwide. Working alongside nationally recognized researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals, you will help design studies, analyze complex data, evaluate health programs, and contribute to scientific publications that make a real-world impact.
As a Research Epidemiologist in Dr. Michael Businelle’s lab, you will contribute to a broad portfolio of population health and public health research initiatives by assisting Dr. Businelle in the design of research studies, managing research projects, cleaning large datasets, analyzing data, and disseminating findings.
Key Responsibilities
- Study diseases and health outcomes within human populations, including communicable diseases, chronic illnesses, cancer-related outcomes, and other public health concerns.
- Investigate disease risk factors, health behaviors, and adverse health outcomes using novel research methods.
- Collaborate with medical, public health, and scientific researchers in the development and implementation of research studies.
- Conduct research to develop and improve methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures used in medical and public health research projects.
- Design, manage, and evaluate study protocols and public health programs.
- Develop research designs, sampling strategies, data collection plans, and data analysis approaches.
- Develop and implement research instruments and data collection tools.
- Collect research data and perform data entry while maintaining high standards for data quality and integrity.
- Manage, clean, and organize research datasets.
- Analyze large and complex datasets using epidemiologic and statistical methods.
- Interpret findings and discuss results with Dr. Businelle and HPRC Biostatisticians prior to presenting conclusions and recommendations.
- Present research findings to department leadership, collaborators, investigators, and research teams.
- Assist with the preparation of manuscripts, reports, abstracts, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Contribute to dissemination activities, including scientific meetings, publications, and stakeholder reports.
- Evaluate public health programs and interventions to assess effectiveness and impact.
- Perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the functions of the position.
Why Join the TSET Health Promotion Research Center?
The TSET Health Promotion Research Center is a nationally recognized research center within the Stephenson Cancer Center, focused on advancing innovative research that promotes health, prevents disease, and improves population-level outcomes. Our researchers are committed to generating evidence that informs policy, programs, and interventions that create healthier communities.
- When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Conduct meaningful, high-impact public health research.
- Collaborate with leading researchers, clinicians, and public health experts.
- Contribute to publications that advance scientific knowledge.
- Support research that informs health promotion and disease prevention efforts.
- Be part of an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and communities through innovative research.
Make an Impact
At the TSET Health Promotion Research Center, every study has the potential to improve health outcomes, influence policy, and shape the future of public health. If you're ready to apply your epidemiologic expertise to research that makes a difference, we encourage you to apply today.
Join us in advancing discovery, promoting health, and improving lives.
Required Education:
- Master's Degree in Epidemiology, Statistics, or Mathematics.
- No experience required.
Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept a Bachelor's Degree in Epidemiology, Statistics, or Mathematics and 24 months SAS, SPSS or equivalent experience in a public health or biomedical science environment.
Required Certifications and Licenses:
- None
Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes
Advertised: 29 Sep 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 Dec 2026 Central Standard Time
See all STEM OPT Epidemiologist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Epidemiologist
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Epidemiology (CIP 26.1309) and biostatistics (CIP 26.1102) are both STEM-designated fields. Verify your degree's CIP code on your I-20 with your DSO before you accept any offer, since an incorrect code blocks your STEM OPT extension filing.
Target E-Verify enrolled public health employers
Federal agencies, state health departments, and CDC-funded research centers are legally required to use E-Verify, making them automatic matches. For private employers and nonprofits, confirm E-Verify enrollment directly with HR before advancing past the first interview round.
Use OFLC Wage Search to anchor your salary ask
Epidemiologist prevailing wages vary sharply by SOC code and geography. Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC 19-1041 in your target metro before negotiating, so your offer meets the Level I or II wage your future H-1B petition will require.
Build your I-983 training plan around research deliverables
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your epidemiology work, not a generic job description. Map each objective to a concrete output, such as a surveillance protocol, data analysis deliverable, or published report, so your DSO and employer can sign off without revision requests.
Find STEM OPT roles on Migrate Mate
Search Migrate Mate to filter epidemiologist openings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and active immigration filing history, so you spend time on roles where your OPT authorization is already a known quantity rather than a conversation starter.
Time your cap-gap window around funding cycles
Many epidemiologist roles are grant-funded with annual renewal dates in September, which aligns poorly with October 1 H-1B start dates. If your cap-gap authorization extends your OPT into a grant gap, get written confirmation from your employer that your position is funded through at least October 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an epidemiology degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree carries a STEM-designated CIP code. Epidemiology (CIP 26.1309), biostatistics (CIP 26.1102), and public health sciences with a quantitative concentration typically qualify. Check your I-20 with your DSO to confirm the exact CIP code before filing your STEM OPT extension, because the code on your degree document, not your job title, determines eligibility.
Does my epidemiologist employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for all STEM OPT employers, not just federal contractors. Before accepting an offer, ask HR for the company's E-Verify employer ID or request written confirmation of enrollment. If the employer isn't enrolled, they must complete enrollment before USCIS will approve your STEM OPT extension, which can delay your start date.
What should the I-983 training plan include for an epidemiologist role?
Your I-983 must connect your day-to-day work to specific STEM learning goals tied to your degree. For epidemiology, that means listing objectives such as designing surveillance protocols, applying statistical modeling methods, or conducting outbreak investigations, along with how your employer will supervise and evaluate those outcomes. Generic job descriptions get flagged by DSOs and require revision before your extension can be filed.
How does cap-gap protection work if my H-1B is selected in the lottery?
If your OPT EAD expires before October 1 and your H-1B petition is timely filed with a change-of-status request, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. You can continue working as an epidemiologist during this period. USCIS issues a cap-gap notation on your I-20, which you'll need to show your employer alongside your original EAD.
Where can I find epidemiologist jobs where employers are already familiar with STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters epidemiologist roles by employers with active E-Verify enrollment and immigration filing history, so you can focus on organizations that have sponsored international employees before. Public health agencies, academic medical centers, and CDC-affiliated research institutions are consistent sources of STEM OPT-compatible roles and tend to have HR processes already set up for international hires.