STEM OPT Geneticist Jobs

Geneticist roles in research institutions, biotech firms, and clinical labs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in biological sciences. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.

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Overview

Open Jobs17+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type65% On-site
Median Salary$72K
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsMyriad Genetics

Showing 5 of 17+ Geneticist jobs

Oklahoma State University
Postdoctoral Fellow - Computational Geneticist
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Oklahoma State University
Added 2mo ago
Postdoctoral Fellow - Computational Geneticist
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
On-Site
Doctorate

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Syngenta
NA Trait Introgression Applied Genetics Scientist
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Syngenta
Added 5d ago
NA Trait Introgression Applied Genetics Scientist
Syngenta
Nampa, Idaho
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
Data Analytics
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Doctorate
10,000+

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University Of Washington
Postdoctoral Scholar — Human Biology and Anthropological Genetics
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University Of Washington
Added 1w ago
Postdoctoral Scholar — Human Biology and Anthropological Genetics
University Of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Clinical Trials
$68,460/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Indiana University
Associate Research Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics
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Indiana University
Added 2w ago
Associate Research Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics
Indiana University
Indiana
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Clinical Trials
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Doctorate
5,001-10,000

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University of Virginia
Research Associate in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics
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University of Virginia
Added 1mo ago
Research Associate in Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Clinical Trials
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Geneticist

Verify your CIP code maps correctly

Confirm your degree's CIP code falls under biological sciences or a related STEM category before applying for the extension. Mismatches between your transcript field of study and the STEM-designated list are a common reason DSOs flag I-20 extension requests.

Check E-Verify status before accepting offers

Before signing an offer, confirm your prospective employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Ask your HR contact for their E-Verify company ID number, since enrollment lapses and inactive accounts disqualify an otherwise valid STEM OPT placement.

Tailor your I-983 to genetics lab workflows

Your training plan must tie specific learning objectives to genetics competencies, such as variant analysis, PCR protocols, or CRISPR methodology. Generic training plans that don't reflect the actual lab work draw scrutiny from DSOs and USCIS during audits.

Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer

Genetics roles span wage levels one through four under DOL classifications. Run the OFLC Wage Search using the relevant SOC code for geneticists to confirm your offered compensation meets the prevailing wage for your work location before your employer files any authorization paperwork.

Search Migrate Mate for E-Verify enrolled employers

Filter your geneticist job search on Migrate Mate to surface employers already enrolled in E-Verify. This cuts the verification step out of your offer-stage checklist and lets you focus applications on labs and biotech companies set up to hire STEM OPT students.

File your extension request 90 days early

Submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Filing inside that window activates the cap-gap provision if your H-1B is pending, protecting your authorization continuity through an October 1 start date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a genetics or molecular biology degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, degrees in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and related biological sciences typically carry CIP codes on the STEM-designated degree program list. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific CIP code qualifies before you apply for the 24-month extension. Check the O*NET occupation profile for Geneticist to cross-reference the typical degree fields employers expect for this role.

What does the I-983 training plan need to cover for a geneticist position?

The I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to genetics work you'll perform, such as genomic sequencing analysis, population genetics research, or laboratory technique development. Vague descriptions like 'gain industry experience' aren't sufficient. Both you and your employer supervisor sign the plan, and USCIS can audit it, so the objectives should map directly to your day-to-day responsibilities.

How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before starting work?

Ask your HR contact or recruiter directly for the company's E-Verify employer ID number and the date of enrollment. Active enrollment is required, not just past registration. If you're searching for roles and want to focus only on employers already set up for STEM OPT, Migrate Mate filters geneticist job listings by E-Verify enrollment status.

Can I work at a university genetics lab or research hospital on STEM OPT?

Yes, research universities, academic medical centers, and hospital-affiliated genetics labs are eligible employers as long as they're enrolled in E-Verify. Many federal research institutions and NIH-affiliated labs meet this requirement. Confirm E-Verify enrollment with the specific department or HR office handling your hire, since large institutions sometimes manage enrollment at the departmental level.

What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery but hasn't started yet?

If your H-1B petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30. If your H-1B is approved with an October 1 start date, you're covered continuously. Your employer doesn't need to take additional steps beyond having the petition on file with USCIS before your EAD end date.

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