STEM OPT Research Jobs
Research roles at universities, national labs, and biotech firms regularly hire STEM OPT students with degrees in life sciences, engineering, computer science, and related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your role directly uses your STEM degree.
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INTRODUCTION
Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 1 to perform basic functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct and analyze experiments.
DUTIES INCLUDE:
- Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
- Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
- Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
- Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
- Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
- Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
- Other duties may also be assigned.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
- Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
- Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
- Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
- Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
- Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
- Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
- Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
- Position may require repetitive motion.
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
- May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
- Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
- Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
- May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The expected pay range for this position is $32.58 to $38.48 per hour. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Research
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Cross-check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the USCIS STEM OPT designated degree list before applying. Research roles often require a direct field match, and a misaligned CIP code can disqualify your extension even if your title fits.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask the hiring manager or HR team to confirm active E-Verify participation before you sign anything. Federal contractors and university research labs are common employers here, but enrollment status can lapse, so verify it directly rather than assuming.
Target federally funded research institutions first
National labs, NIH-funded university departments, and NSF grant recipients are required to use E-Verify as federal contractors. Prioritizing these employers removes one layer of uncertainty from your STEM OPT extension eligibility from the start.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for E-Verify research employers
Search Research roles on Migrate Mate to surface employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and active STEM OPT hiring history. Filtering by employer verification status saves you from chasing postings at organizations that can't support your extension.
Build your I-983 training plan around your research duties
Your I-983 must map specific research tasks to your STEM degree's learning objectives. Work with your DSO and PI to document how bench work, data analysis, or field research directly applies your coursework, since vague descriptions are a common cause of SEVIS complications.
Track your cap-gap window if transitioning to H-1B
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30. Confirm with USCIS that your petition was received and your EAD reflects the cap-gap period before continuing to work.
Research jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do all research employers qualify for STEM OPT?
No. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to qualify as a STEM OPT training site, regardless of their size or sector. University research departments, private biotech firms, and government contractors all need active E-Verify participation. Ask HR to confirm enrollment status before you accept an offer, since a lapsed enrollment invalidates your extension.
Which STEM degrees qualify for OPT extension in research roles?
Your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code must appear on the USCIS STEM OPT designated degree list. Degrees in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and data science typically qualify. The match is made at the degree level, not the job title, so confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying to research positions.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for a research role?
Your I-983 must describe how the research work directly applies and develops the knowledge from your STEM degree. For research positions, this means documenting specific methodologies, equipment, or analytical techniques you'll use and connecting each to learning objectives. Both you and your supervisor sign it, and your DSO must review it before USCIS processes your extension application.
Can I work at a university lab or national lab on STEM OPT?
Yes, provided the institution is enrolled in E-Verify. Federal grant recipients and national labs operated under DOE or NIH contracts are typically required to participate in E-Verify, making them common STEM OPT employers. Confirm active enrollment with HR rather than assuming institutional status guarantees compliance.
How do I find research jobs that support STEM OPT?
Search Migrate Mate to browse research positions at employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and a history of hiring STEM OPT students. Filtering by OPT-supporting employers at the start saves significant time compared to screening postings individually. Once you identify a role, verify E-Verify status directly with the employer's HR team before applying.
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