STEM OPT Research Assistant Jobs
Research Assistant roles at universities, government labs, and private R&D firms regularly hire STEM OPT students. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies if your degree CIP code aligns with the role, and every employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your training plan is approved.
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The Research Assistant provides research support to the research endeavors of the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. The Research Assistant is expected to assist in the training of students, design and execution of research experiments, collection and analysis of data, generation of figures and presentations for the collected data, and revising manuscripts that involve these data. This position reports to the Chair of the Department.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs standard research procedures in cell and molecular biology (western blot, RT-PCR, qPCR, chromatin immunoprecipitations, cell culture and harvesting of human cell lines, immunofluorescence (IF), RNA & DNA purification, molecular cloning, etc.) under supervision of principal investigators
- Performs other duties that will include working with laboratory animals
- Assists in the development of new protocols
- Provides direction and guidance to students conducting research in the labs
- Assists PI’s with trouble-shooting and problem-solving solutions to technical problems
- Graphs and analyzes data
- Performs literature searches for protocols and approaches
- Keeps accurate lab notebooks for each lab where they work within the department
- Responsible for maintaining cleanliness, repair, and organization of laboratories
- Responsible for recordkeeping, maintenance and disposal associated with lab equipment and chemicals
- Adheres to laboratory safety procedures
- Obtains quotes and performs ordering and receiving duties for lab supplies
- Contributes to abstract submissions and poster and manuscript preparation
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences related field with some relevant laboratory experience (0 – 2 years). Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques including western blot, PCR, and cell culture is preferred.
Computer Skills:
Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required. Experience with Statistics, Graphing and Imaging software is desirable.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. This individual is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel crouch or crawl, taste or smell. This individual is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Close and distance vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes, ability to distinguish depth and shades of grey scale.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electric shock, radiation and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.
Summary
The Research Assistant provides research support to the research endeavors of the faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. The Research Assistant is expected to assist in the training of students, design and execution of research experiments, collection and analysis of data, generation of figures and presentations for the collected data, and revising manuscripts that involve these data. This position reports to the Chair of the Department.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs standard research procedures in cell and molecular biology (western blot, RT-PCR, qPCR, chromatin immunoprecipitations, cell culture and harvesting of human cell lines, immunofluorescence (IF), RNA & DNA purification, molecular cloning, etc.) under supervision of principal investigators
- Performs other duties that will include working with laboratory animals
- Assists in the development of new protocols
- Provides direction and guidance to students conducting research in the labs
- Assists PI’s with trouble-shooting and problem-solving solutions to technical problems
- Graphs and analyzes data
- Performs literature searches for protocols and approaches
- Keeps accurate lab notebooks for each lab where they work within the department
- Responsible for maintaining cleanliness, repair, and organization of laboratories
- Responsible for recordkeeping, maintenance and disposal associated with lab equipment and chemicals
- Adheres to laboratory safety procedures
- Obtains quotes and performs ordering and receiving duties for lab supplies
- Contributes to abstract submissions and poster and manuscript preparation
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular, predictable, in-person attendance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences related field with some relevant laboratory experience (0 – 2 years). Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques including western blot, PCR, and cell culture is preferred.
Computer Skills:
Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required. Experience with Statistics, Graphing and Imaging software is desirable.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. This individual is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel crouch or crawl, taste or smell. This individual is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Close and distance vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes, ability to distinguish depth and shades of grey scale.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electric shock, radiation and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Research Assistant
Verify your CIP code before applying
Pull your degree's CIP code from your I-20 and cross-reference it against USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List. A mismatch between your listed degree field and the research role's discipline is the most common reason DSOs reject STEM OPT extension requests.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers for their E-Verify Company ID or search the E-Verify employer search portal directly. Research labs inside universities sometimes operate under a parent institution's enrollment, so clarify which legal entity is actually signing your I-983.
Target federal grant-funded labs for faster onboarding
NIH- and NSF-funded research positions at universities and nonprofit institutes almost always maintain active E-Verify enrollment because federal contracting requires it. Filtering your search by grant-funded employers cuts the E-Verify verification step down significantly.
Build your I-983 training plan around specific research tasks
USCIS requires your I-983 to list concrete learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. For Research Assistant roles, map each lab task, data analysis method, or instrumentation skill directly to a degree competency rather than submitting a generic job description.
Search Migrate Mate to find Research Assistant roles at E-Verify employers
Filter by STEM OPT on Migrate Mate to surface Research Assistant openings at employers already enrolled in E-Verify. This saves you from applying to positions where the sponsorship infrastructure isn't in place, which is a common source of offer-letter delays.
Use cap-gap protection if your OPT expires during H-1B transition
If you're moving from STEM OPT toward H-1B sponsorship and your EAD expires between April 1 and October 1, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization. Confirm your employer's I-129 was filed before your EAD end date so your research role doesn't have a gap in authorization.
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Find Research Assistant JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Research Assistant jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree's CIP code appears on USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List and the Research Assistant role requires you to apply knowledge from that field. Life sciences, computer science, engineering, and physical science degrees commonly qualify. Your DSO confirms the match when you apply for the 24-month extension through your school's SEVIS record. Roles that are purely administrative, even at research institutions, typically don't qualify.
How do I know if a research employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the hiring manager or HR contact for the employer's E-Verify Company ID before accepting an offer. You can also search the E-Verify employer search tool by employer name. For university-based Research Assistant positions, confirm whether the specific department or lab is covered under the university's master E-Verify account, since some satellite locations enroll separately. Your I-983 training plan cannot be approved without confirmed E-Verify enrollment.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for a Research Assistant role?
Your I-983 must describe how each research duty connects to your STEM degree's learning outcomes. List specific tasks such as data collection protocols, statistical analysis methods, or laboratory techniques, and tie each one to a competency from your degree program. USCIS reviews these plans for substance, so a generic job description copied from the posting won't satisfy the requirement. Your employer signs the form alongside your DSO, and you must update it if your duties change significantly.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my Research Assistant contract ends between April and September during an H-1B year?
Cap-gap protection extends your STEM OPT work authorization automatically if your employer filed an H-1B petition on your behalf before your EAD expiration date and you were selected in the lottery. Authorization continues until October 1, the H-1B start date, with no action required on your part. If the petition is withdrawn or denied, cap-gap protection ends and you must stop working. Confirm your employer filed before your EAD end date, not just before April 1.
Where can I find Research Assistant jobs that already support STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Research Assistant openings filtered for STEM OPT eligibility, so you can identify employers with active E-Verify enrollment without manually verifying each one. Federal grant-funded labs at universities and nonprofit research institutes are consistently strong options because federal contracting requirements push them to maintain E-Verify enrollment year-round. Prioritize employers who have onboarded STEM OPT students before, since they're familiar with the I-983 process and reporting timelines.
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