STEM OPT Research Associate Jobs
Research Associate roles in labs, biotech firms, and universities are a strong fit for STEM OPT students. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, and employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you. A STEM degree in life sciences, chemistry, biology, or a related field satisfies the CIP code eligibility requirement.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Research Associate - Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
Department: ERIK | Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
Position Overview
Support and conduct complex quantitative investigations of Antarctic crustal deformation related to ice mass change across the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Research will include analyzing GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) position time series acquired by the Polar Earth Observing Network (POLENET) Antarctic Network (ANET) project, resolving crustal deformation patterns and changes with time, and modeling of crustal deformation from satellite data sets that provide estimates of ice sheet mass change, functioning as a specialist in modeling. Required expertise includes creating and modifying code to conduct data analyses, experience with Antarctic ice sheet remote sensing data products, and established expertise in both GNSS position time series and elastic displacement modeling.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences or related field or equivalent experience required.
- 3 years of relevant experience required with associates degree OR 1 year of relevant experience required with bachelor’s degree.
- Skills in coding for data analysis, processing GNSS position time series, preparation and processing of satellite altimetry data, and modeling elastic deformation in response to surface loads.
Desired Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Earth Sciences or related field.
Application Materials
- A resume is required.
Additional Information:
Salary
The pay range for this job profile is $51,500.00 to $67,250.00. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.
ERIK Overview
Join the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit https://erik.osu.edu/.
Location: Orton Hall (0060)
Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)
Scheduled Hours: 40
Shift: First Shift
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Job Title: Research Associate - Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
Department: ERIK | Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
Position Overview
Support and conduct complex quantitative investigations of Antarctic crustal deformation related to ice mass change across the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Research will include analyzing GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) position time series acquired by the Polar Earth Observing Network (POLENET) Antarctic Network (ANET) project, resolving crustal deformation patterns and changes with time, and modeling of crustal deformation from satellite data sets that provide estimates of ice sheet mass change, functioning as a specialist in modeling. Required expertise includes creating and modifying code to conduct data analyses, experience with Antarctic ice sheet remote sensing data products, and established expertise in both GNSS position time series and elastic displacement modeling.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences or related field or equivalent experience required.
- 3 years of relevant experience required with associates degree OR 1 year of relevant experience required with bachelor’s degree.
- Skills in coding for data analysis, processing GNSS position time series, preparation and processing of satellite altimetry data, and modeling elastic deformation in response to surface loads.
Desired Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Earth Sciences or related field.
Application Materials
- A resume is required.
Additional Information:
Salary
The pay range for this job profile is $51,500.00 to $67,250.00. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.
ERIK Overview
Join the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit https://erik.osu.edu/.
Location: Orton Hall (0060)
Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)
Scheduled Hours: 40
Shift: First Shift
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Research Associate
Verify your CIP code before applying
Not every STEM degree qualifies automatically. Cross-check your program's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm your degree supports the extension before you target Research Associate postings.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before signing
Ask the HR team for their E-Verify Company ID before you accept any offer. Research institutions and nonprofits sometimes operate under federal funding rules that require E-Verify, but individual labs may not be registered independently.
Tailor your CV to the lab's research output
PIs reviewing Research Associate applications scan for technique-specific experience matching their active grants. List specific assays, instruments, or computational methods you've used, not just broad skill categories, so your CV survives the first filter.
File your I-983 training plan before your start date
USCIS requires a signed I-983 on file with your DSO before you begin work, not after. Coordinate with HR to complete the employer sections, including the FTE percentage and training objectives, at least a week before your first day.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for E-Verify employers
Search Research Associate roles on Migrate Mate to see which employers already have verified E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history, cutting out the manual confirmation step from your outreach process.
Request the prevailing wage tier from your employer
Look up the wage level for your SOC code and location using the OFLC Wage Search before your offer negotiation. Research Associates are typically classified at Level I or II, and knowing the range helps you identify whether an offer meets the threshold.
Research Associate jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research Associate JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a biology or chemistry degree qualify me for STEM OPT as a Research Associate?
Yes, if your degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Life sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, and most natural science programs qualify. Your DSO can confirm your specific CIP code. The research duties in a Research Associate role typically align closely with STEM degree fields, which strengthens your I-983 training plan justification.
Can I work as a Research Associate at a university lab on STEM OPT?
Yes, but only if the university entity employing you is enrolled in E-Verify as a covered employer. Some universities enroll institution-wide, while others enroll by department or subsidiary. Confirm that the specific hiring unit, not just the university system, appears in E-Verify before your offer letter is finalized. Your DSO can help you verify this.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Research Associate position?
The I-983 requires a detailed description of how the Research Associate role provides practical training directly related to your STEM degree. You'll list specific learning objectives, the supervision structure, and how your employer will evaluate your progress. The employer must identify a supervisor with relevant STEM credentials. Both you and your employer sign before your DSO submits the form to SEVIS.
How does cap-gap protect me if my H-1B is selected while I'm working as a Research Associate?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT EAD expires, cap-gap automatically extends your STEM OPT work authorization through September 30. You can continue in your Research Associate role without interruption during that period. USCIS updates your I-20 end date to reflect the cap-gap extension, and you can verify your status remains active through your DSO.
Where can I find Research Associate jobs where the employer already accepts STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Research Associate postings by employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and a history of hiring STEM OPT candidates. That means you spend less time chasing down HR teams to ask basic eligibility questions and more time on applications where your work authorization is already a known fit for the role.
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