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 JobsINTRODUCTION
The Senior Research Associate (SRA4) will develop the plasma diagnostic aspects of multiple projects, and coordinate research efforts with other collaborators both within and outside the laboratory. Independently conceive, plan, and conduct advance diagnostics for research projects based on reviews of scientific literature and recent advances in related fields, organizing and executing all techniques involved. Contribute novel ideas of major methodological significance to the research projects, design key experiments, and develop new techniques.
Author or co-author scientific journal manuscripts and contribute to grant writing. Direct and advise the work of graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral scholars to enable them to successfully participate in laboratory projects, as well as present their findings at lab meetings and conferences. Contribute to functions necessary for the regular functioning of the lab, including some administrative and maintenance tasks. Performs other duties as assigned.
The incumbent may occasionally also visit and assist in experiments on pulsed power experiments at Cornell University, the University of Michigan or Sandia National Laboratories.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop plasma diagnostic aspects of multiple projects.
- Coordinate research efforts with collaborators.
- Conceive, plan, and conduct advance diagnostics for research projects.
- Organize and execute all techniques involved in research.
- Contribute novel ideas and design key experiments.
- Author or co-author scientific journal manuscripts.
- Contribute to grant writing.
- Direct and advise graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.
- Present findings at lab meetings and conferences.
- Contribute to administrative and maintenance tasks in the lab.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in physics, Engineering, or a closely related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. PhD in related field preferred.
- Proven ability to disseminate scientific information, including multiple publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and presentation at international scientific conferences.
- Experience with high voltage systems, pulsed power drivers and Class IV laser systems.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of plasma imaging diagnostics and analysis methods or a closely related field.
- Broad computer skills and experience, including fluency in scientific programming languages, strong knowledge of statistics and ability to execute complex statistical analyses with complex datasets, ability to work with and generate data formats, and extensive experience with the management of complex databases.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize complex tasks.
- Ability to co-author peer-reviewed articles in Plasma Physics or a closely related field.
- Extensive knowledge and ability to discuss the scientific literature related to research on Plasma Physics.
- Demonstrated commitment to mentorship, supporting the professional and scientific development of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other junior colleagues in a research environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proven ability to serve as lead-author of multiple high-quality peer-reviewed publications and deliver high-quality professional presentations of research findings.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
- Must be willing and able to travel.
- Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
COMPENSATION
- Hiring Pay Scale: $100,116.26 - $119,671.94 / YR
- Annual Full Pay Range: $82,140 - $132,198 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
- Hourly Equivalent: $39.34 - $63.31
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
LOCATION
9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Prospective employees who are ordinarily residents in Iran or who are physically located in Iran are generally not eligible to for employment per suspension of General License G on 24 August 2026. If you have ever resided in Iran or have an Iranian passport and would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact Tsescalate@ucsd.edu for consideration of your particular circumstances.
Job Details
Date Posted: 11/03/2026
Filing Deadline: Tue 11/17/2026
Worksite: Campus
Appointment Type: Limited Appointment
Appointment Percent: 100%
Union: RX Contract
Total Openings: 1
Work Schedule: Days, 8:00am - 4:30pm, Mon. - Fri.
INTRODUCTION
The Senior Research Associate (SRA4) will develop the plasma diagnostic aspects of multiple projects, and coordinate research efforts with other collaborators both within and outside the laboratory. Independently conceive, plan, and conduct advance diagnostics for research projects based on reviews of scientific literature and recent advances in related fields, organizing and executing all techniques involved. Contribute novel ideas of major methodological significance to the research projects, design key experiments, and develop new techniques.
Author or co-author scientific journal manuscripts and contribute to grant writing. Direct and advise the work of graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral scholars to enable them to successfully participate in laboratory projects, as well as present their findings at lab meetings and conferences. Contribute to functions necessary for the regular functioning of the lab, including some administrative and maintenance tasks. Performs other duties as assigned.
The incumbent may occasionally also visit and assist in experiments on pulsed power experiments at Cornell University, the University of Michigan or Sandia National Laboratories.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop plasma diagnostic aspects of multiple projects.
- Coordinate research efforts with collaborators.
- Conceive, plan, and conduct advance diagnostics for research projects.
- Organize and execute all techniques involved in research.
- Contribute novel ideas and design key experiments.
- Author or co-author scientific journal manuscripts.
- Contribute to grant writing.
- Direct and advise graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.
- Present findings at lab meetings and conferences.
- Contribute to administrative and maintenance tasks in the lab.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in physics, Engineering, or a closely related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. PhD in related field preferred.
- Proven ability to disseminate scientific information, including multiple publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and presentation at international scientific conferences.
- Experience with high voltage systems, pulsed power drivers and Class IV laser systems.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of plasma imaging diagnostics and analysis methods or a closely related field.
- Broad computer skills and experience, including fluency in scientific programming languages, strong knowledge of statistics and ability to execute complex statistical analyses with complex datasets, ability to work with and generate data formats, and extensive experience with the management of complex databases.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize complex tasks.
- Ability to co-author peer-reviewed articles in Plasma Physics or a closely related field.
- Extensive knowledge and ability to discuss the scientific literature related to research on Plasma Physics.
- Demonstrated commitment to mentorship, supporting the professional and scientific development of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other junior colleagues in a research environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proven ability to serve as lead-author of multiple high-quality peer-reviewed publications and deliver high-quality professional presentations of research findings.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
- Must be willing and able to travel.
- Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
COMPENSATION
- Hiring Pay Scale: $100,116.26 - $119,671.94 / YR
- Annual Full Pay Range: $82,140 - $132,198 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
- Hourly Equivalent: $39.34 - $63.31
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
LOCATION
9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Prospective employees who are ordinarily residents in Iran or who are physically located in Iran are generally not eligible to for employment per suspension of General License G on 24 August 2026. If you have ever resided in Iran or have an Iranian passport and would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact Tsescalate@ucsd.edu for consideration of your particular circumstances.
Job Details
Date Posted: 11/03/2026
Filing Deadline: Tue 11/17/2026
Worksite: Campus
Appointment Type: Limited Appointment
Appointment Percent: 100%
Union: RX Contract
Total Openings: 1
Work Schedule: Days, 8:00am - 4:30pm, Mon. - Fri.
See all 1,887+ STEM OPT Research Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Research Associate Jobs.
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.
Frequently 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 visa 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.