STEM OPT Research Data Scientist Jobs

Research Data Scientist roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, drawing on degrees in statistics, computer science, and related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, giving you up to 36 months total to build U.S. experience, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.

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Overview

Open Jobs293+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type87% On-site
Median Salary$187K
Top LocationSan Jose, CA
Most JobsTikTok

Showing 5 of 293+ Research Data Scientist jobs

Google
Research Data Scientist
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Google
Added 1mo ago
Research Data Scientist
Google
New York, New York
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
Data Analytics
$147,000/yr - $211,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Master's
10,000+

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Intercontinental Exchange
Data Scientist, Quantitative Research
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Intercontinental Exchange
Added 1mo ago
Data Scientist, Quantitative Research
Intercontinental Exchange
Atlanta, Georgia
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
Data Science
Data Analytics
Not listed
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Data Scientist / AI Scientist
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Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Added 2w ago
Data Scientist / AI Scientist
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Novato, California
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
$80,000/yr - $130,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Tempus AI
Data Scientist II
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Tempus AI
Added 3mo ago
Data Scientist II
Tempus AI
Chicago, Illinois
Data Science & Analytics
Healthcare Administration
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Data Science
$135,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Master's

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Abbott
Forensic Scientist Data Review Team Lead
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Abbott
Added 1w ago
Forensic Scientist Data Review Team Lead
Abbott
Gretna, Louisiana
Laboratory Research
Allied Health
Quality Control
Laboratory Science
$24/hr - $49/hr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Research Data Scientist

Verify your CIP code before applying

Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to a STEM-designated field recognized by ICE. Data science, statistics, and computer science degrees typically qualify, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes don't. Confirm with your DSO before you start applying.

Screen employers for E-Verify enrollment early

Before submitting any application, confirm the employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify through the E-Verify employer search tool. STEM OPT authorization is void without it, and many smaller research labs or startups aren't enrolled despite hiring data scientists.

Target research-heavy teams with established OPT pipelines

University research divisions, national labs, and large tech companies with dedicated data science teams file I-983 training plans regularly. Searching on Migrate Mate filters for employers with active STEM OPT hiring history, saving you from cold-applying to companies unfamiliar with the process.

Align your I-983 training goals to the actual role

Your I-983 must outline specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not generic job duties. For Research Data Scientist roles, document planned exposure to experimental design, statistical modeling, or ML methodology so USCIS can verify the training connection to your field of study.

Use OFLC Wage Search to set salary expectations by SOC code

Research Data Scientist roles map to a specific Standard Occupational Classification code. Run the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating an offer to confirm the employer's proposed wage meets prevailing wage levels, which affects both your offer and any future H-1B labor condition application.

Negotiate your start date around cap-gap timing

If your OPT expires before October 1 and your employer files an H-1B petition before that date, cap-gap extends your work authorization automatically. Structure your offer letter start date to account for this window so authorization doesn't lapse between OPT expiration and H-1B activation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Research Data Scientist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, provided your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as statistics, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related discipline recognized on the ICE STEM Designated Degree Program List. The Research Data Scientist occupation falls under SOC codes aligned with mathematical science and computer-related occupations, both of which consistently qualify. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying.

What E-Verify requirement applies to my STEM OPT employer?

Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify for the specific worksite where you'll work. Enrollment at the company level doesn't automatically cover all locations, so verify that the hiring site is enrolled, not just the corporate headquarters. If the employer isn't enrolled, they must enroll before you can begin working under STEM OPT authorization. You can check enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search.

What does the I-983 training plan require for a Research Data Scientist position?

The I-983 must describe how the Research Data Scientist role provides practical training directly related to your STEM degree. You'll need to document specific learning objectives, such as applying statistical inference methods, building predictive models, or conducting data-driven experiments, rather than listing general job duties. Both you and your employer sign the form, and your DSO must receive it before your STEM OPT extension is approved by USCIS.

How does cap-gap protection work if I'm a Research Data Scientist on STEM OPT?

If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year, or until USCIS makes a final decision on your case if it's still pending after October 1. You can continue working as a Research Data Scientist without interruption during that period, as long as the petition was filed on time and you remain in valid F-1 status.

Where can I find Research Data Scientist jobs where employers are already familiar with STEM OPT?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 STEM OPT students and surfaces Research Data Scientist roles at employers with documented work authorization hiring activity. Searching there filters out companies unlikely to navigate the I-983 process or E-Verify enrollment, so you're focusing your applications on employers already set up to hire you. Your DSO can also advise on employers in your institution's established OPT network.

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