STEM OPT Research Engineer Jobs
Research Engineer roles in areas like machine learning, materials science, and biomedical systems are strong fits for STEM OPT. Your 24-month extension applies if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension start date.
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Get Access To All JobsJob ID 20176
Location Los Angeles, California, United States
Job Category Academic / Research
Date posted 09/18/2026
Job Description
Principal Investigator, Ivan Vujkovic-Cvijin, PhD, is looking for a Research Associate to join the team!
The Vujkovic-Cvijin Lab investigates how human gut microbes influence inflammatory diseases. Research in the lab is focused on integration of omics technologies and lies at the intersection of immunology, microbiology and computational biology. The gut microbiota—the community of bacteria, fungi, viruses and protists that inhabit our intestines—has a profound impact on the way our body functions. The primary goal of my lab is to better understand how these microbes affect us, and to harness that relationship for improving human health. We use microbiology, immunology, ecology and data science techniques to identify microbes that spur inflammation, and in turn, devise ways of therapeutically targeting them for clinical benefit. To learn more, please visit Vujkovic-Cvijin Research Lab | Cedars-Sinai.
The Vujkovic-Cvijin Laboratory exists within the Cedars-Sinai Inflammatory Bowel and Immunology Research Institute (IBIRI), which focuses on chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestines, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The gastroenterology and gastrointestinal (GI) surgery program at Cedars-Sinai is the No. 2 program nationwide, facilitating state-of-the-art science aimed at understanding human gastrointestinal medical conditions.
Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?
Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate I performs a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of one or more laboratory research projects in a specific area of research. Assists in general laboratory activities, including maintenance of reagents and stocking of supplies. Files and monitors documents. Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results. Assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery. Observes safety standards and procedures. The Research Assistant I will be able to perform routine cellular, micro- and molecular biology procedures. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs a variety of routine laboratory tasks and procedures.
- Keeps accurate and detailed project records of experiments and results.
- May assist with animal husbandry.
- Maintains lab equipment and related records.
- Transports, processes and logs samples.
- Maintains computer database with relevant clinical information.
- Performs lab maintenance duties, including glassware cleaning and sterilization.
- Maintains stocks of general lab materials, and places orders for lab equipment and supplies.
- Assists new students and fellows at the laboratory.
- Assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery.
- Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures.
Department-Specific Responsibilities:
- Collaborates to problem solve and make decisions to achieve desired outcomes.
- Establishes effective working relationships with cross-functional team(s).
- Responds promptly, effectively, and appropriately to deliverables.
- Shares knowledge, time, and expertise to assist other members of the team.
- Maintains detailed, organized, and accurate laboratory records.
- Assists with instrument validation/service and maintenance purchase orders as needed.
- Assists with issues concerning the lab space including coordinating repairs to equipment and space.
- Places orders for lab supplies, general and researcher-specific.
- Aids in maintaining contact with vendors to ensure availability and best cost for equipment or supplies needed by the group.
- Coordinates biowaste pickup, anaerobic gas, liquid nitrogen, and CO2 delivery/pickup.
- Assist researchers with glass washing, autoclaving, and miscellaneous lab duties.
- Will be a point of contact for all freezer alarms and system monitoring.
- Assists in annual and semiannual maintenance for equipment (PCR machines).
- Provide entry into the space for any visitors and or repairs needed.
Assist new Research Fellows and/or Research Scientists with day-to-day lab operations and procedures.
Qualifications
Education:
- Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field.
Experience & Skills:
- Understanding of general research objectives. Familiar with routine laboratory procedures and experimental protocols.
- Must be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to demonstrate problem-solving skills and recommend solutions.
- Working knowledge of database management, personal computers, and presentation and imaging software.
- Must possess computer skills including, but not limited to, Excel and Word.
- Must have outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organization skills and the ability to work across company disciplines and functional units.
About us
Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars-Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents.
About the Team
Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest nonprofit academic medical centers in the U.S., with 915 licensed beds, 2,993 physicians, 4,700+ nurses and thousands of other healthcare professionals and staff. Choose this if you want to work in a fast-paced environment that offers the highest level of care to people in the Los Angeles that need our care the most.
Req ID 20176
Working Title Research Associate I - Immunology - Vujkovic-Cvijin Lab
Department Research - Digestive and Liver Diseases
Business Entity Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Job Category Academic / Research
Job Specialty Research Studies/ Clin Trial
Overtime Status NONEXEMPT
Primary Shift Day
Shift Duration 8 hour
Base Pay $25.00 - $30.46
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
Job ID 20176
Location Los Angeles, California, United States
Job Category Academic / Research
Date posted 09/18/2026
Job Description
Principal Investigator, Ivan Vujkovic-Cvijin, PhD, is looking for a Research Associate to join the team!
The Vujkovic-Cvijin Lab investigates how human gut microbes influence inflammatory diseases. Research in the lab is focused on integration of omics technologies and lies at the intersection of immunology, microbiology and computational biology. The gut microbiota—the community of bacteria, fungi, viruses and protists that inhabit our intestines—has a profound impact on the way our body functions. The primary goal of my lab is to better understand how these microbes affect us, and to harness that relationship for improving human health. We use microbiology, immunology, ecology and data science techniques to identify microbes that spur inflammation, and in turn, devise ways of therapeutically targeting them for clinical benefit. To learn more, please visit Vujkovic-Cvijin Research Lab | Cedars-Sinai.
The Vujkovic-Cvijin Laboratory exists within the Cedars-Sinai Inflammatory Bowel and Immunology Research Institute (IBIRI), which focuses on chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestines, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The gastroenterology and gastrointestinal (GI) surgery program at Cedars-Sinai is the No. 2 program nationwide, facilitating state-of-the-art science aimed at understanding human gastrointestinal medical conditions.
Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?
Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate I performs a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of one or more laboratory research projects in a specific area of research. Assists in general laboratory activities, including maintenance of reagents and stocking of supplies. Files and monitors documents. Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results. Assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery. Observes safety standards and procedures. The Research Assistant I will be able to perform routine cellular, micro- and molecular biology procedures. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs a variety of routine laboratory tasks and procedures.
- Keeps accurate and detailed project records of experiments and results.
- May assist with animal husbandry.
- Maintains lab equipment and related records.
- Transports, processes and logs samples.
- Maintains computer database with relevant clinical information.
- Performs lab maintenance duties, including glassware cleaning and sterilization.
- Maintains stocks of general lab materials, and places orders for lab equipment and supplies.
- Assists new students and fellows at the laboratory.
- Assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery.
- Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures.
Department-Specific Responsibilities:
- Collaborates to problem solve and make decisions to achieve desired outcomes.
- Establishes effective working relationships with cross-functional team(s).
- Responds promptly, effectively, and appropriately to deliverables.
- Shares knowledge, time, and expertise to assist other members of the team.
- Maintains detailed, organized, and accurate laboratory records.
- Assists with instrument validation/service and maintenance purchase orders as needed.
- Assists with issues concerning the lab space including coordinating repairs to equipment and space.
- Places orders for lab supplies, general and researcher-specific.
- Aids in maintaining contact with vendors to ensure availability and best cost for equipment or supplies needed by the group.
- Coordinates biowaste pickup, anaerobic gas, liquid nitrogen, and CO2 delivery/pickup.
- Assist researchers with glass washing, autoclaving, and miscellaneous lab duties.
- Will be a point of contact for all freezer alarms and system monitoring.
- Assists in annual and semiannual maintenance for equipment (PCR machines).
- Provide entry into the space for any visitors and or repairs needed.
Assist new Research Fellows and/or Research Scientists with day-to-day lab operations and procedures.
Qualifications
Education:
- Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field.
Experience & Skills:
- Understanding of general research objectives. Familiar with routine laboratory procedures and experimental protocols.
- Must be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to demonstrate problem-solving skills and recommend solutions.
- Working knowledge of database management, personal computers, and presentation and imaging software.
- Must possess computer skills including, but not limited to, Excel and Word.
- Must have outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organization skills and the ability to work across company disciplines and functional units.
About us
Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars-Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents.
About the Team
Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest nonprofit academic medical centers in the U.S., with 915 licensed beds, 2,993 physicians, 4,700+ nurses and thousands of other healthcare professionals and staff. Choose this if you want to work in a fast-paced environment that offers the highest level of care to people in the Los Angeles that need our care the most.
Req ID 20176
Working Title Research Associate I - Immunology - Vujkovic-Cvijin Lab
Department Research - Digestive and Liver Diseases
Business Entity Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Job Category Academic / Research
Job Specialty Research Studies/ Clin Trial
Overtime Status NONEXEMPT
Primary Shift Day
Shift Duration 8 hour
Base Pay $25.00 - $30.46
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
See all 3,355+ STEM OPT Research Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Research Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Research Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Research Engineer roles typically align with engineering, computer science, or physical science codes, but a mismatch disqualifies your extension regardless of your job duties.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before signing
Ask your hiring contact for the company's E-Verify company ID number before you accept an offer. An employer can't sponsor your STEM OPT extension without active E-Verify enrollment, and not every research lab or university spinout is enrolled.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan early
Draft your Form I-983 training plan during the offer stage, not after you start. Research Engineer roles need a plan that maps specific lab activities, project milestones, and skill outcomes to your STEM degree field, which takes time to do accurately.
Target employers with active DOL LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Research Engineer postings by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications. LCA history signals that a company has navigated federal work authorization requirements before and understands what STEM OPT compliance involves.
Check prevailing wage against your offer
Look up the wage level for your research role using the OFLC Wage Search before finalizing compensation. Your employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for your job title and location, which USCIS reviews when evaluating your STEM OPT extension application.
Start your DSO application 90 days out
File your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS no later than 90 days before your initial OPT end date. Your DSO must update your SEVIS record first, and USCIS processing can extend beyond your OPT expiration, so early filing protects your continuous work authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Research Engineer positions qualify if your degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and the role directly relates to that field of study. O*NET classifies research engineering work under STEM occupations, but your DSO must confirm the CIP code match before authorizing your extension. The job title alone isn't enough.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a research role?
Your Form I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to your degree field, identify the employer supervisor responsible for your training, and outline how each project or lab activity develops practical STEM skills. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy the requirement. Both you and your employer must sign the plan, and your DSO must review it before submitting your extension application to USCIS.
How do I verify that a research employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask your recruiter or HR contact directly for the company's E-Verify company ID. You can also search the E-Verify employer database by company name. Government-funded research labs, national laboratories, and university-affiliated research centers are often enrolled, but smaller startup labs and contract research organizations sometimes are not, so always confirm before your extension start date.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my research employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated after your extension begins, your authorization is at risk. USCIS requires employers to maintain active E-Verify enrollment for the full duration of your STEM OPT period. You should report the change to your DSO immediately and begin evaluating whether to transfer to a new employer before your status is affected.
Where can I find Research Engineer jobs where employers are already prepared for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters Research Engineer postings by employers with verified Labor Condition Application filing history, which indicates familiarity with federal work authorization requirements. Searching there reduces the time you spend vetting employers who have never sponsored OPT or don't know what E-Verify enrollment or an I-983 training plan involves.