STEM OPT Research Manager Jobs
Research Manager roles in academia, biotech, and policy organizations regularly qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when the position requires a STEM degree and the employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Your I-983 training plan must map your research responsibilities directly to your degree field to maintain valid work authorization.
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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 3,359+ STEM OPT Research Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Research Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Research Manager
Verify your CIP code before applying
Cross-reference your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against STEM OPT's designated list before targeting roles. Research Manager positions in social science or public policy departments may not qualify if your degree CIP code falls outside STEM categories.
Use O*NET to frame your I-983
Pull the Research Manager occupation profile from O*NET and map your training plan's learning objectives directly to the listed knowledge, skills, and tasks. USCIS expects your I-983 to reflect the occupation's defined competencies, not just a job description restatement.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before negotiating
Ask your hiring contact to share the company's E-Verify company ID or check enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search before you reach the offer stage. Discovering a lapse after you've accepted costs you valuable OPT days.
Target organizations with active LCA filings
Search Migrate Mate for Research Manager roles filtered to employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and Labor Condition Application filing history. Organizations that have filed LCAs for research roles are already familiar with the compliance steps your extension requires.
Negotiate your start date around DSO processing
Your DSO must issue a new I-20 recommending the STEM OPT extension before USCIS can approve your I-765. Build at least 90 days between your offer acceptance and your intended start date to absorb USCIS processing without an authorization gap.
Document how research activities connect to your STEM degree
USCIS scrutinizes I-983 training plans for Research Manager roles at nonprofits and government contractors more carefully than industry positions. Write specific learning objectives that name your degree discipline and explain how managing research protocols advances your STEM training, not just your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on two factors: your degree's CIP code must appear on the STEM OPT designated list, and the role must require and use that STEM degree in a direct, demonstrable way. Research Manager positions in biology, computer science, environmental science, and engineering fields typically qualify. Roles housed in social science or humanities departments may not, even if the work is research-focused. Your DSO makes the eligibility determination based on your specific degree and job duties.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Research Manager position?
Your I-983 must identify specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, the supervision structure, how your employer will evaluate your progress, and a reporting schedule. For Research Manager roles, objectives should describe how overseeing research design, data integrity, or team coordination advances your technical training. Vague descriptions like 'managing projects' are insufficient. Your employer's authorized representative signs the form, and your DSO countersigns before you submit your I-765 to USCIS.
How do I verify that a Research Manager employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly for the company's E-Verify company ID during the offer process. You can also check enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool, which is publicly accessible. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT authorization; your employer must be enrolled before your extension is approved and must remain enrolled throughout your 24-month period. If enrollment lapses, your authorization is immediately at risk.
What happens to my STEM OPT if I'm still waiting on my extension approval when my initial OPT ends?
If you filed your I-765 extension application on time, cap-gap provisions give you a 180-day automatic extension of your work authorization while USCIS processes the application. You can continue working for your E-Verify-enrolled employer during this period. Your I-20 must reflect the STEM OPT recommendation from your DSO to document the cap-gap protection. USCIS will issue a new EAD card once the extension is approved.
Where can I find Research Manager jobs that already support STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Research Manager roles to employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history, so you're not spending time on positions where the authorization pathway is unclear. Employers who have previously sponsored STEM OPT students understand the I-983 requirements and the reporting obligations, which reduces friction during onboarding. Search by degree field and location on Migrate Mate to see roles aligned with your specific STEM CIP code.