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 no: 493198
Work type: Managerial
Location: Oklahoma City
Categories: Technology/Research
Pay Range: Targeted annual salary range from $54,700 to $72,500, based on experience.
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, Standard/Fixed Schedule
Travel: Not required
Position Introduction:
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is Oklahoma's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, and one of only 74 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in the United States. This highly competitive accreditation ensures that our patients receive the highest standard of care and have access to the most advanced cancer treatment options. At the Stephenson Cancer Center, innovation isn't just something we talk about - it's what we do every day. And now, we're thrilled to announce a powerful new opportunity within our Clinical Trials Office that could be the next big step in your career.
We are searching for a dynamic Laboratory Research Manager to lead the operations of a cutting edge clinical trials research laboratory at one of the nation's top cancer centers. This is more than a management role; it's a chance to shape the scientific engine that drives our clinical breakthroughs.
As the Laboratory Research Manager, you will play a key role in developing and executing strategic goals that strengthen our clinical, teaching, and research mission. You will guide innovative projects, elevate laboratory performance, and help accelerate discoveries that directly impact patient care. If you're energized by purpose, motivated by scientific excellence, and ready to lead with vision, this is your moment to make a meaningful difference. Learn more about the Stephenson Cancer Center's Clinical Trials Office here.
Required Education and Experience:
- Master's Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry, or Physical Science or related field.
- 60 months experience working in a basic science research facility/laboratory, which 24 months experience as a senior-level supervisor and/or leadership role in a research laboratory.
Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept a Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry or Physical Science and 24 months related experience in lieu of the Master's Degree for a total of 84 months experience.
Required Certifications and Licenses:
None
Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes
Advertised: 11 Jun 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 10 Sep 2026 Central Daylight Time
Job no: 493198
Work type: Managerial
Location: Oklahoma City
Categories: Technology/Research
Pay Range: Targeted annual salary range from $54,700 to $72,500, based on experience.
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, Standard/Fixed Schedule
Travel: Not required
Position Introduction:
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is Oklahoma's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, and one of only 74 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in the United States. This highly competitive accreditation ensures that our patients receive the highest standard of care and have access to the most advanced cancer treatment options. At the Stephenson Cancer Center, innovation isn't just something we talk about - it's what we do every day. And now, we're thrilled to announce a powerful new opportunity within our Clinical Trials Office that could be the next big step in your career.
We are searching for a dynamic Laboratory Research Manager to lead the operations of a cutting edge clinical trials research laboratory at one of the nation's top cancer centers. This is more than a management role; it's a chance to shape the scientific engine that drives our clinical breakthroughs.
As the Laboratory Research Manager, you will play a key role in developing and executing strategic goals that strengthen our clinical, teaching, and research mission. You will guide innovative projects, elevate laboratory performance, and help accelerate discoveries that directly impact patient care. If you're energized by purpose, motivated by scientific excellence, and ready to lead with vision, this is your moment to make a meaningful difference. Learn more about the Stephenson Cancer Center's Clinical Trials Office here.
Required Education and Experience:
- Master's Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry, or Physical Science or related field.
- 60 months experience working in a basic science research facility/laboratory, which 24 months experience as a senior-level supervisor and/or leadership role in a research laboratory.
Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept a Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry or Physical Science and 24 months related experience in lieu of the Master's Degree for a total of 84 months experience.
Required Certifications and Licenses:
None
Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes
Advertised: 11 Jun 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 10 Sep 2026 Central Daylight Time
See all 130+ STEM OPT Research Manager Jobs
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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.