STEM OPT Research Scientist Jobs
Research Scientist roles qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension when your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your degree aligns with a STEM-designated CIP code. With up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization, you have a realistic runway to contribute to long-term research projects and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Job Summary:
The Defense Industrial Base Institute (DIBI) at Northeastern University is actively recruiting a Research Scientist. The successful candidate will work with DIBI faculty, researchers, students and staff on funded research projects related to workforce development, supply chain, procurement, additive manufacturing and AI in maritime and related defense industrial sectors.
The ideal candidate has a background in the social sciences and holds a Ph.D., with research experience in science, policy, and resilience. The candidate must have at least 4 years of professional work experience in related fields and the demonstrated capacity for independence in an interdisciplinary research environment. A strong record of publication is preferred; experience with sponsored research is also essential, including proposal preparation, research experience involving team projects, and project management experience.
The position will report to the DIBI Sr. Research Scientist and will work closely with them, and with the research team on multiple projects. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to participate in external professional activities (i.e., publication of research, attendance/participation in professional conferences). The candidate may serve as a manager supporting research staff, and also conduct training as required.
About the Defense Industrial Base Institute (DIBI):
DIBI is a solutions engine for strengthening and transforming America’s defense industrial base. DIBI brings together government, industry, academia, and other partners to address critical challenges, conduct applied research, develop practical solutions, and accelerate their implementation and scale. For more information about the institute, visit: dibi.northeastern.edu.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:
1) Rigorous qualitative and quantitative research and project management for two federally awarded Navy contracts.
2) Work closely with PI and CO-PIs on delivery of projects and lead new research development efforts/proposal submissions.
3) Manage, Supervise and train a group of research assistants, including undergraduate and graduate students.
4) Interact and collaborate with project partners external to DIBI, including other university-based researchers, non-profit firms, private research entities, and government entities.
5) Work closely with DIBI leadership on industry and research development efforts to connect with industry partners and enhance application of the “DIBI Navigator” framework/methodology.
6) Work closely with the DIBI leadership team, prospect and develop new research opportunities that align with the institute’s mission and research capabilities.
Additional Qualifications:
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities;
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, and the willingness to work with multiple researchers, and technical staff in an interdisciplinary environment;
- Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders and constituents related to DIBI’s research assignments and mission critical work.
- Must be able to exercise judgment and discretion, and to prioritize and manage multiple tasks;
- Excellent written and oral presentation skills in order to reach audiences both in and out of one’s own field; and be comfortable presenting data and research findings to stakeholders including high level government officials.
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
111S
Expected Hiring Range:
$87,785.00 - $123,998.75
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
About the Opportunity
Job Summary:
The Defense Industrial Base Institute (DIBI) at Northeastern University is actively recruiting a Research Scientist. The successful candidate will work with DIBI faculty, researchers, students and staff on funded research projects related to workforce development, supply chain, procurement, additive manufacturing and AI in maritime and related defense industrial sectors.
The ideal candidate has a background in the social sciences and holds a Ph.D., with research experience in science, policy, and resilience. The candidate must have at least 4 years of professional work experience in related fields and the demonstrated capacity for independence in an interdisciplinary research environment. A strong record of publication is preferred; experience with sponsored research is also essential, including proposal preparation, research experience involving team projects, and project management experience.
The position will report to the DIBI Sr. Research Scientist and will work closely with them, and with the research team on multiple projects. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to participate in external professional activities (i.e., publication of research, attendance/participation in professional conferences). The candidate may serve as a manager supporting research staff, and also conduct training as required.
About the Defense Industrial Base Institute (DIBI):
DIBI is a solutions engine for strengthening and transforming America’s defense industrial base. DIBI brings together government, industry, academia, and other partners to address critical challenges, conduct applied research, develop practical solutions, and accelerate their implementation and scale. For more information about the institute, visit: dibi.northeastern.edu.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:
1) Rigorous qualitative and quantitative research and project management for two federally awarded Navy contracts.
2) Work closely with PI and CO-PIs on delivery of projects and lead new research development efforts/proposal submissions.
3) Manage, Supervise and train a group of research assistants, including undergraduate and graduate students.
4) Interact and collaborate with project partners external to DIBI, including other university-based researchers, non-profit firms, private research entities, and government entities.
5) Work closely with DIBI leadership on industry and research development efforts to connect with industry partners and enhance application of the “DIBI Navigator” framework/methodology.
6) Work closely with the DIBI leadership team, prospect and develop new research opportunities that align with the institute’s mission and research capabilities.
Additional Qualifications:
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities;
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, and the willingness to work with multiple researchers, and technical staff in an interdisciplinary environment;
- Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders and constituents related to DIBI’s research assignments and mission critical work.
- Must be able to exercise judgment and discretion, and to prioritize and manage multiple tasks;
- Excellent written and oral presentation skills in order to reach audiences both in and out of one’s own field; and be comfortable presenting data and research findings to stakeholders including high level government officials.
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
111S
Expected Hiring Range:
$87,785.00 - $123,998.75
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
See all 664+ STEM OPT Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Research Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Research Scientist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list. Biology, chemistry, computer science, and engineering fields qualify, but interdisciplinary degrees sometimes carry non-STEM CIP codes that disqualify you.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Research institutions, national labs, and private R&D firms must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire STEM OPT students. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name before signing anything, enrollment status is not always disclosed upfront in job postings.
File your I-983 training plan before your start date
Your DSO must receive a completed I-983 signed by both you and your Research Scientist supervisor before your STEM OPT extension begins. Delays in supervisor sign-off at large institutions are common, so build in two weeks of buffer.
Use O*NET to match your role to STEM OPT criteria
Pull the Research Scientist occupation profile from O*NET and cross-reference the listed knowledge areas with your degree field. This documentation strengthens your I-983 training plan and helps your employer's HR team confirm the role qualifies.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Research Scientist roles often lead directly to H-1B sponsorship. Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by verified DOL Labor Condition Application filings in research and life sciences occupations, so you focus your applications on organizations that have already committed to sponsoring workers in your field.
Request employer cap-gap documentation immediately after lottery selection
If USCIS selects your H-1B petition in the annual lottery before your STEM OPT expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Ask your employer's immigration team to provide written confirmation of your cap-gap status so you can continue working without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Scientist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and your degree carries a STEM-designated CIP code. Research Scientist positions in life sciences, physical sciences, computer science, and engineering routinely qualify. Your DSO confirms eligibility by matching your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM designated degree list before recommending the extension to USCIS.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Research Scientist position?
Your I-983 must describe the specific research skills, laboratory techniques, or computational methods you'll develop on the job, how those learning goals connect to your STEM degree, and how your supervisor will evaluate your progress. Both you and your supervising researcher must sign it. USCIS can audit these plans, so vague descriptions like 'conduct experiments' are insufficient without linking tasks to degree-specific competencies.
How do I find Research Scientist employers who are enrolled in E-Verify?
E-Verify enrollment is mandatory for STEM OPT employers but isn't always listed in job postings. You can search the E-Verify employer database by organization name to confirm enrollment before applying. Migrate Mate also surfaces Research Scientist roles filtered for E-Verify compliance and active LCA filing history, saving you from applying to employers who can't legally hire STEM OPT students.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery?
Cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization if your H-1B petition is filed before your STEM OPT expires and USCIS selects it in the lottery. Your authorization continues through September 30 of the fiscal year your H-1B takes effect. Research Scientist employers typically file H-1B petitions in April, so your STEM OPT must still be valid at that filing date for cap-gap to apply.
Can I switch Research Scientist employers while on STEM OPT?
Yes, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and file a new I-983 training plan with the incoming employer before you start working there. The new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Your authorization does not transfer automatically, and working for the new employer before your DSO processes the update creates a status violation.