STEM OPT Research Specialist Jobs
Research Specialist roles in academia, biotech, and government labs regularly hire on STEM OPT. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies if your degree CIP code aligns with the research field, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your training plan takes effect.
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Get Access To All JobsScheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
Our research focuses on diagnostic testing in the clinical microbiology laboratory, by establishing clinical utility to better navigate appropriate selection of new and complex diagnostics. Broadly, our focus is on advanced molecular technologies, rapid identification of multi-drug resistant organisms and efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and using laboratory automation to improve both analytical performance and workflow efficiency.
Provides critically complex research and experimentation for department/s allowing the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery. Serves as a subject matter expert in sponsored and independent clinical microbiology research projects, offering support, training and guidance relative to the discipline. Effectively balances contributing roles across multiple concurrent projects while driving progress in literature review, study design, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of findings. May participate and or present on the research developed, or the established work of those within the department.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI. Serves as representative for PI and ensures procedures and protocols are adhered to consistently and effectively meet department's standard. Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects. May serve in lead role as needed.
- Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results and findings. May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department. Conducts literature searches related to research projects. Writes/co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences. May participate in work related to grants.
- Solves practical problems relating to difficulty with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical/procedural improvements in various methods. May develop and optimize experimental procedures and protocols. Provides high-level troubleshooting to advance process or lab procedures.
- Serves as department's research representative and may participate in various related meetings and events. Gathers/delivers data/information and serves as subject matter expert. Performs statistical data analysis, as needed. Presents research information to internal and/or external audiences.
- Organizes and maintains required documentation on lab and/or specimen conditions and can develop and summarize information into usable formats or presentations on behalf of the department. May communicate findings to various users or external audiences.
- Performs all related work in accordance with established protocols and safety/compliance requirements.
- May explain methods, lead or train other personnel or observers.
Working Conditions:
- Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
- Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Laboratory Setting (4 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Data Management, Detail-Oriented, Effective Presentations, Fast-Paced Environments, High Accuracy, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Literature Reviews, Manuscript Preparation, Microbiology, Microsoft Excel, Multiple Project Management, Oral Communications, Organizing, Prioritization, Project Management, Scientific Writing, Self-Starter, Statistical Software, Timeline Management, Working Independently, Written Communication
Grade
R09
Salary Range
$41,700.00 - $75,600.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Scheduled Hours
40
Position Summary
Our research focuses on diagnostic testing in the clinical microbiology laboratory, by establishing clinical utility to better navigate appropriate selection of new and complex diagnostics. Broadly, our focus is on advanced molecular technologies, rapid identification of multi-drug resistant organisms and efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and using laboratory automation to improve both analytical performance and workflow efficiency.
Provides critically complex research and experimentation for department/s allowing the advancement of scientific analysis and discovery. Serves as a subject matter expert in sponsored and independent clinical microbiology research projects, offering support, training and guidance relative to the discipline. Effectively balances contributing roles across multiple concurrent projects while driving progress in literature review, study design, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of findings. May participate and or present on the research developed, or the established work of those within the department.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Performs complex analyses, experiments and project work under general direction of the PI. Serves as representative for PI and ensures procedures and protocols are adhered to consistently and effectively meet department's standard. Exhibits a high degree of independent problem solving and ability to conduct research on assigned projects. May serve in lead role as needed.
- Plans, develops, organizes and formalizes research results and findings. May develop for presentation and/or present on behalf of department. Conducts literature searches related to research projects. Writes/co-authors publications and/or papers supporting research findings in logical and sometimes multiple formats tailored to audiences. May participate in work related to grants.
- Solves practical problems relating to difficulty with equipment or test subjects. Suggests technical/procedural improvements in various methods. May develop and optimize experimental procedures and protocols. Provides high-level troubleshooting to advance process or lab procedures.
- Serves as department's research representative and may participate in various related meetings and events. Gathers/delivers data/information and serves as subject matter expert. Performs statistical data analysis, as needed. Presents research information to internal and/or external audiences.
- Organizes and maintains required documentation on lab and/or specimen conditions and can develop and summarize information into usable formats or presentations on behalf of the department. May communicate findings to various users or external audiences.
- Performs all related work in accordance with established protocols and safety/compliance requirements.
- May explain methods, lead or train other personnel or observers.
Working Conditions:
- Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
- Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Laboratory Setting (4 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Skills:
Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Data Management, Detail-Oriented, Effective Presentations, Fast-Paced Environments, High Accuracy, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Research, Literature Reviews, Manuscript Preparation, Microbiology, Microsoft Excel, Multiple Project Management, Oral Communications, Organizing, Prioritization, Project Management, Scientific Writing, Self-Starter, Statistical Software, Timeline Management, Working Independently, Written Communication
Grade
R09
Salary Range
$41,700.00 - $75,600.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
- Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
- Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
- Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
- WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
- Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
- We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
- WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
See all 319+ Research Specialist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Research Specialist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Research Specialist roles span biology, chemistry, and data science, so a mismatched CIP code can disqualify your extension even when the work is clearly research-focused.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT training plan can be approved. Ask hiring managers to provide their E-Verify Company ID during the offer stage, not after you've signed, so your DSO can verify enrollment without delaying your I-983 submission.
Search research labs through Migrate Mate
Filter your Research Specialist job search on Migrate Mate to surface employers with verified E-Verify enrollment. Academic and government-adjacent labs often meet the requirement but don't advertise it, and pre-filtered results cut the time you spend manually checking each institution.
Tailor your I-983 training plan to the research scope
Write your I-983 learning objectives around the specific methodologies in the role, such as cell culture protocols, statistical modeling, or spectroscopy. Generic descriptions like 'conduct research' invite SEVP scrutiny and can trigger a request for a revised plan that delays your start date.
Cross-check wage offers against OFLC Wage Search
Research Specialist salaries vary significantly by geography and sector. Run the posted offer against the OFLC Wage Search for your SOC code and metro area before negotiating. If the offer falls below prevailing wage, that signals the employer may struggle with future LCA filings if you transition to H-1B.
Use O*NET to document specialty occupation standing
Pull the O*NET profile for Research Specialist and note the education and knowledge requirements listed there. If your employer ever needs to support an H-1B petition for you, having documented alignment between the O*NET profile and your actual duties strengthens the specialty occupation argument from day one.
Research Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research Specialist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on whether your degree's CIP code appears on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List and whether the research work directly applies that field of study. Roles in biology, chemistry, environmental science, computer science, and engineering-adjacent research commonly qualify. Your DSO makes the initial determination by reviewing your degree, CIP code, and the job description before approving the I-983.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify for my STEM OPT to be valid?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for STEM OPT employers, and it must be active before your DSO can approve your training plan. Universities, private research labs, and nonprofit institutes all need enrollment regardless of size or funding source. Ask for the employer's E-Verify Company ID before you sign an offer letter, because starting work without confirmed enrollment puts your status at risk.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Research Specialist position?
Your I-983 must describe how the Research Specialist duties connect to your STEM degree, list specific learning objectives tied to the methodologies you'll use, and identify how your employer will evaluate your progress. Vague objectives like 'gain research experience' are frequently flagged by SEVP. Tie each objective to a concrete skill, instrument, or analytical technique relevant to the lab's work, and have your supervisor sign off before submission.
Can I work as a Research Specialist at a university or nonprofit on STEM OPT?
Yes, as long as the institution is enrolled in E-Verify. Many universities maintain E-Verify enrollment for their hiring programs, but individual departments don't always know the enrollment status. Verify through the official E-Verify portal or ask the HR office directly. Federal grant-funded labs at universities are often required to use E-Verify as a condition of funding, which makes them a reliable category to target.
How do I find Research Specialist employers that already meet STEM OPT requirements?
Migrate Mate filters Research Specialist listings to show employers with verified E-Verify enrollment, which removes the most common compliance hurdle upfront. Beyond that, federal agencies, national laboratories, and universities receiving federal contracts are frequently E-Verify enrolled by policy. Checking DOL LCA disclosure data for prior STEM OPT or H-1B filings in your target occupation is another way to identify employers already familiar with the process.
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