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.
Find STEM OPT Research Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 244+ Research Specialist jobs
See all 244+ 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 JobsPosting Number RTF00138PO26
USC Market Title Research Specialist
Business Title (Internal Title) Research Specialist
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division School of Medicine Columbia
Department SOMC Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Anticipated Hiring Range $36,308.00
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
* Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
* Must be flexible to meet the needs of the department.
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
South Carolina Retirement Yes
State Insurance Programs Yes
Annual Leave Yes
Sick Leave Yes
Advertised Job Summary
The Wood Lab in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience is seeking a Research Specialist I to support NIH-funded research examining molecular mechanisms engaged by stress that regulate anxiety-like behaviors. Under general supervision, the Research Specialist I will perform experiments using cutting-edge techniques to study how the brain regulates behavior relevant to fear and anxiety disorders, learning, memory, and addiction. The individual will demonstrate commitment to conducting business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations. This position is established in support of expanded research activities.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.
Preferred Qualifications
* The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Immunology or related scientific field, a record of strong communication, writing skills, and experience with in vivo approaches (e.g., surgical techniques, behavioral analyses, tissue dissection, electrophysiology etc.).
* Preference will be given to highly motivated individuals with demonstrated ability to conduct research with rigorous record keeping and enthusiasm to take an active role in shaping the research program.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
* Basic Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Immunology or a related field and 1 year related research experience is required.
* Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures and regulations.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Conducting experiments with rodents to understand the role that stress plays in neurological dysfunction. Behavioral studies such as acoustic startle, social stressors, elevated plus maze, etc. will be used and scored to measure anxiety-like behavioral phenotypes.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
General lab duties (ordering supplies, maintaining sterile equipment and tools, buffer preparation, dish washing etc.) to maintain proper functioning of all laboratory studies.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Perform rat brain tissue slicing and tissue homogenization to subject the tissue to molecular techniques including western blot, elisa, high performance liquid chromatography, etc. in order to understand molecular mechanisms regulating stress responses.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Conduct surgical procedures including implantation of cardiovascular transmitters and intracranial cannulas for complex cardiovascular and brain analyses of stress responses.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Training and assisting graduate/undergraduate students on complex techniques including surgery, data analysis, behavioral testing, video analysis, etc.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Analyzing cardiovascular telemetry data using computer based programs to understand the long term effects that stress has on the cardiovascular system.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 07/16/2026
Position End Date 05/31/2027
Job Open Date 06/19/2026
Job Close Date 08/03/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by August 3, 2026.
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Posting Number RTF00138PO26
USC Market Title Research Specialist
Business Title (Internal Title) Research Specialist
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division School of Medicine Columbia
Department SOMC Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience
Anticipated Hiring Range $36,308.00
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
* Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
* Must be flexible to meet the needs of the department.
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
South Carolina Retirement Yes
State Insurance Programs Yes
Annual Leave Yes
Sick Leave Yes
Advertised Job Summary
The Wood Lab in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience is seeking a Research Specialist I to support NIH-funded research examining molecular mechanisms engaged by stress that regulate anxiety-like behaviors. Under general supervision, the Research Specialist I will perform experiments using cutting-edge techniques to study how the brain regulates behavior relevant to fear and anxiety disorders, learning, memory, and addiction. The individual will demonstrate commitment to conducting business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations. This position is established in support of expanded research activities.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in area of research specialty.
Preferred Qualifications
* The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Immunology or related scientific field, a record of strong communication, writing skills, and experience with in vivo approaches (e.g., surgical techniques, behavioral analyses, tissue dissection, electrophysiology etc.).
* Preference will be given to highly motivated individuals with demonstrated ability to conduct research with rigorous record keeping and enthusiasm to take an active role in shaping the research program.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
* Basic Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Immunology or a related field and 1 year related research experience is required.
* Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures and regulations.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Conducting experiments with rodents to understand the role that stress plays in neurological dysfunction. Behavioral studies such as acoustic startle, social stressors, elevated plus maze, etc. will be used and scored to measure anxiety-like behavioral phenotypes.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
General lab duties (ordering supplies, maintaining sterile equipment and tools, buffer preparation, dish washing etc.) to maintain proper functioning of all laboratory studies.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Perform rat brain tissue slicing and tissue homogenization to subject the tissue to molecular techniques including western blot, elisa, high performance liquid chromatography, etc. in order to understand molecular mechanisms regulating stress responses.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Conduct surgical procedures including implantation of cardiovascular transmitters and intracranial cannulas for complex cardiovascular and brain analyses of stress responses.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Training and assisting graduate/undergraduate students on complex techniques including surgery, data analysis, behavioral testing, video analysis, etc.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Job Duty
Analyzing cardiovascular telemetry data using computer based programs to understand the long term effects that stress has on the cardiovascular system.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 07/16/2026
Position End Date 05/31/2027
Job Open Date 06/19/2026
Job Close Date 08/03/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by August 3, 2026.
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
See all 244+ STEM OPT Research Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Research Specialist Jobs.
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 visa.
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.
Frequently 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.