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 JobsJob Title
Research Specialist I-III
Agency
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Department
Harte Research Institute
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Corpus Christi, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.
TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.
PURPOSE
The Research Specialist I, II or III is responsible for reviewing, organizing, and documenting datasets submitted to GRIIDC for long term archival.
DESCRIPTION
Functional Area 1: Research Operations
Percent Effort: 70%
- Review datasets and metadata from a variety of disciplines submitted to the GRIIDC data management system to ensure completeness, file integrity, and determine additional information to complete and describe datasets.
- Ensure submitted data and metadata follow data management best practices and FAIR data principles for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data.
- Document datasets using standard ISO 19115-2 metadata.
- Transform data file formats from proprietary or binary file types to nonproprietary, archive-ready file formats. Organize data into required directory structures.
- Contact data providers to request additional information to complete datasets.
- Review publications generated by data providers to ensure datasets associated with publications meet standards for public availability.
Functional Area 2: Support
Percent Effort: 20%
- Work with GRIIDC team members to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of products and services including supporting the GRIIDC Director and Program Manager with the execution of GRIIDC tasks.
- Participate in GRIIDC biweekly team meetings, data package review meetings, and other meetings, as needed.
- Provide insight and direction on data and metadata standards and data best practices to the Program Manager and Director during meetings and through technical reports.
- Provide input on the development of the GRIIDC data management system software, through participation in software development meetings and testing sessions, as needed.
Functional Area 3: Other
Percent Effort: 10%
- Develop guidance documents for the submission of different types of data to GRIIDC, as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Research Specialist I
- Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
- Four (4) years of related experience.
- Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
- Master’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and two (2) years of related experience OR
- Doctoral degree in related field of study.
Research Specialist II
- Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
- Six (6) years of related experience.
- Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
- Master’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and four (4) years of related experience OR
- Doctoral degree and two (2) years of related experience.
Research Specialist III
- Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
- Eight (8) years of related experience.
- Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
- Master’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and six (6) years of related experience OR
- Doctoral degree and four (4) years of related experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and programming in MatLab or Python.
- Strong understanding of physical oceanography; oceanographic cruise data and instrumentation; and environmental data.
- Experience with shell scripting in Linux and/or Windows. Working knowledge of XML. Ability to hash and checksum data files.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively in a courteous and professional manner with a varied population of customers in person, telephone, or e-mail.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Research Specialist I/II
- Degree in Oceanography or Environmental Science.
- Experience on oceanographic research cruises.
- Experience managing physical oceanography or environmental data.
- Experience managing other scientific data types.
Research Specialist III
- Degree in Oceanography or Environmental Science.
- Experience on oceanographic research cruises.
- Experience managing physical oceanography or environmental data.
- Experience managing other scientific data types.
- Experience in data curation activities including dataset package review, metadata creation, and file format transformation.
SALARY
Dependent upon education/experience.
Research Specialist I: Up to $3,836.34 Monthly
- (Up to $46,036.08 Annual, Approximately)
Research Specialist II: Up to $4,220 Monthly
- (Up to $50,640 Annual, Approximately)
Research Specialist III: Up to $5,461.17 Monthly
- (Up to $65,534.04 Annual, Approximately)
Note: This position will be fully remote.
Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.
BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)
From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.
INSURANCE:
- Medical
- $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
- Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
- Employee and Spouse
- Employee and Children
- Employee and Family coverage
- Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM
ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES
Work Life Solutions:
- Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Tuition Benefits:
- Public Loan Forgiveness
- Book scholarships
- 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
Retirement:
- Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
- Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Time Off:
- 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
- 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
- 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
- 12-15 paid holidays each year.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
Job Title
Research Specialist I-III
Agency
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Department
Harte Research Institute
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Corpus Christi, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.
TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.
PURPOSE
The Research Specialist I, II or III is responsible for reviewing, organizing, and documenting datasets submitted to GRIIDC for long term archival.
DESCRIPTION
Functional Area 1: Research Operations
Percent Effort: 70%
- Review datasets and metadata from a variety of disciplines submitted to the GRIIDC data management system to ensure completeness, file integrity, and determine additional information to complete and describe datasets.
- Ensure submitted data and metadata follow data management best practices and FAIR data principles for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data.
- Document datasets using standard ISO 19115-2 metadata.
- Transform data file formats from proprietary or binary file types to nonproprietary, archive-ready file formats. Organize data into required directory structures.
- Contact data providers to request additional information to complete datasets.
- Review publications generated by data providers to ensure datasets associated with publications meet standards for public availability.
Functional Area 2: Support
Percent Effort: 20%
- Work with GRIIDC team members to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of products and services including supporting the GRIIDC Director and Program Manager with the execution of GRIIDC tasks.
- Participate in GRIIDC biweekly team meetings, data package review meetings, and other meetings, as needed.
- Provide insight and direction on data and metadata standards and data best practices to the Program Manager and Director during meetings and through technical reports.
- Provide input on the development of the GRIIDC data management system software, through participation in software development meetings and testing sessions, as needed.
Functional Area 3: Other
Percent Effort: 10%
- Develop guidance documents for the submission of different types of data to GRIIDC, as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Research Specialist I
- Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
- Four (4) years of related experience.
- Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
- Master’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and two (2) years of related experience OR
- Doctoral degree in related field of study.
Research Specialist II
- Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
- Six (6) years of related experience.
- Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
- Master’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and four (4) years of related experience OR
- Doctoral degree and two (2) years of related experience.
Research Specialist III
- Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
- Eight (8) years of related experience.
- Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
- Master’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and six (6) years of related experience OR
- Doctoral degree and four (4) years of related experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and programming in MatLab or Python.
- Strong understanding of physical oceanography; oceanographic cruise data and instrumentation; and environmental data.
- Experience with shell scripting in Linux and/or Windows. Working knowledge of XML. Ability to hash and checksum data files.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively in a courteous and professional manner with a varied population of customers in person, telephone, or e-mail.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Research Specialist I/II
- Degree in Oceanography or Environmental Science.
- Experience on oceanographic research cruises.
- Experience managing physical oceanography or environmental data.
- Experience managing other scientific data types.
Research Specialist III
- Degree in Oceanography or Environmental Science.
- Experience on oceanographic research cruises.
- Experience managing physical oceanography or environmental data.
- Experience managing other scientific data types.
- Experience in data curation activities including dataset package review, metadata creation, and file format transformation.
SALARY
Dependent upon education/experience.
Research Specialist I: Up to $3,836.34 Monthly
- (Up to $46,036.08 Annual, Approximately)
Research Specialist II: Up to $4,220 Monthly
- (Up to $50,640 Annual, Approximately)
Research Specialist III: Up to $5,461.17 Monthly
- (Up to $65,534.04 Annual, Approximately)
Note: This position will be fully remote.
Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.
BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)
From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.
INSURANCE:
- Medical
- $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
- Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
- Employee and Spouse
- Employee and Children
- Employee and Family coverage
- Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM
ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES
Work Life Solutions:
- Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Tuition Benefits:
- Public Loan Forgiveness
- Book scholarships
- 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
Retirement:
- Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
- Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
Time Off:
- 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
- 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
- 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
- 12-15 paid holidays each year.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
See all 275+ 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.