STEM OPT Scientist Jobs
Scientist roles span research, laboratory, and applied science positions that align directly with STEM OPT eligibility. With a STEM degree and an E-Verify-enrolled employer, you qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build your scientific career in the U.S.
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Compensation: $21.00 per hour
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
The salary range for this position reflects a variety of factors. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s geographic location, relevant experience, education, skills, and alignment with internal equity. Market conditions, budgetary considerations, and organizational compensation guidelines may also influence the final offer.
Make an Impact. Build a Career.
At Pace®, everything we do is built upon an unwavering commitment to making the world a safer, healthier place. Since 1978, we’ve continued developing innovative practices that drive sustainability and empower our partners with accurate quality data at every critical moment and milestone.
That's why we need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work, and your career.
We’re seeking curious, motivated individuals who are passionate about protecting our environment and the communities we serve. If you’re looking to develop your skills, contribute to meaningful scientific work, and build a long-term career in environmental science, Pace® could be the perfect place for you.
Find Your Place at Pace®
Join us as a Scientist and put your passion for science to work in our environmental testing laboratory. In this role, you’ll conduct hands-on analysis within our laboratories, helping ensure the integrity and quality of environmental data that impacts communities and ecosystems.
What You’ll Do
- Perform, support, and oversee the analysis of air, water, and soil samples using established chemistry and biochemistry methods.
- Clean, maintain, and calibrate laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Accurately document procedures, observations, and results to maintain high-quality, organized laboratory records.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other STEM related degrees — or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. We are happy to provide training!
- Ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment, including standing for extended periods, working around strong odors, and wearing required PPE (lab coat, safety glasses, gloves—all provided by Pace®).
What We Promise
- We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and tuition reimbursement. Our benefits also include life and disability insurance, paid holidays, and paid time off to support your well-being in and out of the workplace.
- Clear pathways to grow and build a rewarding scientific career.
- An inclusive, values-driven culture rooted in integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement. We embrace and value the unique perspectives each person brings — our differences strengthen our team and enrich our culture.
Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work.
Benefits
When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Scientist
Compensation: $21.00 per hour
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
The salary range for this position reflects a variety of factors. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s geographic location, relevant experience, education, skills, and alignment with internal equity. Market conditions, budgetary considerations, and organizational compensation guidelines may also influence the final offer.
Make an Impact. Build a Career.
At Pace®, everything we do is built upon an unwavering commitment to making the world a safer, healthier place. Since 1978, we’ve continued developing innovative practices that drive sustainability and empower our partners with accurate quality data at every critical moment and milestone.
That's why we need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work, and your career.
We’re seeking curious, motivated individuals who are passionate about protecting our environment and the communities we serve. If you’re looking to develop your skills, contribute to meaningful scientific work, and build a long-term career in environmental science, Pace® could be the perfect place for you.
Find Your Place at Pace®
Join us as a Scientist and put your passion for science to work in our environmental testing laboratory. In this role, you’ll conduct hands-on analysis within our laboratories, helping ensure the integrity and quality of environmental data that impacts communities and ecosystems.
What You’ll Do
- Perform, support, and oversee the analysis of air, water, and soil samples using established chemistry and biochemistry methods.
- Clean, maintain, and calibrate laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Accurately document procedures, observations, and results to maintain high-quality, organized laboratory records.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other STEM related degrees — or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. We are happy to provide training!
- Ability to work effectively in a laboratory environment, including standing for extended periods, working around strong odors, and wearing required PPE (lab coat, safety glasses, gloves—all provided by Pace®).
What We Promise
- We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and tuition reimbursement. Our benefits also include life and disability insurance, paid holidays, and paid time off to support your well-being in and out of the workplace.
- Clear pathways to grow and build a rewarding scientific career.
- An inclusive, values-driven culture rooted in integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement. We embrace and value the unique perspectives each person brings — our differences strengthen our team and enrich our culture.
Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work.
Benefits
When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
See all 1,935+ STEM OPT Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Scientist
Confirm your CIP code matches your role
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against STEM-designated fields before applying. Scientist roles in biology, chemistry, or environmental science typically qualify, but your DSO must verify the match on your updated I-20.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
Search E-Verify's employer search tool before submitting applications. Research institutions, biotech firms, and federal contractors are common Scientist employers that maintain active E-Verify enrollment, which your employer must have to qualify.
Build a training plan tied to your research duties
Your I-983 must connect your day-to-day Scientist responsibilities, such as experimental design or data analysis, directly to your STEM degree's learning objectives. Generic descriptions get rejected; tie each goal to a specific lab or research function.
Negotiate your start date around DSO processing time
STEM OPT extension applications must be filed with USCIS before your current EAD expires. Once you have an offer, give your DSO at least 90 days to update your I-20 and help you file on time.
Use Migrate Mate to target labs with sponsorship history
Search Scientist openings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with verified STEM OPT hiring history so you're applying to organizations already structured to onboard OPT workers, not ones figuring it out for the first time.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Look up the prevailing wage for your specific Scientist title and location using OFLC Wage Search. Employers must pay at least the prevailing wage level tied to your role, and knowing the figure helps you evaluate whether an offer is compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Scientist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Scientist positions qualify if your STEM degree falls under a DHS-designated CIP code, such as biological sciences, chemistry, physics, or environmental science. Your DSO confirms eligibility and updates your I-20 with the correct CIP code before you file with USCIS. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to your degree field.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify to hire me on STEM OPT?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for all STEM OPT employers, not just a preference. Before accepting an offer, confirm your employer is actively enrolled using E-Verify's employer search tool. If they're not enrolled, they must complete enrollment before you can begin STEM OPT employment. Many university research labs and private biotech companies are already enrolled.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Scientist position?
The I-983 must detail how your Scientist duties, such as experimental design, data collection, laboratory analysis, or field research, connect to your STEM degree's learning outcomes. Both you and your employer sign it, and your DSO reviews it for compliance. USCIS can audit the plan at any time, so vague descriptions like 'general research tasks' aren't sufficient.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my Scientist employer loses their E-Verify status?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated, you're no longer authorized to work for them under STEM OPT. You'd need to find a new E-Verify-enrolled employer and file an updated I-983. Notify your DSO immediately, since continuing to work without a compliant employer puts your status at risk.
Where can I find Scientist jobs where employers are prepared to hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters Scientist openings by employers with documented STEM OPT hiring experience, so you're not cold-applying to organizations unfamiliar with E-Verify requirements or the I-983 process. This matters because even qualified candidates lose offers when employers decide mid-process they can't support the compliance requirements.