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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Get Access To All JobsJob ID 19341
Location Los Angeles, California, United States
Job Category Academic / Research
Date posted 08/04/2026
Job Description
Grow your career at Cedars-Sinai!
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been named to the Honor Roll in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2025-2026” rankings. When you join our team, you’ll have access to groundbreaking biomedical research facilities and world-class medical education programs. We take pride in hiring exceptional, dedicated professionals who are passionate about advancing healthcare. Our physicians, nurses, and staff reflect the culturally and ethnically diverse communities we serve and are united by a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we foster a dynamic, inclusive environment that drives innovation and supports the gold standard of patient care.
Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?
The Smidt Heart Institute reflects Cedars-Sinai's steadfast dedication to heart disease and research innovation giving patients access to the highest level of care. Year after year, thousands of people trust their hearts to Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and niche care teams treat the full spectrum of heart disease and disorders, while our investigators continue to advance the field with groundbreaking, life-saving research. From genetic counseling and targeted drug therapies to a growing array of minimally invasive procedures, Cedars-Sinai continues to stand at the forefront of technology, innovation and discovery improving patient outcomes.
What will you be doing in this role?
Working independently but in close cooperation and in consultation with the Principal Investigator and other Research Scientists, the Postdoctoral Scientist will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period. May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols. Analyzes and interprets data. May assist in preparation of grant proposals. Participates in publications and presentations as author or co-author. Not responsible for generating grant funds.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- May assist in the preparation of grant proposals but is not responsible for generating grant funds.
- May participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.
- Designs and performs experiments. Will keep appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator.
- May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
- Analyzes, interpret, summarizes, and compiles data.
- Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period.
- Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.
- May observe MD-patient or MD-human research subject interactions as it pertains directly to research being performed.
Qualifications
Education:
- Doctorate Degree in area directly related to field of research specialization is required.
Experience and Skills:
- No experience required. Acquires thorough technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and objectives during a one to five (1-5) year post-doctoral appointment.
- Works independently on research projects designed by a mentor (typically the PI) within area of specialization.
- Demonstrated aptitude to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection, and analysis and operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.
- Knowledge of safety standards and maintenance of specialized equipment.
Req ID 19341
Working Title Postdoctoral Scientist - Heart Institute - Wang Lab
Department Heart Institute
Business Entity Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Job Category Academic / Research
Job Specialty Postdoctoral Scholar
Overtime Status EXEMPT
Primary Shift Day
Shift Duration 8 hour
Base Pay $62,400 - $93,600
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
Job ID 19341
Location Los Angeles, California, United States
Job Category Academic / Research
Date posted 08/04/2026
Job Description
Grow your career at Cedars-Sinai!
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been named to the Honor Roll in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2025-2026” rankings. When you join our team, you’ll have access to groundbreaking biomedical research facilities and world-class medical education programs. We take pride in hiring exceptional, dedicated professionals who are passionate about advancing healthcare. Our physicians, nurses, and staff reflect the culturally and ethnically diverse communities we serve and are united by a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we foster a dynamic, inclusive environment that drives innovation and supports the gold standard of patient care.
Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?
The Smidt Heart Institute reflects Cedars-Sinai's steadfast dedication to heart disease and research innovation giving patients access to the highest level of care. Year after year, thousands of people trust their hearts to Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and niche care teams treat the full spectrum of heart disease and disorders, while our investigators continue to advance the field with groundbreaking, life-saving research. From genetic counseling and targeted drug therapies to a growing array of minimally invasive procedures, Cedars-Sinai continues to stand at the forefront of technology, innovation and discovery improving patient outcomes.
What will you be doing in this role?
Working independently but in close cooperation and in consultation with the Principal Investigator and other Research Scientists, the Postdoctoral Scientist will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period. May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols. Analyzes and interprets data. May assist in preparation of grant proposals. Participates in publications and presentations as author or co-author. Not responsible for generating grant funds.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- May assist in the preparation of grant proposals but is not responsible for generating grant funds.
- May participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.
- Designs and performs experiments. Will keep appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator.
- May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
- Analyzes, interpret, summarizes, and compiles data.
- Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period.
- Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.
- May observe MD-patient or MD-human research subject interactions as it pertains directly to research being performed.
Qualifications
Education:
- Doctorate Degree in area directly related to field of research specialization is required.
Experience and Skills:
- No experience required. Acquires thorough technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and objectives during a one to five (1-5) year post-doctoral appointment.
- Works independently on research projects designed by a mentor (typically the PI) within area of specialization.
- Demonstrated aptitude to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection, and analysis and operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.
- Knowledge of safety standards and maintenance of specialized equipment.
Req ID 19341
Working Title Postdoctoral Scientist - Heart Institute - Wang Lab
Department Heart Institute
Business Entity Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Job Category Academic / Research
Job Specialty Postdoctoral Scholar
Overtime Status EXEMPT
Primary Shift Day
Shift Duration 8 hour
Base Pay $62,400 - $93,600
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
See all 1,702+ 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.