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 JobsTitle: Research Scientist II - Ma Research Laboratory
Employee Classification: Research Scientist II
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Provost
SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science
Department: UNT-Chemistry-121200
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.
FTE: 1.00
Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
The Ma research lab has been focusing on the development of advanced functional porous materials including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and porous organic polymers (POPs) for energy, biological, environmental-related applications with over 400 papers published thus far including more than 100 publications in top journals such as Nature, Nature Synthesis, Nature Commun., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Science Adv., Chem, Adv. Mater., ACS Cent. Sci. After serving at the University of South Florida for ten years, Dr. Shengqian Ma moved to the University of North Texas as the Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry in August 2020. The Ma Lab at the University of North Texas was newly renovated in January 2022 with over 3,000 square feet and has purchased a large number of new instruments/facilities to facilitate the research in porous materials such as Rigaku SmartLab X Powder X-ray Diffractometer, Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-I Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer, JOEL SEM, DRIFTS, Micromeritics ASAP2020, ASAP2020 Plus, 3FLEX Gas Sorption Analyzer, HPVA-II High-Pressure Gas Sorption Apparatus, DVS Vapor Sorption apparatus, Maruun LabMaster Glove box, Solvent Purification System, Millipore water purifier. To learn more about the Ma Lab at the University of North Texas, please visit the Ma Research Website: https://sites.chemistry.unt.edu/~sqma/.
Position Overview
This role is to provide independent scientific and technical leadership, student mentoring, laboratory oversight, design/execution of complex experiments, management of funded projects, and development of competitive research proposals. Its core scientific focus is advancing porous materials and scalable technologies for the selective extraction and recovery of critical minerals from waste streams and unconventional resources, translating fundamental materials research into practical technologies.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering
- Strong communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in MOF synthesis is desirable
- Experience in organic synthesis would be beneficial
- Valuable know-how: SCXRD and PXRD
Job Duties
- Design, execute, and optimize experiments
- Write grant proposals, manage multiple research projects and deliver milestones on schedule
- Analyze, interpret, and contribute to scholarly and funding outputs including journal publications and conference presentations
- Maintain and upkeep major laboratory equipment, provide training for their use and coordinate scheduling
- Supervise and provide technical mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students
- Ensure laboratory safety and regulatory compliance
- Manage Laboratory operations and resources
- Support the laboratory's overall research and training mission
Physical Requirements
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental Hazards
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
Varies based upon assignment
Driving University Vehicle
No
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
Title: Research Scientist II - Ma Research Laboratory
Employee Classification: Research Scientist II
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Provost
SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science
Department: UNT-Chemistry-121200
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.
FTE: 1.00
Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
The Ma research lab has been focusing on the development of advanced functional porous materials including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and porous organic polymers (POPs) for energy, biological, environmental-related applications with over 400 papers published thus far including more than 100 publications in top journals such as Nature, Nature Synthesis, Nature Commun., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Science Adv., Chem, Adv. Mater., ACS Cent. Sci. After serving at the University of South Florida for ten years, Dr. Shengqian Ma moved to the University of North Texas as the Robert A. Welch Chair in Chemistry in August 2020. The Ma Lab at the University of North Texas was newly renovated in January 2022 with over 3,000 square feet and has purchased a large number of new instruments/facilities to facilitate the research in porous materials such as Rigaku SmartLab X Powder X-ray Diffractometer, Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-I Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer, JOEL SEM, DRIFTS, Micromeritics ASAP2020, ASAP2020 Plus, 3FLEX Gas Sorption Analyzer, HPVA-II High-Pressure Gas Sorption Apparatus, DVS Vapor Sorption apparatus, Maruun LabMaster Glove box, Solvent Purification System, Millipore water purifier. To learn more about the Ma Lab at the University of North Texas, please visit the Ma Research Website: https://sites.chemistry.unt.edu/~sqma/.
Position Overview
This role is to provide independent scientific and technical leadership, student mentoring, laboratory oversight, design/execution of complex experiments, management of funded projects, and development of competitive research proposals. Its core scientific focus is advancing porous materials and scalable technologies for the selective extraction and recovery of critical minerals from waste streams and unconventional resources, translating fundamental materials research into practical technologies.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering
- Strong communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in MOF synthesis is desirable
- Experience in organic synthesis would be beneficial
- Valuable know-how: SCXRD and PXRD
Job Duties
- Design, execute, and optimize experiments
- Write grant proposals, manage multiple research projects and deliver milestones on schedule
- Analyze, interpret, and contribute to scholarly and funding outputs including journal publications and conference presentations
- Maintain and upkeep major laboratory equipment, provide training for their use and coordinate scheduling
- Supervise and provide technical mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students
- Ensure laboratory safety and regulatory compliance
- Manage Laboratory operations and resources
- Support the laboratory's overall research and training mission
Physical Requirements
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental Hazards
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
Varies based upon assignment
Driving University Vehicle
No
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
See all 1,325+ 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.