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.
Find STEM OPT Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,667+ Scientist jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 1,667+ Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Scientist may be responsible for designing, executing, and overseeing scientific research projects, applying advanced methodologies and techniques to explore and expand knowledge within a specific discipline. They lead experiments, analyze data, and interpret results while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve research goals.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- May design, plan, and execute experiments, applying advanced scientific principles and methodologies within the field.
- Analyze and may interpret experimental data using statistical tools and software, drawing meaningful conclusions and identifying trends.
- May prepare research findings for publication in scientific journals, present at conferences, and communicate discoveries to peers and stakeholders.
- Lead research initiatives, setting objectives, timelines, and strategies to achieve project goals.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, providing guidance and mentorship to junior researchers, fostering a collaborative research environment.
- Focus on evaluating, improving or developing cutting-edge technologies aligning with the SCBLv strategy, conducting in-depth analyses to understand technical basis of the assays, variability and applicability to research programs ongoing at JAX.
- Developing new techniques and methodologies for single-cell analysis, such as improving the sensitivity and throughput of single-cell sequencing assays or devising novel methods for spatially resolved single-cell analysis.
- Write and lead new grant applications for R&D work in collaboration with faculties.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven track record of conducting high-quality scientific research, evidenced by publications in reputable journals and successful project leadership.
- Proficiency in specific methodologies, tools, and instrumentation pertinent to the research area.
- Strong leadership, project management, and mentorship abilities to guide and inspire a team of researchers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings, collaborating with peers, and writing grant proposals.
- May have the ability to innovate, propose novel approaches, and solve complex scientific problems.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing research needs and technologies.
- Strong networking skills to establish collaborations and partnerships within the scientific community.
- Ability to develop long-term research strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Proficiency in techniques for isolating, sorting, and analyzing single cells, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), microfluidics, and single-cell transcriptomics.
- Proficiency in identifying and validating novel and innovative technologies and assays, crucial for advancing innovative research through scientific servicing and supporting researchers.
- Develop and maintain a network of collaborations with research institutions, scientific services cores, and industry partners focused on single cell, spatial omics, and functional ‘omics to facilitate knowledge exchange and accelerate development efforts.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Master's required/ Doctorate preferred
- Experience: 4 years required/ 6 years preferred
ABOUT JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.
INTRODUCTION
The Scientist may be responsible for designing, executing, and overseeing scientific research projects, applying advanced methodologies and techniques to explore and expand knowledge within a specific discipline. They lead experiments, analyze data, and interpret results while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve research goals.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- May design, plan, and execute experiments, applying advanced scientific principles and methodologies within the field.
- Analyze and may interpret experimental data using statistical tools and software, drawing meaningful conclusions and identifying trends.
- May prepare research findings for publication in scientific journals, present at conferences, and communicate discoveries to peers and stakeholders.
- Lead research initiatives, setting objectives, timelines, and strategies to achieve project goals.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, providing guidance and mentorship to junior researchers, fostering a collaborative research environment.
- Focus on evaluating, improving or developing cutting-edge technologies aligning with the SCBLv strategy, conducting in-depth analyses to understand technical basis of the assays, variability and applicability to research programs ongoing at JAX.
- Developing new techniques and methodologies for single-cell analysis, such as improving the sensitivity and throughput of single-cell sequencing assays or devising novel methods for spatially resolved single-cell analysis.
- Write and lead new grant applications for R&D work in collaboration with faculties.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven track record of conducting high-quality scientific research, evidenced by publications in reputable journals and successful project leadership.
- Proficiency in specific methodologies, tools, and instrumentation pertinent to the research area.
- Strong leadership, project management, and mentorship abilities to guide and inspire a team of researchers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings, collaborating with peers, and writing grant proposals.
- May have the ability to innovate, propose novel approaches, and solve complex scientific problems.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing research needs and technologies.
- Strong networking skills to establish collaborations and partnerships within the scientific community.
- Ability to develop long-term research strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Proficiency in techniques for isolating, sorting, and analyzing single cells, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), microfluidics, and single-cell transcriptomics.
- Proficiency in identifying and validating novel and innovative technologies and assays, crucial for advancing innovative research through scientific servicing and supporting researchers.
- Develop and maintain a network of collaborations with research institutions, scientific services cores, and industry partners focused on single cell, spatial omics, and functional ‘omics to facilitate knowledge exchange and accelerate development efforts.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Master's required/ Doctorate preferred
- Experience: 4 years required/ 6 years preferred
ABOUT JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.
See all 1,667+ 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.