Science & Research OPT Jobs in Maryland
Maryland is one of the strongest states for science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship, anchored by federal agencies and contractors concentrated in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Major employers include NIH, FDA, NOAA, Leidos, and Johns Hopkins University. Biotechnology hubs in Rockville and Frederick, plus defense research clusters around Bethesda and College Park, generate consistent demand for OPT-eligible researchers and scientists.
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INTRODUCTION
In-House Clinical Research Associate
Be Part of One Team, One Purpose.
At Emmes Group, we’re shaping the future of clinical research—where human intelligence meets cutting-edge technology to drive meaningful advancements in healthcare. With over 47 years of scientific excellence, we’ve led groundbreaking research in cell and gene therapy, vaccines, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, rare diseases, and neuroscience.
Through our two business units—Emmes, a full-service CRO, and Veridix AI, our technology, data, and analytical solutions —we are modernizing clinical trials and accelerating the development of life-changing therapies.
We believe that every clinical breakthrough starts with people—people who are passionate, purpose-driven, and ready to make an impact. At Emmes Group, we bring People, Science, and Technology together to collaborate with our customers and deliver global health impact. Our culture is built on integrity, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring that every challenge is met with perseverance and accountability.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The In-House Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is responsible for assisting with operational activities supporting the site management and monitoring of clinical studies/trials, ensuring clinical trials are conducted, recorded, and reported in accordance with the protocol, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and all applicable regulatory requirements. The In-House CRA may also be referred to as a Clinical Trial Associate on some contracts.
- Under the supervision of the project site management staff oversight lead i.e., Clinical Trial Manager, Lead CRA, Clinical Project Manager, etc.
- Possesses basic knowledge of the study protocol, site monitoring plan, and study manuals to triage questions or requests from site staff e.g., enrollment updates, questions, missing documentation, meeting arrangements, etc.
- Knowledge of Good Clinical Practices and country regulatory requirements.
- Collects, reviews, maintains, and tracks required essential documents. Review includes assessment of completeness, accuracy, and compliance with good documentation practices and regulatory and local requirements.
- Upload essential documents into the trial master file.
- Communicates and coordinates effectively with internal project staff members and site staff.
- Assists project teams with trial progress tracking by updating the Clinical Trial Management System and other software tools.
- May assist in audit preparation activities as needed.
- May assist the CRA in Issue and Action Item AI resolution post visit and assists with tracking AIs to completion.
- Tracks site training.
- May assist with feasibility and site activation processes in collaboration with clinical operations counterparts.
- May assist in preparing study documents.
- May assist with ordering clinical trial supplies from vendors such as laboratories and Investigational Product depots.
- May track site recruitment efforts and collect review site screening logs.
- May assist with the review of the database to assess data currency and may assist site teams with resolving data queries discrepancies.
- May assist on site CRA in the conduct of remote and or on site monitoring visits such as site initiation visits, interim routine monitoring visits and closeout visits.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree Scientific discipline Required
- less than 1 year Previous clinical research experience preferred (as a CTA, in-house CRA, study coordinator, etc.) Preferred
- Proficient with MS Office Suite High
- Good computer and organizational skills High
- High attention to detail required High
- Ability to work on varying projects and exercise critical thinking High
- self starter and a team player who can work cross functionally with heavy oversight High
- Proficient in organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills both oral and written High
- Demonstrated problem solving skills, self motivated, and adaptable to a dynamic environment High
- Knowledgeable in prioritization, problem solving, organization, critical thinking, decision making, time management, and planning activities High
- Ability to collaborate with internal and external colleagues and work well in a team oriented setting High
If you’re looking for a career where your work advances global health and where scientific excellence meets real-world impact, join us and be part of something bigger. One Team, One Purpose.
WHY WORK AT EMMES?
At Emmes, your actions and hard work will have a direct impact on public health initiatives, both globally and in our local communities with opportunities for volunteerism through our Emmes Cares community engagement program. We offer a competitive benefits package focused on the health and needs of our growing workforce, including:
- Flexible Approved Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Work From Home Anywhere in the US
- Maternal/Paternal Leave
- Casual Dress Code & Work Environment
CONNECT WITH US!
The Emmes Company, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.
OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Maryland
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Search Science & Research Jobs in MarylandScience & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Maryland?
Maryland has a high concentration of science and research employers with established OPT sponsorship patterns. Federal contractors such as Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and SAIC regularly hire OPT-eligible researchers. Government agencies like NIH, FDA, and NOAA bring on OPT workers through affiliated programs and contractors. Biotechnology firms in the I-270 corridor, including those in Rockville's biotech cluster, also have consistent track records of sponsoring F-1 OPT candidates in research roles.
Which cities in Maryland have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Bethesda and Rockville lead in volume, driven by NIH's main campus and the surrounding biotech and pharma cluster along I-270. Baltimore is strong for biomedical and clinical research, largely tied to Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical System. College Park benefits from proximity to federal agencies and the University of Maryland research enterprise. Frederick also has notable activity, particularly in life sciences and biodefense research.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Maryland?
Roles that directly apply a candidate's field of study qualify for F-1 OPT, and Maryland's science sector offers a wide range of them. Common qualifying positions include research scientist, bioinformatics analyst, environmental scientist, laboratory technician, computational biologist, and data analyst in research settings. Roles tied to federal health agencies, defense research institutions, and university-affiliated labs are particularly common in Maryland and frequently align with OPT eligibility requirements.
How do I find science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Maryland?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT job seekers and filters science and research positions in Maryland by visa sponsorship availability, so you're not sorting through listings that won't support your status. Beyond using Migrate Mate, targeting employers in Maryland's federal contractor ecosystem and biotech corridor directly increases your chances, as these organizations hire OPT candidates with regularity and often have structured onboarding for international researchers.
Are there any Maryland-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in science and research?
Maryland's high density of federal agencies creates a nuance worth knowing: many positions at NIH, FDA, and NOAA are federal government roles that F-1 OPT holders are generally not eligible for directly. However, contractor and grantee positions supporting those agencies, which represent a large share of Maryland's science job market, are typically open to OPT candidates. Security clearance requirements are also common in Maryland's defense research sector, which can complicate or extend hiring timelines for international candidates.