Science & Research OPT Jobs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is one of the strongest states for science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship, anchored by the Boston-Cambridge corridor where employers like Broad Institute, Biogen, Moderna, and MIT Lincoln Laboratory hire international graduates in life sciences, biotech, and environmental research. Worcester, Lowell, and Springfield also have active research institutions supporting F-1 OPT hires.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Summary
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a part-time laboratory assistant to join the Geology & Geophysics Department. The initial appointment will be for a one-month period, with possible extension(s) contingent on performance and funding.
Job Description
Essential Functions
- Prepare seafloor rock samples for geochemical analysis, including sample mounting, polishing, documentation, and related laboratory preparation tasks.
- Conduct analyses using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), and laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).
- Process, quality-check, organize, and interpret analytical data.
- Maintain accurate records of sample preparation procedures, analytical conditions, results, and data-processing workflows.
- Collaborate with researchers at WHOI, IPGP, and Bowling Green State University to support project goals.
- Assist with troubleshooting analytical methods, instrument workflows, and data-quality issues.
- Contribute to the preparation of figures, tables, reports, presentations, and manuscripts as needed.
- Follow established laboratory safety protocols and contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
Education & Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in geology, geochemistry, earth sciences, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience preparing geological or mineral samples for laboratory analysis.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established laboratory procedures.
- Ability to organize, process, and maintain scientific datasets.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multi-institutional research environment.
Preferred:
- Hands-on experience with one or more of the following techniques: SIMS, EPMA, and/or LA-ICP-MS.
- Experience working with seafloor rocks, mantle rocks, oceanic lithosphere samples, or other geological materials.
- Familiarity with geochemical data processing, quality control, and data visualization.
- Experience using scientific software or programming tools for data analysis.
- Prior experience in an academic, research, or analytical laboratory setting.
Additional Job Requirements
Salary Range:
Research Assistant I: $22.08/hr - $28.33/hr
The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual level placement and compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.
Special Requirements
- Must be able to work safely in a laboratory environment.
- May require occasional travel to collaborating institutions or analytical facilities.
- Must be able to handle geological samples and perform detailed benchwork for extended periods.
Physical Requirements
Physical duties may include working at a laboratory bench, handling small samples and laboratory equipment, using microscopes or analytical workstations, and performing repetitive fine-motor tasks associated with sample preparation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.
EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Job Summary
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a part-time laboratory assistant to join the Geology & Geophysics Department. The initial appointment will be for a one-month period, with possible extension(s) contingent on performance and funding.
Job Description
Essential Functions
- Prepare seafloor rock samples for geochemical analysis, including sample mounting, polishing, documentation, and related laboratory preparation tasks.
- Conduct analyses using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), and laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).
- Process, quality-check, organize, and interpret analytical data.
- Maintain accurate records of sample preparation procedures, analytical conditions, results, and data-processing workflows.
- Collaborate with researchers at WHOI, IPGP, and Bowling Green State University to support project goals.
- Assist with troubleshooting analytical methods, instrument workflows, and data-quality issues.
- Contribute to the preparation of figures, tables, reports, presentations, and manuscripts as needed.
- Follow established laboratory safety protocols and contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
Education & Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in geology, geochemistry, earth sciences, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience preparing geological or mineral samples for laboratory analysis.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established laboratory procedures.
- Ability to organize, process, and maintain scientific datasets.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multi-institutional research environment.
Preferred:
- Hands-on experience with one or more of the following techniques: SIMS, EPMA, and/or LA-ICP-MS.
- Experience working with seafloor rocks, mantle rocks, oceanic lithosphere samples, or other geological materials.
- Familiarity with geochemical data processing, quality control, and data visualization.
- Experience using scientific software or programming tools for data analysis.
- Prior experience in an academic, research, or analytical laboratory setting.
Additional Job Requirements
Salary Range:
Research Assistant I: $22.08/hr - $28.33/hr
The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual level placement and compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.
Special Requirements
- Must be able to work safely in a laboratory environment.
- May require occasional travel to collaborating institutions or analytical facilities.
- Must be able to handle geological samples and perform detailed benchwork for extended periods.
Physical Requirements
Physical duties may include working at a laboratory bench, handling small samples and laboratory equipment, using microscopes or analytical workstations, and performing repetitive fine-motor tasks associated with sample preparation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.
EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Massachusetts
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Search Science & Research Jobs in MassachusettsScience & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a high concentration of science and research employers with documented F-1 OPT sponsorship activity. Notable examples include Biogen, Moderna, Ginkgo Bioworks, Broad Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Academic medical centers like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital also hire international graduates in research roles. Sponsorship patterns vary by role, team, and hiring cycle, so confirming directly with each employer is important.
Which cities in Massachusetts have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Cambridge and Boston together form the densest cluster of science and research F-1 OPT opportunities in the state, driven by biotech firms, research hospitals, and university-affiliated labs. Worcester is home to several life sciences companies and UMass Medical School. Waltham and Lexington host pharmaceutical and biotech employers along the Route 128 corridor. Woods Hole on Cape Cod is a recognized hub for marine and environmental research.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that directly apply a graduate's field of study are most likely to qualify for F-1 OPT authorization. In Massachusetts, this commonly includes research scientist, research associate, computational biologist, bioinformatics analyst, environmental scientist, and laboratory technician positions. For STEM OPT extension eligibility, the role must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and must be directly related to the degree the student completed.
How do I find science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Massachusetts?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for international students seeking F-1 OPT sponsorship roles and filters science and research jobs in Massachusetts by visa type, so you are not sorting through listings that don't apply to your situation. Beyond Migrate Mate, targeting employers with active STEM OPT sponsorship histories in the Boston-Cambridge biotech corridor and reaching out to research institutions directly can strengthen your search.
Are there any state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Massachusetts science and research?
Massachusetts does not have state-level visa sponsorship requirements, but the competitive density of its science and research sector means hiring timelines at top employers can be fast. Many Massachusetts research institutions, particularly those receiving federal funding, are familiar with OPT and STEM OPT authorization requirements. Students should ensure their SEVIS record and EAD are in order before a start date, as federal contractors and research labs often have strict onboarding compliance requirements.