Science & Research OPT Jobs in Washington DC
Washington DC's science and research sector draws F-1 OPT candidates to federal agencies, think tanks, and research institutions concentrated across the District. Major employers include NIH-affiliated research centers, the Smithsonian Institution, and policy-focused organizations along the K Street corridor. OPT authorization, including the 24-month STEM extension for qualifying roles, opens a defined window to gain U.S. research experience.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Founded in 1921, the Society for Science (Society), is a champion for science, dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education, and scientific research. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its award-winning magazines, Science News and Science News Explores, the Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, is focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.
Position Overview
The Competitions Associate Specialist will help ensure that the day-to-day operations of the Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS), a program of the Society for Science, run smoothly. Regeneron is committed as the title sponsor of Regeneron STS through 2036.
Since 1942, Regeneron STS is the oldest and most prestigious research competition for high school seniors. Unique among high school competitions, the Regeneron STS focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the nation's most promising future leaders in STEM. Each year, around 2,600 students enter Regeneron STS, submitting original research in critically important scientific fields of study and full application for holistic review. $3.1 million in awards are distributed annually.
This is a non-exempt position.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides customer service across programs by responding to email inquiries and communicating with program participants
- Provides administrative support which includes assisting in administrative work, document review and editing, scientist recruitment, application processing, rules screenings and payments processes
- Provides data support such as maintenance of existing application and database systems
- Supports the organization, planning, and execution of the Regeneron Science Talent Search Finals Week Competition
- Supports annual marketing and promotional efforts
- Completes other departmental projects and duties assigned
- Supports other departmental programs during the competition weeks and conferences, which requires at least three weeks of time away from home, including at least one week of travel
COMPETENCIES
- Strong communications skills (written and verbal)
- Data organization and management skills
- Demonstrated ability to work with others as a team and to be a self-starter
- Excellent organizational and time management skills needed to track and accomplish multiple, unrelated tasks
- Background or interest in STEM, education, non-profits or another related field
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree
- Computer and data proficiency including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Interest or experience with supporting student scientists and/or STEM educators
- Affinity for the mission and outreach goals of the Society for Science
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- A degree in a STEM-related field or in education
- Relational database knowledge and management
- Experience using application, complex survey forms or data collection platforms, such as, but not limited to: Survey Monkey Apply, RhythmQ, Form Assembly, etc. Training will be provided in required systems.
- Experience with email marketing systems
- Experience with scientific research
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located in Washington, DC near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. The Society is operating on a hybrid work schedule.
POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS
This is a full-time (37.5 hr/wk), non-exempt position. Normal business hours of the Society are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.
SALARY
The salary range is $50,555 to $56,875.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position please upload a professional resume and cover letter. Please apply through Applicant Pro.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees, as applicable. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EEO STATEMENT
The Society for Science is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
The Society is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 1921, the Society for Science (Society), is a champion for science, dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education, and scientific research. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its award-winning magazines, Science News and Science News Explores, the Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, is focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.
Position Overview
The Competitions Associate Specialist will help ensure that the day-to-day operations of the Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS), a program of the Society for Science, run smoothly. Regeneron is committed as the title sponsor of Regeneron STS through 2036.
Since 1942, Regeneron STS is the oldest and most prestigious research competition for high school seniors. Unique among high school competitions, the Regeneron STS focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the nation's most promising future leaders in STEM. Each year, around 2,600 students enter Regeneron STS, submitting original research in critically important scientific fields of study and full application for holistic review. $3.1 million in awards are distributed annually.
This is a non-exempt position.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides customer service across programs by responding to email inquiries and communicating with program participants
- Provides administrative support which includes assisting in administrative work, document review and editing, scientist recruitment, application processing, rules screenings and payments processes
- Provides data support such as maintenance of existing application and database systems
- Supports the organization, planning, and execution of the Regeneron Science Talent Search Finals Week Competition
- Supports annual marketing and promotional efforts
- Completes other departmental projects and duties assigned
- Supports other departmental programs during the competition weeks and conferences, which requires at least three weeks of time away from home, including at least one week of travel
COMPETENCIES
- Strong communications skills (written and verbal)
- Data organization and management skills
- Demonstrated ability to work with others as a team and to be a self-starter
- Excellent organizational and time management skills needed to track and accomplish multiple, unrelated tasks
- Background or interest in STEM, education, non-profits or another related field
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree
- Computer and data proficiency including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Interest or experience with supporting student scientists and/or STEM educators
- Affinity for the mission and outreach goals of the Society for Science
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- A degree in a STEM-related field or in education
- Relational database knowledge and management
- Experience using application, complex survey forms or data collection platforms, such as, but not limited to: Survey Monkey Apply, RhythmQ, Form Assembly, etc. Training will be provided in required systems.
- Experience with email marketing systems
- Experience with scientific research
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located in Washington, DC near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. The Society is operating on a hybrid work schedule.
POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS
This is a full-time (37.5 hr/wk), non-exempt position. Normal business hours of the Society are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.
SALARY
The salary range is $50,555 to $56,875.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position please upload a professional resume and cover letter. Please apply through Applicant Pro.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees, as applicable. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EEO STATEMENT
The Society for Science is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
The Society is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.
OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Washington DC
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Search Science & Research Jobs in Washington DCScience & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Washington DC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Washington DC?
Washington DC's science and research employers with documented OPT hiring include federal contractors such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos, nonprofits like the Brookings Institution and Resources for the Future, and research arms of major universities including Georgetown and George Washington University. Government-adjacent research organizations in the District frequently file Labor Condition Applications for science and policy roles, making them visible in OFLC disclosure data.
Which areas of Washington DC have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Most science and research OPT positions in Washington DC cluster in three areas: the National Mall corridor near federal agency headquarters, the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle neighborhoods where think tanks and international research organizations concentrate, and the emerging NoMa district where several biotech and data science firms have expanded. The nearby suburbs of Bethesda and Rockville in Maryland also host dense NIH-adjacent research employment for DC-area OPT candidates.
How do I find science & research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington DC?
Migrate Mate filters science and research positions in Washington DC by verified OPT sponsorship history, so you can identify employers who have actively sponsored international candidates rather than guessing from job postings. Search by role type and filter for the DC metro area to surface positions at research institutes, federal contractors, and nonprofit science organizations. Complement your search by reviewing OFLC disclosure data to confirm an employer's LCA filing history in your specific research field.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Washington DC?
Roles that commonly qualify include research analyst, policy scientist, data scientist, environmental scientist, bioinformatics specialist, and public health researcher. USCIS defines qualifying employment as work directly related to your degree field, so a chemistry graduate working as a laboratory researcher or an environmental policy graduate placed in a climate research role would both satisfy OPT authorization requirements. Positions at DC think tanks frequently blend research and policy analysis, and both components can support OPT eligibility when the role aligns with your major.
Are there any Washington DC-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in science and research?
Washington DC's heavy concentration of federal agencies creates an important distinction: direct federal government positions are generally not available to F-1 OPT holders due to citizenship requirements, but federally funded contractors, grantees, and affiliated research institutions can and do sponsor OPT candidates. DC-based research organizations that receive federal grants must also comply with E-Verify requirements for certain contracts, so confirming an employer's compliance status before accepting an offer is worth doing. STEM OPT extensions require the employer to be E-Verify enrolled, which many DC research contractors already satisfy.