University of Colorado OPT Eligible Jobs USA
University of Colorado hires OPT students across research, engineering, healthcare, and administrative roles at its multiple campuses. Known for academic and research depth, it's a practical target for F-1 graduates seeking hands-on U.S. experience with a path toward long-term sponsorship.
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INTRODUCTION
University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Department: School of Medicine | Department of Family Medicine
Job Title: Clinical Psychologist – Sr. Instructor
Position #00833995 Requisition # 36780
Job Summary:
The Department of Family Medicine provides primary health care, educates medical and psychology students and graduates, conducts research and engages with communities. This position will provide therapeutic evaluation and treatment of patients with psychological disorders at Family Medicine clinic(s) coordinating with multi-disciplinary clinicians to provide team-based care in a patient-centered medical home setting committed to providing equitable care to a diverse population.
Ideal candidates will have experience with integrated team-based care, with additional expertise in motivational interviewing, evidence-based psychotherapies, and working with diverse populations. Clinical skill is required for conducting assessments, brief psychotherapy, health and behavior change interventions, substance use treatment, and triage to the appropriate level of care.
Examples of Work Performed
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
Clinical Care
- Provide consultations and recommendations for behavioral health questions and presenting concerns to family medicine providers.
- Assess, diagnose and treat behavioral, mental, and emotional conditions.
- Facilitate group visits as needed.
- Design and implement health promotion/disease prevention interventions.
- Support goal setting and patient self-management skills.
Teaching and Supervision
- Directly supervise behavioral health trainees (graduate students, psychology interns, post-doctoral fellows, and pre-licensure psychologists).
Interprofessional
- Provide team-based care with multidisciplinary teams.
- Coach physicians in communication skills and techniques of health behavior change.
- Conduct hospital rounds as needed.
- Facilitate referrals for more significant mental health conditions.
- Participate in quality improvement and practice transformation initiatives, workflow modification, and the identification and deployment of new efficiencies.
Administrative
- Maintains eligibility for School of Medicine Faculty.
- Keeps well-informed of the latest developments in field, both academically and through applied skill.
- May participate in clinical research projects (but not required to be a clinician-researcher unless pursuing traditional promotion path).
- Accepts other responsibilities specifically assigned by the Director of Behavioral Health and Integrated Programs.
- Attends and presents at conferences, meetings and trainings in order to maintain certification and enhance professional skills; participates in faculty development activities.
- Attends and presents at conferences, meetings and trainings in order to maintain certification and enhance professional skills; participates in faculty development activities.
Work Location:
Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Denver, Colorado.
Why Join Us:
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 10/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Sr. Instructor:
- Education: Doctoral degree in Psychology (PhD or PsyD)
- Experience: Completion of an accredited postdoctoral program with enough clinical hours to be licensed as a clinical psychologist.
- Special Skills: Ability to obtain Colorado state licensure as a psychologist. Ability to obtain and maintain credentialing through the University of Colorado Health system.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with integrated team-based care, particularly in a primary care based setting that promotes an inclusive environment.
- Expertise in motivational interviewing, and evidence-based psychotherapies.
- Experience with a variety of teaching methods and/or curricular perspectives.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Clinical skill is required for conducting brief and targeted assessments to provide short-term psychotherapy interventions, health and behavior change, substance use treatment, and triage for appropriate level of care.
- Demonstrated skill in supervision of clinical staff and trainees.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clinic faculty and staff.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
- Experience training and developing staff.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
- A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae / Resume
- Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.
Questions should be directed to: Lydia Lyon, lydia.lyon@cuanschutz.edu.
Screening of Applications Begins:
Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by 07/01/2026.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
Sr. Instructor: $92,000 to $140,000
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Total Compensation Calculator:
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References
Job Category: Faculty
Primary Location: Aurora
Department: U0001 - Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 20148 - SOM-FM GENERAL OPERATIONS
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: May 11, 2026
Unposting Date: Ongoing
Posting Contact Name: Lydia Lyon
Posting Contact Email: lydia.lyon@cuanschutz.edu
Position Number: 00833995
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding University of Colorado OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target research and STEM departments first
University of Colorado's research centers and STEM-heavy departments hire OPT students most consistently. Focus your application on roles in engineering, computer science, and life sciences, where hands-on project work aligns with OPT authorization and STEM extension eligibility.
Verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm University of Colorado's campus or department is actively enrolled before signing an offer, since multi-campus institutions sometimes have enrollment gaps between specific hiring units.
Align your degree to the posted job description
OPT authorization must relate directly to your field of study. When applying, explicitly connect your degree program to the role's core responsibilities in your cover letter, since hiring teams in education institutions often prioritize disciplinary fit over general experience.
Search verified OPT-hiring employers on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with confirmed OPT hiring history in the education sector. This helps you identify which University of Colorado units actively hire international students, so you approach the right departments with evidence-backed confidence.
Negotiate your start date around OPT timelines
USCIS recommends filing OPT applications up to 90 days before your program end date, with processing taking up to five months. Discuss your anticipated EAD receipt date with your hiring contact early so your start date doesn't conflict with pending authorization.
Ask directly about H-1B sponsorship during interviews
University of Colorado has sponsored H-1B visas for employees who began on OPT. During the offer stage, ask HR whether the department has a history of transitioning OPT workers to H-1B, so you understand your long-term path before committing.
University of Colorado OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Colorado sponsor OPT visas?
University of Colorado doesn't sponsor OPT directly. OPT is work authorization that USCIS grants to the F-1 student, not to the employer. What University of Colorado does is hire students who already hold a valid OPT EAD. The university supports the process by participating in E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Which roles and departments at University of Colorado typically hire OPT students?
Research-focused departments, STEM programs, healthcare units, and administrative offices across University of Colorado's campuses are among the most active in hiring OPT students. Roles in data analysis, laboratory research, software development, and academic support tend to align well with OPT authorization requirements and degree-related work restrictions.
How do I apply for OPT jobs at University of Colorado as an F-1 student?
Apply through University of Colorado's official careers portal and clearly state your OPT authorization status in your application. Coordinate with your DSO to ensure your OPT application to USCIS is filed on time. Migrate Mate can help you identify which University of Colorado departments have hired OPT students and which have a track record of H-1B visa transitions.
How long does it take to start working at University of Colorado on OPT?
USCIS processing for an OPT EAD can take up to five months, so file as early as 90 days before your program end date. Once your EAD arrives and your employment start date is on or after your program completion, you can begin work. Communicate your expected authorization timeline to University of Colorado's HR team early in the process.
Does University of Colorado transition OPT employees to H-1B sponsorship?
University of Colorado has a history of sponsoring H-1B visas for employees across research, academic, and professional roles. Transitioning from OPT to H-1B typically depends on departmental budget, role classification, and timing relative to the annual H-1B cap. Ask specifically about H-1B sponsorship during your offer negotiation to understand the department's standard practice.
How does University of Colorado hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. University of Colorado can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check University of Colorado's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.