OPT Biology Jobs
Biology OPT jobs span research, biotech, clinical labs, and environmental science, giving F-1 students broad options during their 12-month standard OPT window. STEM-designated biology programs qualify graduates for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided the employer enrolls in E-Verify and submits a formal training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position, with the possibility of extension to a third year contingent upon available funding. The postdoctoral researcher will join Professor Claus Kadelka's research program in mathematical biology. Candidates should have defined research interests in mathematical biology. Research areas include systems biology, gene regulatory networks, infectious disease modeling, and behavioral epidemiology. Current projects examine how the structure and dynamics of biological regulatory networks shape biological function, including the NSF-funded projects Canalization and Other Design Principles of Gene Regulatory Network Models and A Mathematical Theory for the Biological Concept of Modularity. Additional projects focus on developing mathematical and computational models that account for heterogeneity in human behavior, contact patterns, and other individual-level characteristics and studying their effects on population-level disease dynamics.
The specific research direction will be determined based on the successful candidate's expertise and interests, with flexibility to pursue new questions within these areas.
The position includes a 2-1 teaching load and involvement in mentoring undergraduate students in research through Iowa State Math Research Teams (ISMaRT).
Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Mathematics or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong research record in areas aligned with Professor Claus Kadelka's research interests, including discrete dynamical systems, network science, computational systems biology, infectious disease modeling, or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Experience teaching undergraduate mathematics courses and mentoring students in research.
- Experience publishing scholarly research and communicating research findings to scientific audiences.
- Experience programming in Python.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University is a vibrant academic community with strengths in pure and applied mathematics, offering outstanding opportunities in research, teaching, and student mentorship.
Faculty maintain active, externally funded research programs across a broad range of mathematical disciplines, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports innovation, interdisciplinary engagement, and student success.
The department is committed to excellence in scholarship and education and provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research.
Department Unit/Website:
Department of Mathematics
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
- Research statement
- Teaching statement
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
November 6, 2026
Posting Close Date:
December 15, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R20202
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Biology
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position, with the possibility of extension to a third year contingent upon available funding. The postdoctoral researcher will join Professor Claus Kadelka's research program in mathematical biology. Candidates should have defined research interests in mathematical biology. Research areas include systems biology, gene regulatory networks, infectious disease modeling, and behavioral epidemiology. Current projects examine how the structure and dynamics of biological regulatory networks shape biological function, including the NSF-funded projects Canalization and Other Design Principles of Gene Regulatory Network Models and A Mathematical Theory for the Biological Concept of Modularity. Additional projects focus on developing mathematical and computational models that account for heterogeneity in human behavior, contact patterns, and other individual-level characteristics and studying their effects on population-level disease dynamics.
The specific research direction will be determined based on the successful candidate's expertise and interests, with flexibility to pursue new questions within these areas.
The position includes a 2-1 teaching load and involvement in mentoring undergraduate students in research through Iowa State Math Research Teams (ISMaRT).
Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Mathematics or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong research record in areas aligned with Professor Claus Kadelka's research interests, including discrete dynamical systems, network science, computational systems biology, infectious disease modeling, or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Experience teaching undergraduate mathematics courses and mentoring students in research.
- Experience publishing scholarly research and communicating research findings to scientific audiences.
- Experience programming in Python.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University is a vibrant academic community with strengths in pure and applied mathematics, offering outstanding opportunities in research, teaching, and student mentorship.
Faculty maintain active, externally funded research programs across a broad range of mathematical disciplines, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports innovation, interdisciplinary engagement, and student success.
The department is committed to excellence in scholarship and education and provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research.
Department Unit/Website:
Department of Mathematics
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
- Research statement
- Teaching statement
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
November 6, 2026
Posting Close Date:
December 15, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R20202
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Biology
Confirm your program's STEM eligibility before applying
Not every biology degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Check that your CIP code falls under an approved STEM designation with your DSO before targeting roles that assume a longer authorization window.
Prioritize employers enrolled in E-Verify
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to participate in E-Verify. Research company hiring pages or HR departments in advance to confirm enrollment, since many smaller biotech firms and independent labs are not yet registered.
Align your job title to your degree on your resume
OPT requires employment directly related to your field of study. Frame your resume so the connection between your biology coursework and the target role is explicit, reducing any ambiguity during employer screening or DSO review.
Apply to research universities, hospitals, and federal agencies early
Academic medical centers, NIH-affiliated labs, and government agencies like the EPA and CDC regularly hire OPT students for research roles. These institutions are experienced with work authorization timelines and often have structured onboarding processes.
Understand the 90-day unemployment limit during standard OPT
USCIS allows a maximum of 90 unemployed days during standard OPT, and 150 days combined across standard and STEM extension. Track your gap days carefully and notify your DSO if a position falls through to stay compliant.
Use Migrate Mate to find biology roles that explicitly sponsor OPT
Generic job boards rarely filter for OPT-friendly employers. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 students, surfacing biology roles at companies already open to candidates who need work authorization support and STEM extension accommodation.
Biology OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do biology jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your specific degree's CIP code rather than the job title itself. Biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and related fields are commonly STEM-designated. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and agree to submit a formal training plan for the extension to be approved.
Can I work in a clinical lab or hospital setting on OPT?
Yes, provided the role is directly related to your biology degree. Clinical research assistant, laboratory technician, and research coordinator positions at hospitals and diagnostic labs are common OPT placements. Roles requiring a clinical license you don't yet hold may restrict your scope of work, so clarify the job description with the employer before accepting an offer.
How do I find biology employers who are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 students and surfaces biology roles at employers already open to OPT candidates. Larger biotech firms, research universities, and federal contractors tend to have established processes for OPT hiring. When applying elsewhere, look for postings that mention E-Verify enrollment or explicitly state they consider candidates requiring work authorization.
What happens to my OPT status if my biology job ends unexpectedly?
You're allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT, or 150 combined days across standard and STEM extension periods. Report the job loss to your DSO immediately and document your active job search. Exceeding the unemployment limit puts your status at risk, so it's important to begin the search for a new position without delay.
Can I work for a startup or small biotech company on OPT?
Yes, OPT permits employment at small companies, including startups, as long as the work is related to your degree and you're classified as a paid employee rather than an independent contractor in most cases. For STEM OPT extension eligibility, the company must be enrolled in E-Verify, which some early-stage startups haven't completed, so verify enrollment with their HR team before accepting an offer.