Chemistry Professor Jobs for OPT Students
Chemistry Professor roles can qualify for OPT work authorization when the position requires a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field. Most university appointments involve research, teaching, and publication duties that align well with STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
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San Diego State University-Imperial Valley is accepting applications for a full-time 12-month, Chemistry Teaching and Laboratory Instrumentation Support Specialist, lecturer position. This position is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the California State University system and the California Faculty Association, including a yearly evaluation. This position will require 15 unit workload consisting of year-round lab instrumentation management and academic year teaching assignments at the undergraduate and graduate level to support departmental needs. We welcome applications from prospective faculty with expertise or experience in the following areas:
- Teaching Analytical and Organic Chemistry lecturer and lab courses.
- Operation and maintenance of equipment and training students in the use of analytical instruments capable of quantitative elemental analysis (GC-MS, AA, ICP, XRD).
- Comfort with making presentations and collaborating with industry and education partners involved in Lithium Valley workforce development efforts.
- Expertise in lab safety and emergency response protocols.
The successful applicant will be expected to initiate the procurement of research and teaching materials, supplies and instrumentation, as well as support grant seeking initiatives. At-will position subject to the annual evaluation process.
Qualifications
Criteria
- Graduate degree in Chemistry or related field (PhD preferred)
- University teaching experience
- Demonstrated currency in subject matter
- Demonstrated instrument/facility management experience
- Familiarity with lithium and renewable energy research
Application Instructions
Prospective lecturers who would like their applications on file are invited to send the following items:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Contact information for three (3) professional references (new employees only)
- Cover letter (new employees only)
- Unofficial transcripts (new employees only)
Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new appointees are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank and placed at the beginning of the range. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
- Lecturer A: $6,288 - $7,658
- Lecturer B: $7,127 - $15,211
- Lecturer C: $7,830 - $16,697
- Lecturer D: $9,883 - $17,490
Inquiries: For application inquiries, please email Dr. Tom Huxford, Chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, at thuxford@sdsu.edu
Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to. Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.
As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable “OneSDSU” community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Description
San Diego State University-Imperial Valley is accepting applications for a full-time 12-month, Chemistry Teaching and Laboratory Instrumentation Support Specialist, lecturer position. This position is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the California State University system and the California Faculty Association, including a yearly evaluation. This position will require 15 unit workload consisting of year-round lab instrumentation management and academic year teaching assignments at the undergraduate and graduate level to support departmental needs. We welcome applications from prospective faculty with expertise or experience in the following areas:
- Teaching Analytical and Organic Chemistry lecturer and lab courses.
- Operation and maintenance of equipment and training students in the use of analytical instruments capable of quantitative elemental analysis (GC-MS, AA, ICP, XRD).
- Comfort with making presentations and collaborating with industry and education partners involved in Lithium Valley workforce development efforts.
- Expertise in lab safety and emergency response protocols.
The successful applicant will be expected to initiate the procurement of research and teaching materials, supplies and instrumentation, as well as support grant seeking initiatives. At-will position subject to the annual evaluation process.
Qualifications
Criteria
- Graduate degree in Chemistry or related field (PhD preferred)
- University teaching experience
- Demonstrated currency in subject matter
- Demonstrated instrument/facility management experience
- Familiarity with lithium and renewable energy research
Application Instructions
Prospective lecturers who would like their applications on file are invited to send the following items:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Contact information for three (3) professional references (new employees only)
- Cover letter (new employees only)
- Unofficial transcripts (new employees only)
Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new appointees are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank and placed at the beginning of the range. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:
- Lecturer A: $6,288 - $7,658
- Lecturer B: $7,127 - $15,211
- Lecturer C: $7,830 - $16,697
- Lecturer D: $9,883 - $17,490
Inquiries: For application inquiries, please email Dr. Tom Huxford, Chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, at thuxford@sdsu.edu
Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to. Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.
As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable “OneSDSU” community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Chemistry Professor
Target STEM-designated programs first
Chemistry departments at research universities are almost always STEM-designated, which means your OPT can extend to 24 months beyond the initial 12. Prioritize institutions with active PhD programs and funded research labs when applying.
Align your degree field with the posted role
Your OPT authorization must match your degree field. A chemistry faculty role supporting a biochemistry degree is defensible, but a stretch to materials science may not be. Confirm the department's focus matches your transcript before applying.
Apply to postdoc pipelines alongside faculty openings
Most Chemistry Professor hires come through postdoctoral positions first. Postdocs at research universities qualify for OPT and create a natural pathway to a full faculty appointment, giving you time to build your publication record on valid status.
Document the degree requirement explicitly
Your DSO needs evidence that the role requires a degree in your specific field. Save the job posting, obtain a letter from the hiring department confirming the educational requirement, and keep both with your OPT records in case of an RFE.
Start your OPT application at least 90 days before your program end date
USCIS allows you to apply up to 90 days before graduation. Faculty hiring cycles are long, so having your EAD in hand before you defend your dissertation keeps you competitive and prevents gaps between graduation and your start date.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage
Universities that hire international faculty regularly are familiar with H-1B petitions. Raise the question professionally after receiving an offer, not during early interviews. Research-intensive institutions with international faculty on staff are your strongest prospects for long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Chemistry Professor position qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Chemistry is a STEM-designated field under the DHS STEM list, and faculty roles at accredited universities typically satisfy the employer-student relationship requirements for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the position must directly relate to your degree field. Confirm your school's CIP code qualifies before submitting the extension application.
Can I work as a Chemistry Professor at a community college on OPT?
Yes. Community colleges are accredited educational institutions, and full-time or part-time teaching roles there can qualify for OPT as long as the position requires a degree in your field. The STEM OPT extension applies equally at two-year institutions, provided the employer is E-Verify enrolled. Adjunct or part-time roles may complicate the employer verification requirement, so confirm full enrollment status with HR.
Where can I find Chemistry Professor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for F-1 OPT students searching for faculty and research positions. University career portals list openings directly, and many research institutions actively recruit international candidates. When browsing on Migrate Mate, filter for academic and research roles in chemistry or physical sciences to surface positions most likely to support OPT and eventual H-1B sponsorship.
Does conducting independent research count as valid OPT employment for a Chemistry Professor?
Only if it is structured as employment with a qualifying organization. Self-directed research without an institutional affiliation does not satisfy OPT work authorization requirements. A postdoctoral appointment, research scientist role, or faculty position at a university with a formal employment agreement and E-Verify enrollment does qualify. Unpaid volunteer research does not count toward your OPT employment requirement.
What happens to my OPT if my faculty appointment is delayed after I graduate?
You have a 60-day grace period after your OPT end date if you are between jobs, but OPT itself must begin within 60 days of your program end date. If a faculty start date is pushed past your authorized period, you may fall out of status. Discuss timeline risks with your DSO early and consider whether a visiting researcher or postdoc bridge appointment can keep you in continuous valid employment status.
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