OPT Chemistry Professor Jobs

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.

Find OPT Chemistry Professor Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs109+
Work Type96% On-site
Top LocationBoston, MA
Most JobsAmneal Pharmaceuticals

Showing 5 of 109+ Chemistry Professor jobs

Rowan University
Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Organic Chemistry
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Rowan University
New 1h ago
Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Organic Chemistry
Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey
Teaching & Instruction
Research & Academia
On-Site
Doctorate
5,001-10,000

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Eli Lilly
Advisor, Bioanalytical Chemistry
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Eli Lilly
New 1h ago
Advisor, Bioanalytical Chemistry
Eli Lilly
Watertown, Massachusetts
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Consulting & Professional Services
Clinical Trials
$168k - $268k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Otsuka
Senior Scientist, Computational Chemistry
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Otsuka
New 5h ago
Senior Scientist, Computational Chemistry
Otsuka
Boston, Massachusetts
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
On-Site
Doctorate
1,001-5,000

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Zymo Research
Research Associate - Chemistry
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Zymo Research
New 13h ago
Research Associate - Chemistry
Zymo Research
Tustin, California
Laboratory Research
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Chemistry & Materials Science
$20/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
51-200

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Florida Gulf Coast University
Instructor, Chemistry
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Florida Gulf Coast University
Added 1d ago
Instructor, Chemistry
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
Teaching & Instruction
Higher Education
Curriculum Design
On-Site
Master's
1,001-5,000

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a 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 visa 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.

Chemistry Professor OPT: Frequently 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.