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.
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Job no: 501835
Work type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Glassboro, New Jersey
Categories: Faculty - College of Science and Mathematics
Tenure-Track Faculty Position
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Science and Mathematics
Rowan University
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Rowan University is seeking to hire a 10 month Tenure-Track Professor (open rank) with an appointment to begin September 2027.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is specifically interested in candidates who will develop a research program in the areas of synthetic organic chemistry, organic materials, or organometalics. Outstanding candidates with research programs outside of these areas may also be considered.
A Ph.D. or equivalent in Chemistry or related field is required; postdoctoral experience is expected. Preference will be given to candidates with a track record and/or potential to establish and sustain a strong research program. We anticipate hiring at the Assistant Professor level, but outstanding candidates may be considered at the Associate or Full Professor levels. The successful candidates are expected to develop and maintain an active, highly visible, extramurally funded research program with outstanding scholarship, teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to the various service endeavors in the Department, College, and University. Opportunities for research collaboration exist within the Department, as well as with Departments of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Rowan Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, and others.
Faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have diverse expertise including drug synthesis and characterization, pharmacology, protein biochemistry, material synthesis and characterization. The department includes three active NSF Career awardees as well as faculty who are recipients of major research grants/awards from NIH (MIRA, R01), NSF, and several other private foundations/industries. The ideal candidates will provide complementary and synergistic expertise to our research efforts and develop an independent, externally funded research program in the broad discipline of their expertise.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of six departments in the College of Science & Mathematics, which is also home to the School of Earth & Environment. The department serves >450 graduate and undergraduate students in programs such as Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry; M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences; B.S. in Chemistry (ACS Accredited); B.A. in Chemistry, B.S. in Biochemistry (ASBMB Accredited), several certificate programs and accelerated degree programs (4+1 B.S. & M.S., 3+4 B.S & M.D., 3+4 B.S. & D.O.) etc. The department also contributes to multiple degree programs on campus including MS and PhD in Material Sciences and Engineering, BS and MS in Bioinformatics, MS in Medical Lab Sciences, & BS in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences.
Complete applications will include:
- Cover letter
- Current detailed CV
- Statement of research interests, including applicants' future research goals and plans for obtaining external funding to achieve those goals
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable for initial review)
- Names and contact information for at least three references from whom the applicant has requested letters of support
Review of applications will commence on October 15 and continue until suitable candidates have been identified. Applicants will need to submit the above materials via our online application system.
BENEFIT INFORMATION
For eligible employees, benefits include: comprehensive NJ State health, dental and retirement benefits, extensive accrued time off/paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement for employee, spouse, and dependents to attend Rowan University, Glassboro. (Tuition reimbursement will apply to undergraduate degrees only for spouse and dependents).
SALARY
In compliance with The State of New Jersey's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is:
- Assistant Professor: AFT: Range 22-25
- Associate Professor: AFT: Range 26-29
- Full Professor: AFT: Range 30-33
with placement within the range determined by candidate's qualifications, professional experience, internal equity, and other factors. Appropriate start-up packages may be available.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. All positions are contingent upon budget appropriations. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Subash Jonnalagadda, Department Head, (jonnalagadda@rowan.edu).
About Rowan University
A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to more than 25,000 students. The fastest-growing public research institution in the Northeast and among the country’s top 10 fastest-growing, Rowan offers a thriving multidisciplinary environment with a strong emphasis on practical research in health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. Nationally recognized for innovation, high-quality, affordable education and public-private partnerships, Rowan is one of two universities in the U.S. to offer M.D., D.O. and D.V.M. degree programs.
Advertised: Sep 17 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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Get Access To All JobsTips 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.