OPT Postdoctoral Associate Jobs
Postdoctoral Associate positions are among the most OPT-friendly roles in academia and research. Universities and research institutions routinely sponsor F-1 students, and the structured nature of postdoc appointments aligns well with OPT timelines. STEM OPT extension eligibility is nearly universal for this role, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Cohen lab at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is looking for a creative and ambitious postdoc interested in using their cell biology training to expand our recent discovery of the role of PARPs in immune signaling. A Ph.D. in Cell and/or Cancer Biology or a related field is required. Experience using chemical genetic techniques is desired.
This is a fully funded position. The Cohen lab's wide range of research topics and techniques makes it an excellent interdisciplinary training environment. Our team is highly collaborative and interactive, so excellent written and oral communication skills are highly desired. Postdocs from the Cohen lab have received prestigious fellowships (e.g., American Cancer Society Postdoc Fellowship) and obtained independent academic faculty positions and leadership positions in Biotech.
Please apply with a CV, statement of research interest, and contact information for three references.
FUNCTION/DUTIES OF POSITION:
- Design and perform experiments related to cell biology, chromatin biology, and imaging of PARPs.
- Data analysis and record keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed records of all experimental procedures, data collection and analysis performed.
- Report experimental results, present at lab meetings, write manuscripts in preparation for publication, present research findings at scientific conferences.
- Maintain high level of professional expertise through familiarity with current scientific literature. Participate in professional development opportunities.
- As needed, provide guidance and training to others in the lab and/or project. May oversee the work of interns, students and other staff.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor in furtherance of the lab’s research and the university’s missions and goals of teaching, research, patient care, outreach and public service.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in Cell and/or Cancer Biology or relevant field.
- Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats.
- Ability to work both independently and with others in a positive and productive manner.
- Proficiency with making laboratory solutions and keeping experimental records.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
- High level of self-motivation and integrity.
- Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties.
- Ability to prioritize work assignments and cordially coordinate use of research equipment and laboratory space with other staff.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 1 year of relevant research experience in a laboratory setting.
- First-author publications.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Working hours of this position may vary but are mostly Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm, with occasional after hour and weekend work required. Location is the OHSU Marquam Campus in Portland, Oregon. Work is performed in an open lab with a variety of research activity in the general vicinity.
BENEFITS
- Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
- $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
- Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
- Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
- Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
- 9 paid holidays per year.
- Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Childcare service discounts.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Employee discounts to local and major businesses.
Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu
INTRODUCTION
The Cohen lab at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is looking for a creative and ambitious postdoc interested in using their cell biology training to expand our recent discovery of the role of PARPs in immune signaling. A Ph.D. in Cell and/or Cancer Biology or a related field is required. Experience using chemical genetic techniques is desired.
This is a fully funded position. The Cohen lab's wide range of research topics and techniques makes it an excellent interdisciplinary training environment. Our team is highly collaborative and interactive, so excellent written and oral communication skills are highly desired. Postdocs from the Cohen lab have received prestigious fellowships (e.g., American Cancer Society Postdoc Fellowship) and obtained independent academic faculty positions and leadership positions in Biotech.
Please apply with a CV, statement of research interest, and contact information for three references.
FUNCTION/DUTIES OF POSITION:
- Design and perform experiments related to cell biology, chromatin biology, and imaging of PARPs.
- Data analysis and record keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed records of all experimental procedures, data collection and analysis performed.
- Report experimental results, present at lab meetings, write manuscripts in preparation for publication, present research findings at scientific conferences.
- Maintain high level of professional expertise through familiarity with current scientific literature. Participate in professional development opportunities.
- As needed, provide guidance and training to others in the lab and/or project. May oversee the work of interns, students and other staff.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor in furtherance of the lab’s research and the university’s missions and goals of teaching, research, patient care, outreach and public service.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in Cell and/or Cancer Biology or relevant field.
- Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats.
- Ability to work both independently and with others in a positive and productive manner.
- Proficiency with making laboratory solutions and keeping experimental records.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
- High level of self-motivation and integrity.
- Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties.
- Ability to prioritize work assignments and cordially coordinate use of research equipment and laboratory space with other staff.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 1 year of relevant research experience in a laboratory setting.
- First-author publications.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Working hours of this position may vary but are mostly Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm, with occasional after hour and weekend work required. Location is the OHSU Marquam Campus in Portland, Oregon. Work is performed in an open lab with a variety of research activity in the general vicinity.
BENEFITS
- Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
- $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
- Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
- Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
- Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
- 9 paid holidays per year.
- Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Childcare service discounts.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Employee discounts to local and major businesses.
Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu
See all 887+ OPT Postdoctoral Associate Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Postdoctoral Associate
Target university research departments directly
Most postdoctoral openings are posted on university HR portals and departmental websites before appearing anywhere else. Identify faculty whose research aligns with your dissertation work and reach out directly. A cold email with your CV and a specific project pitch gets more responses than a generic application.
Confirm your position qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Postdoctoral Associates almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but your degree field must be on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Confirm this with your DSO before accepting an offer so you know your full authorized work window before committing.
Apply before your OPT start date
Postdoc hiring cycles move slowly. Faculty advisors often identify candidates months before a position opens formally. Begin outreach during your final dissertation year so an offer aligns with your OPT start date rather than forcing a gap or rushed timeline after graduation.
Address OPT duration proactively with principal investigators
Principal investigators and hiring committees unfamiliar with OPT often worry about authorization gaps. Explain your timeline clearly: standard OPT gives 12 months, and STEM OPT extension adds 24 more. That covers a full two-to-three year postdoc appointment without interruption for most candidates.
Use your dissertation committee as a referral network
Academic hiring is heavily relationship-driven. Ask your advisor and committee members to introduce you to colleagues at institutions you are targeting. A personal recommendation from a known researcher carries far more weight than an unsolicited application from an unknown international candidate.
Check whether the employer qualifies as an E-Verify participant
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Most universities and government research labs meet this requirement, but smaller private research institutes may not. Verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer to protect your extension eligibility.
Postdoctoral Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Postdoctoral Associate on OPT?
Yes. Postdoctoral Associate roles are directly related to the graduate-level research that earns F-1 students OPT eligibility in the first place. Universities and research institutions are experienced OPT employers and routinely hire international postdocs. The position must be directly related to your degree field, which it almost always is for PhD graduates pursuing postdoctoral research in the same discipline.
Does a Postdoctoral Associate position qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, yes. Postdoctoral research is inherently STEM-aligned, and the role typically satisfies both the degree field requirement and the employer E-Verify requirement needed for the 24-month extension. Combined with your initial 12 months of OPT, that gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, which covers a standard two-to-three year postdoc appointment. Confirm your specific degree CIP code with your DSO before filing.
How do I find Postdoctoral Associate jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists Postdoctoral Associate positions from employers experienced with international work authorization. University research departments and federal labs post regularly. Filtering by role type on Migrate Mate surfaces positions where OPT is an accepted authorization, saving you from applying to roles where international candidates are screened out early in the process.
What happens to my OPT if my postdoc appointment ends before I find another position?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment during the standard 12-month period, and up to 150 days total if you are on the STEM OPT extension. If your postdoc ends and you are still job searching, those days count against your unemployment limit. Notify your DSO immediately when employment ends so your record stays accurate and you do not inadvertently fall out of status.
Do I need my employer to file any immigration paperwork to start a Postdoctoral Associate role on OPT?
No employer filing is required to start working on initial OPT. Your EAD card authorizes you to work, and your employer simply needs to verify it through Form I-9. For the STEM OPT extension, your employer must complete a formal training plan on Form I-983 and be enrolled in E-Verify. That extension application is filed by you through your DSO, not by the employer independently.