OPT Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs
Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions are among the most OPT-friendly roles in academia and research institutions. Most universities and national labs routinely sponsor F-1 OPT students, and the research-focused nature of these roles aligns directly with STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The position is with our Children’s Heart Institute with the Center for Innovations in Congenital Heart Disease (CiCHD).
The role will involve design and development of bioprinted in vitro model of FALD (liver fibrosis injury). The model will consist of hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and hepatic stellate cells, to resemble the native liver tissue. Fontan-like flow conditions will be applied to the in vitro model and pathophysiological mechanism involved in liver fibrosis will be examined. This model will also be used to assess a variety of pharmacological and interventional procedures to treat FALD.
Position Summary:
A biomedical postdoc position provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in their field of expertise.
POSITION KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications describing results.
- Assists in training and mentoring of lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
- Reads and evaluates literature.
- Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
- Have strong written and oral communication skills.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION:
Doctoral/Terminal Degree
Physical Requirements:
Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Stem cell culture experience
- 3D printing and 3D bioprinting
- Biomaterial synthesis
- Immunostaining and confocal microscopy
SECURITY SENSITIVE:
This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.
This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.
WHAT WE DO HERE CHANGES THE WORLD.
UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.
ONCE YOU JOIN US YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE.
It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:
- 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
- Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
- The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
- Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!
WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES!
As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...
- Free financial and legal counseling
- Free mental health counseling services
- Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
- Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
- Resources for child and elder care
- Plus many more!
INTRODUCTION
The position is with our Children’s Heart Institute with the Center for Innovations in Congenital Heart Disease (CiCHD).
The role will involve design and development of bioprinted in vitro model of FALD (liver fibrosis injury). The model will consist of hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and hepatic stellate cells, to resemble the native liver tissue. Fontan-like flow conditions will be applied to the in vitro model and pathophysiological mechanism involved in liver fibrosis will be examined. This model will also be used to assess a variety of pharmacological and interventional procedures to treat FALD.
Position Summary:
A biomedical postdoc position provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in their field of expertise.
POSITION KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications describing results.
- Assists in training and mentoring of lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
- Reads and evaluates literature.
- Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
- Have strong written and oral communication skills.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION:
Doctoral/Terminal Degree
Physical Requirements:
Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Stem cell culture experience
- 3D printing and 3D bioprinting
- Biomaterial synthesis
- Immunostaining and confocal microscopy
SECURITY SENSITIVE:
This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.
This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.
WHAT WE DO HERE CHANGES THE WORLD.
UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.
ONCE YOU JOIN US YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE.
It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:
- 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
- Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
- The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
- Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!
WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES!
As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...
- Free financial and legal counseling
- Free mental health counseling services
- Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
- Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
- Resources for child and elder care
- Plus many more!
See all 72+ OPT Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Target universities and national laboratories first
Universities and federally funded research institutions hire postdocs regularly and have established processes for OPT and visa sponsorship. Their HR and international offices handle F-1 work authorization routinely, making them far less likely to hesitate over your status.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Postdoctoral roles almost universally qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your PhD is in a STEM-designated field. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can accurately communicate your full three-year authorization window to employers.
Lead with your authorized work period upfront
When reaching out to principal investigators or hiring committees, state clearly that you have up to three years of OPT authorization. Many academic hiring managers are unfamiliar with STEM OPT timelines, so removing ambiguity early prevents your application from being filtered out unnecessarily.
Align your research expertise with the lab's active grants
Postdoc hires are often funded through specific grants. Reviewing a lab's active NIH, NSF, or DOE funding before applying lets you tailor your cover letter to ongoing projects, signaling you can contribute immediately and reducing perceived risk around your immigration status.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship intentions during the offer stage
Many institutions will sponsor postdocs for H-1B visa or O-1 visas once they demonstrate value. Raising this conversation during offer negotiations, rather than after starting, helps you assess long-term stability and gives the employer time to plan the petition timeline alongside your OPT end date.
Track your OPT end date against the hiring timeline
Academic hiring moves slowly. Fellowship postings often take months from application to start date. Calculate whether the position's projected start date leaves adequate time on your OPT, and flag any gaps to your DSO early so you can explore cap-gap or alternative authorization if needed.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on OPT?
Yes. Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. If your PhD is in a STEM-designated program, you're also eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization without employer visa sponsorship.
Do universities typically sponsor postdocs for visas beyond OPT?
Most research universities and national laboratories have established immigration support for postdoctoral researchers. Many will sponsor H-1B petitions or assist with O-1 applications once a postdoc demonstrates research productivity. It's worth asking directly during the offer stage rather than assuming. Institutions with dedicated international offices are generally the most prepared to handle this process.
Where can I find Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to find postdoctoral positions that are open to F-1 OPT students. The platform filters for employers who sponsor or accept OPT work authorization, saving you from applying to roles where your status will be an obstacle. Browsing by role type on Migrate Mate lets you focus your effort on positions where you have a real shot.
Does the 90-day unemployment limit apply differently for postdoc roles?
No. The standard OPT unemployment limit applies regardless of role type. You have a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during the initial 12-month OPT period, and an additional 60 days if you're authorized for STEM OPT extension. Unpaid postdoctoral fellowships can create ambiguity, so confirm with your DSO that any volunteer or stipend-only arrangement counts as authorized employment.
Can I do a postdoc at a different institution than the one that granted my degree?
Yes. OPT work authorization isn't tied to your degree-granting institution. You can accept a postdoctoral position at any qualifying employer, including a different university, a research hospital, or a national laboratory. The role simply needs to be directly related to your degree field. Report the new employer to your DSO promptly so your SEVIS record stays current.