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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Materials and questions should be sent by email to firearminjuryprevention@umich.edu. Please use the subject line "Fellowship Application." Please submit:
- A written statement describing your research qualifications, experience and specific interest in firearm research, and long-term career goals (up to 3 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from your current graduate or clinical residency training program.
- Graduate-level academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
- Two writing samples, preferably a copy of a previously published manuscript(s) and/or papers from a dissertation thesis.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until all positions are filled. Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Who We Are
The Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention generates new knowledge and advances innovative solutions to reduce firearm death and injury across the United States. Our mission is to address the substantial burden of firearm injuries occurring across the lifespan by conducting high-quality research, education, training, and outreach. The University of Michigan has established the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention to increase firearm injury prevention research and scholarship across U-M and to expand the research pipeline so that more individuals can study ways to address this national crisis. The Institute explores firearm injuries across the lifespan, including suicide, community violence, unintentional injuries, intimate partner violence, officer-involved shootings, school, and mass shootings, as well as differences in injury outcomes across these areas.
The NIH/NICHD-funded T32 Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS): Multi-Disciplinary Research Training Program aims to address the critical need to develop a scientific workforce and continuous pipeline of research scientists focused on addressing the leading cause of pediatric mortality by establishing the nation's first program dedicated exclusively to providing post-doctoral research training on the prevention of firearm injuries among children and teens.
Job Summary
The University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention is recruiting outstanding early-career research investigators to join a cohort of postdoctoral fellows who are part of an NIH-funded T32 training grant, Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS): Multi-Disciplinary Research Training Program. The successful candidate will undertake an intensive post-doctoral training program for up to two years in which they will acquire core skills in research methods including analytic skill development, grant and manuscript writing, and project management through a combination of applied research and training on the prevention of firearm injuries. The training program prepares fellows for research independence and an academic career. They will work closely with mentoring faculty to identify a research focus and develop a career development and mentoring plan.
Successful candidates may come from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds and have prior experience working at any stage along the translational research spectrum or on any level within the socio-ecological model (individual, family, community, or policy). Selection will be based on scholarly potential and compatibility with interests of a faculty mentor. Candidates from all backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to apply. We seek to engage talented researchers with wide ranging perspectives, research and life experiences to help further our mission.
The successful candidate(s) will have:
- Completed a doctoral degree program (MD, PhD, DrPH, EdD, or equivalent) by the starting date.
- Demonstrated commitment and interest in firearm injury prevention research.
- Research experience within any relevant discipline and work at any stage along the translational research spectrum or focused on any level within the socio-ecological model (individual, family, community, or policy).
- Interest in working with various populations.
- A strong desire to work with multi-disciplinary collaborators.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Note:
- Eligible applicants must be citizens, noncitizen nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S.
- This position is contingent on continued federal funding of the T32 program.
Fellows will work on active research projects of faculty mentors which cover a range of topics including the lifespan, urban/rural populations, and work with communities. Examples of research projects may include, but are not limited to, research focused on community firearm violence prevention, including built environment and community interventions, efficacy research on individual interventions (e.g., hospital based or community based violence prevention programs), policy research, implementation studies that translate evidence-based interventions for preventing suicide and violence in communities, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, firearm injury prevention through technology and engineering, data modeling, national surveys and epidemiological research.
Compensation and Benefits
This Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position includes:
- Annual compensation based on levels mandated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipend Levels.
- The University of Michigan's full standard benefit package including medical, dental, and vision as detailed here: https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness.
- Dedicated funds to support professional development opportunities including travel funds to scientific conferences, participation in technical seminars and course(s), and other research-related project expenses.
- Paid sick leave, vacation time, holidays, and additional benefits.
- Childcare stipend annually, if desired, in accordance with the National Institutes of Health notice.
- A full overview providing general information about the benefits for postdoctoral research fellows can be found here: https://myumi.ch/XnP8r
Expectations
Selection will be based on scholarly potential and compatibility with research interests and experience of faculty mentors. This is a hybrid position; fellows are expected to actively engage in regular training program activities including research workshops, journal clubs, and educational seminars. They will present and share research findings in a range of settings including project/team meetings and scientific meetings and conferences. Fellows will complete self-paced coursework in the Science of Firearm Injury Prevention and complete technical training as recommended by faculty mentors. In accordance with NIH policy, fellows will participate in training on topics in the Responsible Conduct of Research and Rigor, Reproducibility, and Transparency. We anticipate each fellow will work with their primary and secondary mentors, research teams and be involved in manuscript submissions.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
- We are accepting applications for appointments beginning in summer or fall of 2027.
- Postdoctoral recipients who receive a NIH-supported fellowship will incur a payback obligation during the initial twelve months of support per Section 487 of the Public Health Services Act Section. Most recipients fulfill their payback obligation by receiving additional months of NIH training support or by engaging in acceptable activities such as health-related research, academic employment, or teaching. Further information https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/HTML5/section_11/11.4_payback_requirements.htm
- To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment.
- This position is contingent on continued federal funding of the T32 program.
- The statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature of work and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
283391
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Umor Ins Firearm Res
Department
OVPR Inst for Firearm Inj Prev
Posting Begin/End Date
9/22/2026 - 3/31/2027
Career Interest
Research Fellows
How to Apply
Materials and questions should be sent by email to firearminjuryprevention@umich.edu. Please use the subject line "Fellowship Application." Please submit:
- A written statement describing your research qualifications, experience and specific interest in firearm research, and long-term career goals (up to 3 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from your current graduate or clinical residency training program.
- Graduate-level academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
- Two writing samples, preferably a copy of a previously published manuscript(s) and/or papers from a dissertation thesis.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until all positions are filled. Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Who We Are
The Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention generates new knowledge and advances innovative solutions to reduce firearm death and injury across the United States. Our mission is to address the substantial burden of firearm injuries occurring across the lifespan by conducting high-quality research, education, training, and outreach. The University of Michigan has established the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention to increase firearm injury prevention research and scholarship across U-M and to expand the research pipeline so that more individuals can study ways to address this national crisis. The Institute explores firearm injuries across the lifespan, including suicide, community violence, unintentional injuries, intimate partner violence, officer-involved shootings, school, and mass shootings, as well as differences in injury outcomes across these areas.
The NIH/NICHD-funded T32 Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS): Multi-Disciplinary Research Training Program aims to address the critical need to develop a scientific workforce and continuous pipeline of research scientists focused on addressing the leading cause of pediatric mortality by establishing the nation's first program dedicated exclusively to providing post-doctoral research training on the prevention of firearm injuries among children and teens.
Job Summary
The University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention is recruiting outstanding early-career research investigators to join a cohort of postdoctoral fellows who are part of an NIH-funded T32 training grant, Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS): Multi-Disciplinary Research Training Program. The successful candidate will undertake an intensive post-doctoral training program for up to two years in which they will acquire core skills in research methods including analytic skill development, grant and manuscript writing, and project management through a combination of applied research and training on the prevention of firearm injuries. The training program prepares fellows for research independence and an academic career. They will work closely with mentoring faculty to identify a research focus and develop a career development and mentoring plan.
Successful candidates may come from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds and have prior experience working at any stage along the translational research spectrum or on any level within the socio-ecological model (individual, family, community, or policy). Selection will be based on scholarly potential and compatibility with interests of a faculty mentor. Candidates from all backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to apply. We seek to engage talented researchers with wide ranging perspectives, research and life experiences to help further our mission.
The successful candidate(s) will have:
- Completed a doctoral degree program (MD, PhD, DrPH, EdD, or equivalent) by the starting date.
- Demonstrated commitment and interest in firearm injury prevention research.
- Research experience within any relevant discipline and work at any stage along the translational research spectrum or focused on any level within the socio-ecological model (individual, family, community, or policy).
- Interest in working with various populations.
- A strong desire to work with multi-disciplinary collaborators.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Note:
- Eligible applicants must be citizens, noncitizen nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S.
- This position is contingent on continued federal funding of the T32 program.
Fellows will work on active research projects of faculty mentors which cover a range of topics including the lifespan, urban/rural populations, and work with communities. Examples of research projects may include, but are not limited to, research focused on community firearm violence prevention, including built environment and community interventions, efficacy research on individual interventions (e.g., hospital based or community based violence prevention programs), policy research, implementation studies that translate evidence-based interventions for preventing suicide and violence in communities, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, firearm injury prevention through technology and engineering, data modeling, national surveys and epidemiological research.
Compensation and Benefits
This Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position includes:
- Annual compensation based on levels mandated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Stipend Levels.
- The University of Michigan's full standard benefit package including medical, dental, and vision as detailed here: https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness.
- Dedicated funds to support professional development opportunities including travel funds to scientific conferences, participation in technical seminars and course(s), and other research-related project expenses.
- Paid sick leave, vacation time, holidays, and additional benefits.
- Childcare stipend annually, if desired, in accordance with the National Institutes of Health notice.
- A full overview providing general information about the benefits for postdoctoral research fellows can be found here: https://myumi.ch/XnP8r
Expectations
Selection will be based on scholarly potential and compatibility with research interests and experience of faculty mentors. This is a hybrid position; fellows are expected to actively engage in regular training program activities including research workshops, journal clubs, and educational seminars. They will present and share research findings in a range of settings including project/team meetings and scientific meetings and conferences. Fellows will complete self-paced coursework in the Science of Firearm Injury Prevention and complete technical training as recommended by faculty mentors. In accordance with NIH policy, fellows will participate in training on topics in the Responsible Conduct of Research and Rigor, Reproducibility, and Transparency. We anticipate each fellow will work with their primary and secondary mentors, research teams and be involved in manuscript submissions.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
- We are accepting applications for appointments beginning in summer or fall of 2027.
- Postdoctoral recipients who receive a NIH-supported fellowship will incur a payback obligation during the initial twelve months of support per Section 487 of the Public Health Services Act Section. Most recipients fulfill their payback obligation by receiving additional months of NIH training support or by engaging in acceptable activities such as health-related research, academic employment, or teaching. Further information https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/HTML5/section_11/11.4_payback_requirements.htm
- To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment.
- This position is contingent on continued federal funding of the T32 program.
- The statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature of work and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
283391
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Umor Ins Firearm Res
Department
OVPR Inst for Firearm Inj Prev
Posting Begin/End Date
9/22/2026 - 3/31/2027
Career Interest
Research Fellows
See all 79+ 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.