Professor Jobs for OPT Students
Professor roles on OPT require employers to file an H-1B or offer a cap-exempt position, since most tenure-track and full-time faculty jobs qualify as specialty occupations. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if your field qualifies) shapes which positions and timelines are realistic.
See All Professor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 4,928+ Professor jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 4,928+ Professor jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Professor roles.
Get Access To All JobsAbout us
As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.
Blazer Creed
Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.
Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.
Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.
Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.
As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.
Job Summary
The School of Health Sciences in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences seeks to fill a non-tenure track faculty position beginning July 1, 2026, at the rank of Lecturer. The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in the candidate's area of expertise and providing service to the department, college, and university.
Review of completed applications will begin April 6, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact Dr. Mark Kasper, Head, via email mkasper@valdosta.edu or phone 229-333-5959.
Application materials should include the following:
- CV
- List of at least three professional references with contact information
- Unofficial transcripts
Based on the recent Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B), VSU will not be sponsoring any new H-1B visa petitions until further notice.
Responsibilities
Department Summary
Teach primarily in the Accredited Exercise Physiology program at the undergraduate level and provide service to the department, college, and university. Additional duties may include teaching in the undergraduate Health Sciences program and the online Nutritional Sciences minor. Non-tenure earning faculty members are actively involved in teaching and student learning, service, and professional development.
Typical Allocation of Duties:
Teaching and Service - 100%
Teaches classes and meets assigned service obligations.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, sports science, kinesiology, or closely related field by the date of appointment
- A record of effective teaching appropriate to the applicant's career stage
- Demonstrate commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, service, and professional development
Preferred Qualifications
- Terminal degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, sports sciences, kinesiology, or closely related field by the date of appointment
- Expertise and passion in strength and conditioning/sports performance
- Experience working with athletes as a strength and conditioning/sports performance professional
- Current CSCS or ACSM certification
Proposed Salary
Commensurate with experience.
Conditions of Employment
Applicants are required to provide:
- professional references with current contact information
- documentation of academic credentials
- employment history
Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to:
- ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
- view social media outlets, and
- remove job postings without additional notification.
Employment is contingent upon:
- successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
- reference checks
Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:
- satisfactory credit check
- successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
- pre-employment drug testing
- confirmation of credentials
After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:
- New employee orientation
- VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
- USG Ethics Policy
- Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
- Drug Free Workplace
- Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Motor Vehicle Policy
- Workers Compensation (new hires)
- Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
- USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)
- Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving
Equal Employment Opportunity
Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.
Background Check
- Standard
Accommodations
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu.
Clery Disclosure
The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act requires institutions of higher education to publish an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics for the three previous calendar years of reported crimes that occurred on campus; in or on certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by our institution; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and statistics. The ASFSR is published annually by October 1 and is available online at: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/police/documents/2025-asfr-final-draft-aa.docx.pdf. You may request a paper copy of the report by emailing openrecords@valdosta.edu.
About us
As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.
Blazer Creed
Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.
Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.
Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.
Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.
As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.
Job Summary
The School of Health Sciences in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences seeks to fill a non-tenure track faculty position beginning July 1, 2026, at the rank of Lecturer. The selected candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in the candidate's area of expertise and providing service to the department, college, and university.
Review of completed applications will begin April 6, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact Dr. Mark Kasper, Head, via email mkasper@valdosta.edu or phone 229-333-5959.
Application materials should include the following:
- CV
- List of at least three professional references with contact information
- Unofficial transcripts
Based on the recent Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B), VSU will not be sponsoring any new H-1B visa petitions until further notice.
Responsibilities
Department Summary
Teach primarily in the Accredited Exercise Physiology program at the undergraduate level and provide service to the department, college, and university. Additional duties may include teaching in the undergraduate Health Sciences program and the online Nutritional Sciences minor. Non-tenure earning faculty members are actively involved in teaching and student learning, service, and professional development.
Typical Allocation of Duties:
Teaching and Service - 100%
Teaches classes and meets assigned service obligations.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, sports science, kinesiology, or closely related field by the date of appointment
- A record of effective teaching appropriate to the applicant's career stage
- Demonstrate commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, service, and professional development
Preferred Qualifications
- Terminal degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, sports sciences, kinesiology, or closely related field by the date of appointment
- Expertise and passion in strength and conditioning/sports performance
- Experience working with athletes as a strength and conditioning/sports performance professional
- Current CSCS or ACSM certification
Proposed Salary
Commensurate with experience.
Conditions of Employment
Applicants are required to provide:
- professional references with current contact information
- documentation of academic credentials
- employment history
Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to:
- ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
- view social media outlets, and
- remove job postings without additional notification.
Employment is contingent upon:
- successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
- reference checks
Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:
- satisfactory credit check
- successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
- pre-employment drug testing
- confirmation of credentials
After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:
- New employee orientation
- VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
- USG Ethics Policy
- Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
- Drug Free Workplace
- Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Motor Vehicle Policy
- Workers Compensation (new hires)
- Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
- USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)
- Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving
Equal Employment Opportunity
Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.
Background Check
- Standard
Accommodations
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu.
Clery Disclosure
The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act requires institutions of higher education to publish an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics for the three previous calendar years of reported crimes that occurred on campus; in or on certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by our institution; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and statistics. The ASFSR is published annually by October 1 and is available online at: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/police/documents/2025-asfr-final-draft-aa.docx.pdf. You may request a paper copy of the report by emailing openrecords@valdosta.edu.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Professor
Apply during your first OPT year
Most faculty hiring cycles run from September through February for positions starting the following fall. Beginning your search in your first OPT year gives you time to line up a sponsoring offer before your authorization expires or requires extension.
Confirm your STEM extension eligibility early
STEM OPT adds 24 months if your degree is in a qualifying field. Many STEM-adjacent academic disciplines qualify, including biology, chemistry, computer science, and economics. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before assuming you're eligible.
Understand the specialty occupation standard
Professor roles almost universally qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a master's or doctoral degree in a specific field. Your degree field must directly align with the subject you'll be teaching or researching for sponsorship to hold.
Ask about the hiring timeline before applying
Faculty search committees move slowly, often six to twelve months from application to offer. Knowing your OPT expiration date helps you assess whether the timeline is realistic and whether you need to negotiate a deferred start or rely on cap-gap protection.
Highlight research funding and grants in applications
Departments hiring on OPT weigh sponsorship costs against value. Candidates who arrive with external funding, active grants, or strong publication records reduce the perceived financial risk and make it easier for hiring committees to approve sponsorship internally.
Professor jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Professor JobsSee all 4,928+ Professor jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Professor roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Professor on OPT?
Yes. Professor roles qualify as specialty occupations and are eligible for OPT work authorization. Your position must directly relate to your degree field. Adjunct, visiting, and tenure-track appointments all count, provided the role requires the level of education your degree represents and your employer is willing to sponsor you for continued status afterward.
Do universities sponsor H-1B visas for Professors?
Most do, and universities have a structural advantage: they are cap-exempt H-1B employers. That means they can file an H-1B petition at any time of year without entering the lottery. This makes academic employers significantly more accessible for OPT students than private-sector companies subject to the annual 85,000-cap selection process.
How do I find Professor jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for finding Professor roles with employers who sponsor OPT students. Academic job boards list postings broadly, but Migrate Mate filters specifically for sponsorship-willing employers, saving you the time of researching each institution's immigration history individually. Focus your search on research universities and federally funded research centers.
Does my degree field need to match the subject I'd be teaching?
Yes, and this matters for both OPT authorization and future H-1B sponsorship. USCIS requires that the role constitute a specialty occupation, meaning there must be a direct relationship between your degree field and the position. A PhD in economics teaching finance courses will generally satisfy this. A degree in literature supporting a computer science appointment typically will not.
What happens if my OPT expires before the faculty hiring process is complete?
Faculty searches routinely take longer than a single academic year. If your OPT expires mid-process, your options include applying for a STEM extension if eligible, entering cap-gap protection if your employer filed an H-1B before your OPT expired, or negotiating a deferred start date. Work closely with your DSO to understand which bridge applies to your situation.
See which Professor employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Professor Jobs