OPT Psychology Jobs
Psychology OPT jobs span clinical support, research coordination, and behavioral analysis roles. Most qualify for the standard 12-month OPT period, and positions tied to research or data-driven behavioral work often meet STEM OPT extension criteria under CIP code 42.0101, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization.
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Job Summary
Job ID 298462
Position # 40106807
The Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior in the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University is seeking a full-time faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will support the growth and development of the Augusta University (AU) and East Central Regional Hospital (ECRH) partnership and its academic mission, particularly in the areas of inpatient care, psychiatry, psychology, and nursing education. The selected candidate will work collaboratively with the ECRH Clinical Director to develop specific responsibilities related to the delivery of clinical services at ECRH, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies and applicable regulatory and accrediting standards. This position does not meet the requirements to be on a tenure track.
Responsibilities
Dept Attendance - 10%
Attendance and participation is expected in all AU Departmental activities, especially those involving education and students. You must be present at 80% of all departmental functions and activities.
Education - 30%
Support and participation in the recruitment for new residents, fellows, psychiatrists, psychology interns, psychology post-docs, faculty psychologists, and nurses are requested.
Participate in the delivery of clinical services for Psychology in conjunction with the overall mission of ECRH, assuring that accrediting standards are met and policies are followed.
Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring for efficiency and effectiveness all Psychology services.
Clinical - 60%
Promote the development and utilization of the Recovery Model within ECRH treatment services.
Required Qualifications
PhD, PsyD, or equivalent related degree from an accredited institution.
Assistant Professor - Early level career as a faculty member with appropriate post graduate training.
Required faculty employment qualifications for all USG institutions and all academic ranks within these institutions shall be:
- Consistent with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)'s requirements for institutional accreditation;
- Evidence of ability as a teacher;
- Evidence of activity as a scholar and ability in all other duties assigned;
- Successful experience (which will necessarily be waived for those just entering the academic profession who meet all other requirements); and,
- Desirable personal qualities judged on the basis of personal interview, complete biographical data, and recommendations.
Shift/Salary/Benefits
This position is fiscal year based and works year-round.
The intended work commitment or full-time equivalent (FTE) for this position is 1.0 and considered full-time.
Assistant Professor - Salary and compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and achievements. The salary is subject to availability of funds.
Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more!
Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.
Rank and salary are determined at the time of hire and are based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, education, credentials, specialty, training, etc. while also considering internal equity and market data.
Advancement through the faculty ranks at Augusta University is only through the annual Promotion and Tenure process in which faculty may apply if eligible (typically five-year increments). For more information on ranks, please review the Augusta University Promotion and Tenure Website.
College/Department Information
The Medical College of Georgia (MCG) is one of the nation's largest medical schools by class size, with 304 students per class. The MCG educational experience is anchored by the main campus in Augusta, with regional clinical campuses for third- and fourth-year students across the state, and two four-year campuses located in Athens (in partnership with the University of Georgia) and in Savannah (in partnership with Georgia Southern University). MCG's expanding partnerships with physicians and hospitals across Georgia currently provide more than 350 sites where students can experience the full spectrum of medicine, from complex care hospitals to small-town solo practices. MCG and its teaching hospitals also provide postgraduate education to approximately 575 residents and fellows in 50 different Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-approved programs. Our researchers and clinicians focus on what most impacts the health of Georgia's and America's children and adults, including cardiovascular biology and disease, cancer, neurosciences and behavioral sciences, public and preventive health, regenerative and reparative medicine, personalized medicine and genomics. Our physician faculty also share their expertise with physicians and patients at about 100 clinics and hospitals statewide.
About us
Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other.
Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Location
Our Health Sciences Campus:
1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912
Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.
If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.
For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
How To Apply
To be considered an applicant for this position, you must apply online.
Please upload your Curriculum Vitae, Research Statement, Professional References, etc., as one document.
Other Information
This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."
Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Psychology
Clarify your OPT authorization upfront
When applying, state your OPT status and authorization end date clearly. Many psychology employers are unfamiliar with F-1 work authorization, so a brief one-line explanation in your cover letter prevents confusion before the interview stage.
Target STEM-eligible psychology roles
Research coordinator, behavioral analyst, and data-focused clinical roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work period.
Prioritize universities and research institutions
Academic medical centers, university psychology departments, and federally funded research programs regularly hire OPT students. These organizations understand F-1 authorization better than most private employers and often have established processes.
Frame your thesis or practicum as real experience
Clinical practicum hours, thesis research, and supervised assessments are legitimate professional experience. Quantify the populations you worked with, assessments administered, and research outputs to make your application competitive against candidates with paid experience.
Understand the E-Verify requirement before applying
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Before accepting any role that relies on the extension, confirm the employer participates. Skipping this check is the most common reason STEM OPT extensions get denied.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Psychology hiring cycles at hospitals and research institutions can run 6 to 10 weeks. Submit your EAD application to USCIS at least 90 days before graduation so your card arrives before your intended start date.
Psychology OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do psychology jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Some do, but not all. Psychology degrees classified under CIP code 42.0101 are STEM-designated, which means qualifying roles in research, data analysis, or behavioral science can support a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Clinical or counseling-focused roles may not qualify if the work is not sufficiently STEM-aligned. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before counting on the extension.
Can I work as a licensed therapist or counselor on OPT?
You can work in a role that prepares you for licensure, but most U.S. states require a license to practice independently as a therapist or counselor. On OPT, you can work under licensed supervision in roles like clinical coordinator, behavioral health technician, or research associate. Independently licensed practice typically requires a separate visa and permanent work authorization, not OPT.
What types of psychology employers sponsor or support OPT students?
University research labs, academic medical centers, behavioral health nonprofits, and federal agencies like the VA and NIH are the most OPT-friendly psychology employers. Private therapy practices rarely sponsor because of their small size. To find employers actively hiring OPT students in psychology, browse Migrate Mate, which filters for roles open to F-1 work authorization.
How does the 90-day unemployment rule apply to psychology OPT jobs?
During your OPT period, you cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment. Psychology job searches, especially for clinical or research roles requiring specific licenses or clearances, can take longer than expected. Start your search before graduation, apply broadly across research and behavioral health settings, and report any new employment to your DSO promptly to keep your record accurate.
Does volunteer or unpaid psychology work count toward OPT employment requirements?
Yes, unpaid work in a psychology role directly related to your degree can count as qualifying OPT employment, as long as it is not prohibited by other laws and meets DSO reporting requirements. Unpaid research positions, supervised clinical hours, and nonprofit roles can all qualify. Document the role clearly and report it to your DSO the same way you would paid employment.