Public Health Jobs for OPT Students
Public health roles in epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, and community health frequently qualify for OPT work authorization, including the 24-month STEM extension for quantitative-heavy positions. Most employers in government agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions are familiar with OPT and actively hire international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Instructor, Public Health and Wellness
Department: Sociology & Social Work
Division: Provost
Terms and Hours: Full Time Faculty on a 9-month academic year assignment
Salary Range: Annual salaries for the 2026-2027 academic year have not yet been determined. The 2025-2026 for a first-year instructor in the College of Arts and Sciences is $58,843.
Benefits: Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, sick time and vacation time consistent with University policies, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending account benefits, tuition remission benefits generally starting after 90 days (employee) or 2 years (spouse and children) of employment, and retirement contributions generally starting after 2 years of continuous full time employment. (Benefits are subject to all relevant University policies, practices, contracts, and any other relevant materials.)
Job Summary
The University of Portland located in Portland, Oregon, USA invites applications for a faculty position as an Instructor in the Public Health and Wellness Program to begin August 15, 2026.
The University of Portland is a primarily undergraduate institution comprising four professional schools and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), which houses our strong liberal arts Core Curriculum, required of all students. The University Core provides students in all disciplines a unifying set of experiences and promotes engagement with the Six Core Habits of Heart and Mind, which include “Global & Historical Consciousness” and “Diversity & the Common Good.”
The Public Health and Wellness Program at the University of Portland is dedicated to creating the conditions for students to realize their best selves and serve the public with compassion and skill. Pedagogically, the program focuses on students’ vitality and capacity for creativity as much as on the delivery of information. Successful candidates will possess a balance between content expertise and effective teaching practices.
The College of Arts and Sciences is strongly committed to recruiting faculty with a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences to reflect and support our increasingly diverse student body. As the oldest and largest unit within the University of Portland, we have a unique role to play in advancing campus-wide goals with regard to inclusive excellence. Furthermore, as a Catholic (Holy Cross) institution, it is our mission to support and develop our students as whole people by engaging their heads, hearts, and hands and to affirm the dignity and worth of all people. We seek employees who are likewise committed to promoting an environment of inclusive excellence and celebration of difference, and who can contribute to our goals through their teaching, research, mentoring, and other activities.
Core Duties
University of Portland faculty teach, advise and serve the department, the College, and the University. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching, including attention to evidence-based instructional practices in the context of a primarily undergraduate teaching institution.
The successful candidate will teach Public Health and Wellness courses as the program grows and continues its transition from the School of Nursing & Health Innovations to the College of Arts and Sciences. Teaching responsibilities include four 3-credit hour courses (or equivalent) per semester.
Education & Experience
Required: Master’s degree in public health or related field
Required: Teaching or instructional experience
Preferred: Ph.D. in public health or related field
Preferred: Experience teaching undergraduate public health courses
Certifications & Licenses
* None
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Demonstrated effectiveness in inclusive and student-centered teaching.
Strong orientation towards continued learning and applying learning in the teaching environment.
Evidence of a commitment to undergraduate teaching and student mentoring.
Evidence of organizational skills, including attention to detail, proactive planning, and time management.
Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Commitment to collegial collaboration (e.g., teaching or service) both within the program and across the University.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle sensitive and personal information with sound judgment, tact, and discretion.
Physical Requirements
Frequently: sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.
Frequently: ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary.
Occasionally: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally: ability to attend events and activities on or off campus.
Working Condition
Hours of employment: sometimes may require working flexible and/or longer hours, including nights and weekends, when necessitated by projects or class schedules.
Stress from work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.
Work Standards
Respect for the University’s mission and Catholic identity: demonstrates commitment to learning, respecting, and contributing to the mission of the University, a Catholic and Congregation of Holy Cross institution. The University Mission Statement states in relevant part: “we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls, and the world.” The University’s Statement of Inclusion states in relevant part: “Our belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity.”
Promote culture of safety: demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Compliance with laws and policies and procedures: subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University, departmental, and other applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to, the personnel, business, and/or other policies of the University.
Interpersonal skills: demonstrates the ability to work professionally with all University of Portland community members, external organizations, and any other person or organization employee interacts with in his or her University capacity.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number: F067-2025
Estimated Start Date: 08/15/2026
Open Date: 03/25/2026
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: No
Special Instructions Summary
The documents needed to apply include the following:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
* Names and contact information for three professional references (at least one must be able to address teaching experience and teaching effectiveness; please indicate the teaching reference in your letter of application). Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation; the committee will conduct reference checks at a later stage of the hiring process.
Inquiries about this position can be made to the program director Dr. Andrew Lafrenz at lafrenz@up.edu. For full consideration, applications must be received by May 1, 2026. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered. At this time, please only upload the required documents listed above; finalists may be asked to submit additional materials such as syllabi or student evaluations at a later date. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee.
The University of Portland is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
A background investigation check is required before final hiring procedures can be completed for all faculty and staff positions.
For those requiring a reasonable accommodation to apply: Applicants who have a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the application or hiring process should contact the University’s Human Resources Office at hr@up.edu or (503) 943-8484.
Job Title: Instructor, Public Health and Wellness
Department: Sociology & Social Work
Division: Provost
Terms and Hours: Full Time Faculty on a 9-month academic year assignment
Salary Range: Annual salaries for the 2026-2027 academic year have not yet been determined. The 2025-2026 for a first-year instructor in the College of Arts and Sciences is $58,843.
Benefits: Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, sick time and vacation time consistent with University policies, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending account benefits, tuition remission benefits generally starting after 90 days (employee) or 2 years (spouse and children) of employment, and retirement contributions generally starting after 2 years of continuous full time employment. (Benefits are subject to all relevant University policies, practices, contracts, and any other relevant materials.)
Job Summary
The University of Portland located in Portland, Oregon, USA invites applications for a faculty position as an Instructor in the Public Health and Wellness Program to begin August 15, 2026.
The University of Portland is a primarily undergraduate institution comprising four professional schools and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), which houses our strong liberal arts Core Curriculum, required of all students. The University Core provides students in all disciplines a unifying set of experiences and promotes engagement with the Six Core Habits of Heart and Mind, which include “Global & Historical Consciousness” and “Diversity & the Common Good.”
The Public Health and Wellness Program at the University of Portland is dedicated to creating the conditions for students to realize their best selves and serve the public with compassion and skill. Pedagogically, the program focuses on students’ vitality and capacity for creativity as much as on the delivery of information. Successful candidates will possess a balance between content expertise and effective teaching practices.
The College of Arts and Sciences is strongly committed to recruiting faculty with a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences to reflect and support our increasingly diverse student body. As the oldest and largest unit within the University of Portland, we have a unique role to play in advancing campus-wide goals with regard to inclusive excellence. Furthermore, as a Catholic (Holy Cross) institution, it is our mission to support and develop our students as whole people by engaging their heads, hearts, and hands and to affirm the dignity and worth of all people. We seek employees who are likewise committed to promoting an environment of inclusive excellence and celebration of difference, and who can contribute to our goals through their teaching, research, mentoring, and other activities.
Core Duties
University of Portland faculty teach, advise and serve the department, the College, and the University. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching, including attention to evidence-based instructional practices in the context of a primarily undergraduate teaching institution.
The successful candidate will teach Public Health and Wellness courses as the program grows and continues its transition from the School of Nursing & Health Innovations to the College of Arts and Sciences. Teaching responsibilities include four 3-credit hour courses (or equivalent) per semester.
Education & Experience
Required: Master’s degree in public health or related field
Required: Teaching or instructional experience
Preferred: Ph.D. in public health or related field
Preferred: Experience teaching undergraduate public health courses
Certifications & Licenses
* None
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Demonstrated effectiveness in inclusive and student-centered teaching.
Strong orientation towards continued learning and applying learning in the teaching environment.
Evidence of a commitment to undergraduate teaching and student mentoring.
Evidence of organizational skills, including attention to detail, proactive planning, and time management.
Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Commitment to collegial collaboration (e.g., teaching or service) both within the program and across the University.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle sensitive and personal information with sound judgment, tact, and discretion.
Physical Requirements
Frequently: sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.
Frequently: ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary.
Occasionally: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally: ability to attend events and activities on or off campus.
Working Condition
Hours of employment: sometimes may require working flexible and/or longer hours, including nights and weekends, when necessitated by projects or class schedules.
Stress from work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.
Work Standards
Respect for the University’s mission and Catholic identity: demonstrates commitment to learning, respecting, and contributing to the mission of the University, a Catholic and Congregation of Holy Cross institution. The University Mission Statement states in relevant part: “we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls, and the world.” The University’s Statement of Inclusion states in relevant part: “Our belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity.”
Promote culture of safety: demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Compliance with laws and policies and procedures: subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University, departmental, and other applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to, the personnel, business, and/or other policies of the University.
Interpersonal skills: demonstrates the ability to work professionally with all University of Portland community members, external organizations, and any other person or organization employee interacts with in his or her University capacity.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number: F067-2025
Estimated Start Date: 08/15/2026
Open Date: 03/25/2026
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: No
Special Instructions Summary
The documents needed to apply include the following:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
* Names and contact information for three professional references (at least one must be able to address teaching experience and teaching effectiveness; please indicate the teaching reference in your letter of application). Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation; the committee will conduct reference checks at a later stage of the hiring process.
Inquiries about this position can be made to the program director Dr. Andrew Lafrenz at lafrenz@up.edu. For full consideration, applications must be received by May 1, 2026. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered. At this time, please only upload the required documents listed above; finalists may be asked to submit additional materials such as syllabi or student evaluations at a later date. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee.
The University of Portland is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
A background investigation check is required before final hiring procedures can be completed for all faculty and staff positions.
For those requiring a reasonable accommodation to apply: Applicants who have a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the application or hiring process should contact the University’s Human Resources Office at hr@up.edu or (503) 943-8484.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Public Health
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Public health degrees from programs with CIP codes in biostatistics, epidemiology, or health informatics often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before targeting roles requiring longer authorization windows.
Target government and research employers first
Federal agencies like the CDC, NIH, and state health departments regularly hire OPT students and have dedicated HR processes for work authorization. These employers are significantly more OPT-familiar than small private practices or boutique consulting firms.
Lead with your technical skills, not your visa status
Hiring managers in public health respond to GIS mapping, R, Python, SAS, or epidemiological modeling skills. Frame your application around analytical capabilities first. Address OPT authorization matter-of-factly in the screening call, not in your cover letter.
Apply to nonprofits and NGOs with global health mandates
Organizations like think tanks, foundations, and international health NGOs routinely sponsor or support international candidates because their work itself is globally focused. They are structurally more comfortable with OPT than domestically oriented employers in the same field.
Time your applications around your OPT start date
Public health hiring cycles at agencies and research institutions can run eight to twelve weeks. Submit applications two to three months before your OPT start date so authorization is active before your expected first day of employment.
Highlight any fieldwork, practicum, or capstone with real-world impact
Public health employers weight applied experience heavily. Practicum placements, community intervention projects, or thesis research involving real populations are direct substitutes for years of work experience and strengthen your case significantly in competitive candidate pools.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do public health jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program's CIP code, not the job title itself. Degrees in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health informatics commonly qualify. General public health or MPH degrees may or may not qualify depending on the university's designation. Check your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility, and confirm the role involves work directly related to your qualifying degree field.
Which types of public health employers are most open to hiring OPT students?
Federal and state agencies, academic medical centers, and internationally focused nonprofits are consistently the most OPT-comfortable public health employers. The CDC, NIH, and state health departments have established HR processes for work authorization. Smaller local health departments or private consulting firms may be less familiar with OPT and require more upfront education during the hiring process. Migrate Mate filters public health jobs by sponsorship willingness so you can focus your search efficiently.
Can I work in public health on OPT if my undergraduate degree is in a related science field?
Yes, as long as your employment is directly related to your degree field. A biology or chemistry undergraduate on post-completion OPT can work in public health roles that draw on those disciplines, such as laboratory-based epidemiology or environmental health. The connection between your degree and the job responsibilities must be demonstrable. Your DSO can help you assess whether a specific role qualifies before you accept an offer.
How do I handle the OPT employer reporting requirement for public health positions?
Within 10 days of starting a public health role, you must report your employer's name, address, and your job title to your DSO, who updates your SEVIS record. The same applies if you change employers, lose a job, or experience a gap in employment longer than 90 days. Public health contract and fellowship positions count as valid OPT employment as long as the work is related to your degree field.
Are public health fellowships and government internships valid OPT employment?
Yes. Government fellowships, paid research positions, and agency-based practicums all count as valid OPT employment provided the work relates to your degree and you are compensated. Unpaid positions can count toward OPT but only for up to 20 hours per week, and you cannot exceed 90 cumulative days of unemployment during your OPT period. Always confirm compensation structure before accepting a fellowship to avoid inadvertent unemployment accumulation.
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