OPT Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Research Assistant Professor roles are among the strongest fits for F-1 OPT students with advanced degrees, since most universities already sponsor H-1B visa and O-1 visas. STEM OPT extension applies if your degree is in a qualifying field, giving you up to three years of work authorization to establish yourself in academic research.
See All OPT Research Assistant Professor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 592+ Research Assistant 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 592+ Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Assistant Professor roles.
Get Access To All JobsRequisition # 75917
Position Basics
Type of Position RESEARCH-TRACK
Advertising Ends on: Extended Until Position is Filled
Advertising Started on: Friday, May 8th, 2026
College: Carver College of Medicine
Department: Internal Medicine
Salary
Salary: Commensurate
Position Details
Full/Part Time Status: Negotiable
Position Description:
The University of Iowa Department of Internal Medicine is seeking a Research Assistant Professor (non-tenure) in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, a vibrant community located in the rolling hills of southeastern Iowa. One of four UNESCO Cities of Literature, the Iowa City community offers outstanding schools, quality entertainment, literary, musical and cultural opportunities, outdoor recreation and Big Ten sporting events. Learn more about Iowa City and the Department of Internal Medicine by watching the video: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/internalmedicine/about-us/why-iowa
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.
Education Requirement:
Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent.
Required Qualifications:
- The candidate must have performed research focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cardiac physiology and heart disease and have a minimum of 3-year postdoctoral experience with a strong publication record.
-
Proven expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry, cell biology, heart physiology, laser scanning confocal Ca2+ imaging and patch-clamp electrophysiology is required.
-
Candidates must also have excellent skill in rodent heart microsurgeries.
Desirable Qualifications:
Desired qualifications include expertise in virus packaging and processing.
Online Application Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae
To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.
Contact Information
Contact: Sara L Zimmerman - sara-zimmerman@uiowa.edu
Cmed-Internal Medicine
General Hospital
220 Hawkins Drive
E315 GH
Iowa City, IA 52242
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs.
Prospective employees may review the University Campus Security Policy and the latest annual crime statistics by contacting the Department of Public Safety at 319/335-5022.
Requisition # 75917
Position Basics
Type of Position RESEARCH-TRACK
Advertising Ends on: Extended Until Position is Filled
Advertising Started on: Friday, May 8th, 2026
College: Carver College of Medicine
Department: Internal Medicine
Salary
Salary: Commensurate
Position Details
Full/Part Time Status: Negotiable
Position Description:
The University of Iowa Department of Internal Medicine is seeking a Research Assistant Professor (non-tenure) in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, a vibrant community located in the rolling hills of southeastern Iowa. One of four UNESCO Cities of Literature, the Iowa City community offers outstanding schools, quality entertainment, literary, musical and cultural opportunities, outdoor recreation and Big Ten sporting events. Learn more about Iowa City and the Department of Internal Medicine by watching the video: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/internalmedicine/about-us/why-iowa
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.
Education Requirement:
Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent.
Required Qualifications:
- The candidate must have performed research focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cardiac physiology and heart disease and have a minimum of 3-year postdoctoral experience with a strong publication record.
-
Proven expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry, cell biology, heart physiology, laser scanning confocal Ca2+ imaging and patch-clamp electrophysiology is required.
-
Candidates must also have excellent skill in rodent heart microsurgeries.
Desirable Qualifications:
Desired qualifications include expertise in virus packaging and processing.
Online Application Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae
To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.
Contact Information
Contact: Sara L Zimmerman - sara-zimmerman@uiowa.edu
Cmed-Internal Medicine
General Hospital
220 Hawkins Drive
E315 GH
Iowa City, IA 52242
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs.
Prospective employees may review the University Campus Security Policy and the latest annual crime statistics by contacting the Department of Public Safety at 319/335-5022.
See all 592+ OPT Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Assistant Professor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Assistant Professor
Target research-intensive universities first
R1 and R2 Carnegie-classified universities file the most H-1B visa petitions for academic researchers. These institutions have established immigration infrastructure, making the transition from OPT to sponsored status significantly smoother than at smaller colleges.
Align your OPT employment with your degree field
For STEM OPT extension eligibility, your Research Assistant Professor role must be directly related to your degree. Document this connection clearly in your DSO reporting, since USCIS scrutinizes academic positions for field alignment during extension applications.
Confirm your employer has a STEM-designated program
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be E-Verify enrolled. Most major universities already are, but confirm before accepting an offer. Your DSO must also approve the extension before your current EAD expires to maintain work authorization.
Frame your research funding as job security
Hiring departments worry that OPT timelines won't align with grant cycles. Present your current grant funding or fellowship duration upfront, showing you can contribute meaningfully within the authorization window before the department commits to sponsorship.
Build relationships with your department's HR immigration specialist
Large universities have dedicated immigration coordinators who process faculty visa petitions routinely. Identifying and meeting this person early helps you understand the internal sponsorship timeline and signals that you're planning ahead rather than creating last-minute urgency.
Use your publication record as a sponsorship argument
For O-1A or EB-1A pathways, peer-reviewed publications, citations, and conference presentations serve as direct evidence of extraordinary ability. Departments are more willing to sponsor researchers whose credentials already support a strong visa petition case.
Research Assistant Professor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Assistant Professor role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field that matches the research focus of the position. The role must be a paid, bona fide employment relationship with at least 20 hours per week. Unpaid visiting appointments or purely adjunct teaching roles typically do not meet OPT employment requirements, so confirm the terms with your DSO before accepting.
Will universities typically sponsor Research Assistant Professors for H-1B visas?
Most R1 and R2 universities sponsor Research Assistant Professors for H-1B visas regularly, especially when the hire is tied to a funded research project. Universities are cap-exempt employers, meaning they can file H-1B petitions at any time of year without waiting for the annual lottery. This is a meaningful advantage over industry roles, where cap-subject lottery odds add significant uncertainty.
Can I work as a Research Assistant Professor while on OPT if I'm still completing my dissertation?
No. OPT requires that you have already completed or are completing your degree program. You cannot begin post-completion OPT until after your program end date, and your Research Assistant Professor employment must start after your EAD is valid. If you're still ABD and want to work, discuss whether the role qualifies under pre-completion OPT with your DSO.
Where can I find Research Assistant Professor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so the jobs listed there are filtered for visa sponsorship openness. Searching Migrate Mate for Research Assistant Professor roles saves time compared to sorting through postings that don't address work authorization at all.
Does a Research Assistant Professor role count as qualifying employment for an EB-1A or EB-2 NIW green card?
Yes. Research faculty positions are among the most commonly cited roles in successful EB-1A extraordinary ability and EB-2 National Interest Waiver petitions. Your publications, citations, grant funding, peer review activity, and contributions to your field all serve as direct evidence. Many researchers begin building their green card case while on OPT, since the record you establish during this period forms the foundation of the petition.