OPT Research Fellow Jobs
Research Fellow positions are among the most OPT-compatible roles available, with universities, research hospitals, and federal labs regularly hiring international students. Most positions align directly with STEM degree fields, extending your OPT authorization to 24 additional months and giving you time to transition toward long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsHow to Apply
Applications should be sent to abucsek@umich.edu and hongyix@umich.edu with the subject line: Postdoctoral Application - Granular materials using graph theory.
Interested applicants should submit:
- Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience (or information embedded in email).
- Curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for three references.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position as part of an NSF-funded project focused on understanding the relationships among particle geometry, packing structure, force transmission, and mechanical properties in dense assemblies of faceted, nonspherical granular particles. This multi-PI project integrates graph/network theory, granular mechanics, 3D X-ray diffraction and imaging, and discrete element method simulations. The successful candidate will join a collaborative experimental-computational team led by Prof. Hongyi Xiao and Prof. Ashley Bucsek at the University of Michigan and with opportunities at national synchrotron facilities.
One of the hallmarks of granular materials is the complexity of their particle shapes. Real-world granular materials often consist of particles with flat surfaces, edges, and corners, including minerals formed through crystallization, ceramics produced by comminution, and building blocks used in durable ancient architecture. This project will use graph theory to represent and analyze the contact networks of faceted, nonspherical particles. Graph-based descriptors will be constructed from X-ray-based 3D in-situ characterization methods, including High-Energy Diffraction Microscopy and Micro-Computed Tomography, and supported by Discrete Element Method simulations.
The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to one or more aspects of the project, including graph/network construction and analysis, 3D in-situ X-ray diffraction and imaging experiments, and discrete element method simulations. Applicants with strong expertise in any one of these areas and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Work closely with an integrated experimental, computational, and data-analysis team at the University of Michigan.
- Develop and apply graph/network-based representations of faceted granular assemblies.
- Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and/or computational modeling, depending on expertise.
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present results at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to project reporting and participate in regular team meetings.
- Engage in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment spanning solid mechanics, materials science, X-ray characterization, condensed matter physics, granular mechanics, and network theory.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A Ph.D. in physics, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, computational science, or a closely related field.
- A strong background in one or more of the following areas: graph/network analysis, solid mechanics, materials science, soft condensed matter physics, or computational modeling.
- Experience with data analysis or computational tools using MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong communication skills and interest in collaborative, team-based research.
Desired Qualifications
Preferred candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Graph-based network analysis for complex particle systems.
- 3D X-ray diffraction, high-energy diffraction microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and the associated analysis methods.
- Discrete element method and/or finite element method simulations.
- Physics of granular materials related to jamming, packing and deformation.
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
Position Details:
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
- Department: Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan
- Start date: Preferred start date September - December 2026
- Appointment length: Initial one-year appointment, renewable based on performance for an additional one to two years.
- Funding: U.S. National Science Foundation
- Supervisors: Prof. Hongyi Xiao (Department of Mechanical Engineering) and Prof. Ashley Bucsek (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering)
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 at 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
281393
Working Title
RESEARCH FELLOW - NSF - Granular Materials Using Graph Theory
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
CoE Mechanical Engineering
Posting Begin/End Date
8/07/2026 - 8/21/2026
Career Interest
Research Fellows
How to Apply
Applications should be sent to abucsek@umich.edu and hongyix@umich.edu with the subject line: Postdoctoral Application - Granular materials using graph theory.
Interested applicants should submit:
- Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience (or information embedded in email).
- Curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for three references.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position as part of an NSF-funded project focused on understanding the relationships among particle geometry, packing structure, force transmission, and mechanical properties in dense assemblies of faceted, nonspherical granular particles. This multi-PI project integrates graph/network theory, granular mechanics, 3D X-ray diffraction and imaging, and discrete element method simulations. The successful candidate will join a collaborative experimental-computational team led by Prof. Hongyi Xiao and Prof. Ashley Bucsek at the University of Michigan and with opportunities at national synchrotron facilities.
One of the hallmarks of granular materials is the complexity of their particle shapes. Real-world granular materials often consist of particles with flat surfaces, edges, and corners, including minerals formed through crystallization, ceramics produced by comminution, and building blocks used in durable ancient architecture. This project will use graph theory to represent and analyze the contact networks of faceted, nonspherical particles. Graph-based descriptors will be constructed from X-ray-based 3D in-situ characterization methods, including High-Energy Diffraction Microscopy and Micro-Computed Tomography, and supported by Discrete Element Method simulations.
The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to one or more aspects of the project, including graph/network construction and analysis, 3D in-situ X-ray diffraction and imaging experiments, and discrete element method simulations. Applicants with strong expertise in any one of these areas and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Work closely with an integrated experimental, computational, and data-analysis team at the University of Michigan.
- Develop and apply graph/network-based representations of faceted granular assemblies.
- Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and/or computational modeling, depending on expertise.
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present results at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to project reporting and participate in regular team meetings.
- Engage in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment spanning solid mechanics, materials science, X-ray characterization, condensed matter physics, granular mechanics, and network theory.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A Ph.D. in physics, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, computational science, or a closely related field.
- A strong background in one or more of the following areas: graph/network analysis, solid mechanics, materials science, soft condensed matter physics, or computational modeling.
- Experience with data analysis or computational tools using MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong communication skills and interest in collaborative, team-based research.
Desired Qualifications
Preferred candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Graph-based network analysis for complex particle systems.
- 3D X-ray diffraction, high-energy diffraction microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and the associated analysis methods.
- Discrete element method and/or finite element method simulations.
- Physics of granular materials related to jamming, packing and deformation.
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
Position Details:
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
- Department: Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan
- Start date: Preferred start date September - December 2026
- Appointment length: Initial one-year appointment, renewable based on performance for an additional one to two years.
- Funding: U.S. National Science Foundation
- Supervisors: Prof. Hongyi Xiao (Department of Mechanical Engineering) and Prof. Ashley Bucsek (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering)
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 at 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
281393
Working Title
RESEARCH FELLOW - NSF - Granular Materials Using Graph Theory
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
CoE Mechanical Engineering
Posting Begin/End Date
8/07/2026 - 8/21/2026
Career Interest
Research Fellows
See all 568+ OPT Research Fellow Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Research Fellow Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Research Fellow
Target STEM-designated programs first
Research Fellow roles tied to STEM CIP codes qualify for 24-month OPT extensions. Confirm your degree field appears on the STEM OPT list before applying, since this directly determines how much authorized work time you have.
Verify your employer is E-Verify enrolled
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm enrollment before accepting an offer. Most universities and research institutions are already enrolled, but smaller private labs sometimes are not.
Ask about mentorship and training plans early
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan (Form I-983) signed by your employer. Raise this in the offer stage, not after. Research-focused supervisors are typically familiar with this requirement and expect the conversation.
Prioritize institutions with established international hiring
Universities, national laboratories, and research hospitals regularly sponsor H-1B visa and O-1 visas for Research Fellows. Institutions with existing international researchers on staff understand the process and are far more likely to sponsor you long-term.
Align your application materials to your degree field
Research Fellow roles require a clear connection between your degree and the position. Your resume and cover letter should explicitly name the academic field, methods, and tools that link your degree to the specific research area.
Clarify your OPT end date and cap-gap exposure upfront
If your OPT expires before an H-1B takes effect, cap-gap protection may apply. Discuss your timeline with your DSO early so you understand exactly how long you can work and what documentation your employer needs.
Research Fellow OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Research Fellow on OPT?
Yes, provided the role directly relates to your degree field. Research Fellow positions are generally strong OPT matches because they require specialized academic training. Your DSO must authorize the position on your EAD, and the job duties need to align with the field listed on your I-20. If you hold a STEM degree, you may also qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month period.
Does a Research Fellow role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but eligibility depends on your specific degree CIP code, not the job title itself. Research Fellow positions in fields like biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and data science routinely qualify. Your DSO can confirm whether your degree field appears on the STEM OPT designated degree program list. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which is a separate requirement from the degree match.
How do I find Research Fellow jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT students and filters Research Fellow listings by sponsorship status. Universities, federal research agencies, and large hospital systems are the most reliable sources of Research Fellow roles open to international students. Searching by institution type rather than location often surfaces more relevant results for this role category.
Will a Research Fellow employer sponsor my H-1B after OPT ends?
Many do, particularly universities, national labs, and federally funded research centers. These institutions have dedicated HR and legal teams experienced with H-1B and O-1 petitions for research staff. It is worth asking directly during the offer process whether the organization has a history of sponsoring international researchers. The O-1A visa is also worth exploring if your research record includes publications, awards, or other recognized contributions to your field.
What documentation does my employer need for my STEM OPT extension as a Research Fellow?
Your employer needs to complete Form I-983, which is a training plan outlining your learning objectives, supervision structure, and how the role connects to your STEM degree. Research supervisors at universities and labs are familiar with this process. You submit the I-983 to your DSO, who then files the STEM OPT extension application. The employer does not file directly with USCIS, but their signed participation is required before your DSO can proceed.