STEM OPT Physics Jobs
Physics graduates on STEM OPT get up to 36 months of work authorization, 12 initial plus a 24-month STEM extension, to work in roles like research scientist, data physicist, or quantitative analyst. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your Physics degree must match a qualifying STEM CIP code.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Department of Physics at William & Mary, a public university of the Commonwealth of Virginia, invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position, expected to begin on August 10, 2027. Earlier start dates may be possible depending on availability. We seek an individual with expertise in theoretical quantum matter to join Daniele Guerci’s research group. Information on Dr. Guerci's research group can be found here: https://danieleguerci.github.io/
The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a second year based on performance and funding availability.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Required Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. in Physics, or related field, at the time appointment begins (expected to begin August 10, 2027).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in analytical and/or computational modeling of interacting electron systems.
- Current research topics include, but are not limited to, unconventional superconductivity, fractionalization, and electronic crystallization in quantum materials.
Applicants must apply online at https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/careers/. For full consideration, please upload your curriculum-vitae, cover letter, and research statement. Candidates who reach the long-list (Zoom) interview stage will be prompted to submit online the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted by the system with instructions for how to submit a letter of reference.
For full consideration, submit application materials by the review begin date, February 19th 2027. Applications received after the review date will be considered if needed. Information on the Department of Physics may be found at www.wm.edu/as/physics.
COMPENSATION
- Posting Range: $65,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience and internal alignment
ADDITIONAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Profile:
JP0518 - Postdoctoral Research Associate (12 months) - Exempt - Salary - S99
Qualifications
Compensation Grade:
S99
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-07-23
Position Restrictions:
Restricted Funds & Restricted Term
EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
LOCATION
Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Physics at William & Mary, a public university of the Commonwealth of Virginia, invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position, expected to begin on August 10, 2027. Earlier start dates may be possible depending on availability. We seek an individual with expertise in theoretical quantum matter to join Daniele Guerci’s research group. Information on Dr. Guerci's research group can be found here: https://danieleguerci.github.io/
The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a second year based on performance and funding availability.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Required Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. in Physics, or related field, at the time appointment begins (expected to begin August 10, 2027).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in analytical and/or computational modeling of interacting electron systems.
- Current research topics include, but are not limited to, unconventional superconductivity, fractionalization, and electronic crystallization in quantum materials.
Applicants must apply online at https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/careers/. For full consideration, please upload your curriculum-vitae, cover letter, and research statement. Candidates who reach the long-list (Zoom) interview stage will be prompted to submit online the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted by the system with instructions for how to submit a letter of reference.
For full consideration, submit application materials by the review begin date, February 19th 2027. Applications received after the review date will be considered if needed. Information on the Department of Physics may be found at www.wm.edu/as/physics.
COMPENSATION
- Posting Range: $65,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience and internal alignment
ADDITIONAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Profile:
JP0518 - Postdoctoral Research Associate (12 months) - Exempt - Salary - S99
Qualifications
Compensation Grade:
S99
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-07-23
Position Restrictions:
Restricted Funds & Restricted Term
EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
LOCATION
Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Physics
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Physics degrees typically fall under CIP code 40.08, but concentrations like applied physics or astrophysics may carry different codes. Pull your transcript and verify your program's exact CIP code with your DSO before you start applications.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
An employer who isn't enrolled in E-Verify cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT extension. Use the E-Verify employer search to confirm enrollment before investing time in interviews or offer negotiations.
Target national labs and research institutions early
National laboratories like Argonne, Fermilab, and Oak Ridge regularly hire Physics STEM OPT students and have established I-983 training plan processes. Starting outreach six months before your initial OPT expires gives procurement cycles time to move.
Build your I-983 training plan around measurable outcomes
USCIS requires the I-983 to show how the training relates directly to your Physics degree. Frame each goal around specific technical skills, Monte Carlo simulations, spectroscopy, or detector calibration, not generic job duties. Vague plans draw RFEs.
Use Migrate Mate to find Physics roles at E-Verify employers
Search Migrate Mate to surface Physics positions at employers already verified for E-Verify enrollment, so you're not discovering compliance gaps after an offer. Filter by STEM OPT eligibility to focus your applications where authorization is already supported.
Understand cap-gap protection if H-1B is filed
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your STEM OPT expires and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Confirm the petition's timely filing receipt with your employer's HR team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Physics degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension?
Physics degrees generally qualify, but eligibility depends on the specific CIP code your program was classified under at your institution. Common qualifying codes include 40.08 (Physics, General) and related concentrations. Your DSO verifies eligibility and issues the updated I-20. Confirm your program's CIP code with your school's international student office before assuming you qualify.
What E-Verify requirement applies to STEM OPT employers in Physics?
Any employer who wants to hire you on a STEM OPT extension must be actively enrolled in E-Verify for the hiring location. This isn't optional. If a physics lab, tech company, or national laboratory isn't enrolled, they cannot extend your work authorization regardless of how well you fit the role. Use the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment before accepting any offer.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for a Physics STEM OPT role?
The I-983 must document how your job duties directly relate to your Physics degree. For physics roles, this means detailing specific technical training areas, computational modeling, experimental design, data analysis, or instrumentation, and tying each to your academic background. Both you and your employer sign it, and your DSO must approve it. Generic job descriptions without academic connection risk rejection by USCIS.
How do I find Physics jobs where employers are already set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lets you search Physics roles filtered by employers enrolled in E-Verify, so you can focus your applications on opportunities where your STEM OPT authorization is already supported. This saves time you'd otherwise spend vetting compliance status during the offer stage, when switching employers becomes costly and time-sensitive.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my Physics employer files an H-1B petition for me?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition before your STEM OPT end date and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. Your EAD doesn't need to be renewed during cap-gap. If the H-1B isn't selected, your STEM OPT authorization ends on its original expiration date, so have a contingency plan ready.