STEM OPT Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs
Postdoctoral Research Fellow roles at universities and research institutions are among the strongest fits for STEM OPT students. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension covers the full arc of a standard postdoc appointment, and most academic employers are already enrolled in E-Verify. Your STEM degree field must align with the CIP code on your I-20.
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Get Access To All JobsPostdoctoral Research Fellow, Hematology and Oncology
- 51072
- 1 Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, Massachusetts
- Full Time
Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department: Hematology and Oncology
Location: Boston, MA
Schedule: 40 hours per week, On-site
Position Summary:
The Dries Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to build novel computational methods for spatial omics and help drive the development of spatial data analysis software, specifically within Giotto Suite. This is a dynamic role designed for a researcher with a strong capacity for multi-tasking and project management. You will be working in an environment that integrates both wet and dry lab approaches. The successful candidate will play a critical part in pushing collaborative projects across the finish line while actively helping in supervising and mentoring trainees in the lab.
Positioned at the cutting edge of computational biology, this role involves designing robust analytical pipelines, interpreting complex and large-scale spatial datasets, and contributing to high-impact scientific publications. While project execution is key there are ample opportunities to explore and develop your own innovative research ideas.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Data Analysis: Performs advanced analyses of large-scale and 3D spatial datasets to evaluate research questions and generate biological insights.
- Software & Method Development: Contributes to the design, implementation, and expansion of spatial data analysis software (focusing on the Giotto Suite). Develops and troubleshoots novel computational methodologies and analytical pipelines.
- Project Management: Manages and executes collaborative projects and ensures that research objectives, data analyses and publication milestones are met efficiently.
- Mentorship & Leadership: Actively supervises, guides, and advises students and junior lab members on method development, coding best practices, and data interpretation.
- Scientific Communication: Writes and prepares manuscripts in conjunction with the principal investigator and collaborators. Presents research findings at local and international scientific meetings.
- Continuous Innovation & Independent Research: Conducts independent literature and technology searches to identify and integrate new techniques (e.g., image analysis, new omics platforms) into the lab's analytical repertoire, while actively exploring your own scientific questions.
- Performs other tasks as needed.
The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required.
Job Requirements
Education
- Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications (Considered a Strong Plus)
- Expertise in spatial multi-omics data analysis and technologies.
- Advanced experience with image analysis techniques.
- Familiarity or hands-on experience with generative AI and its application to biological datasets.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Strong programming and software engineering skills required (e.g., R, Rust, Python, SQL, and/or C++).
- Demonstrated publication record with evidence of successfully completing projects and publishing impactful scientific papers required.
- Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to multi-task, prioritize workflows, and drive collaborative projects to completion.
- Excellent communication skills and a strong desire to mentor junior researchers.
- We highly value a collaborative spirit, and the ideal candidate must be a strong team player and a great fit for our multidisciplinary group.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and BU schools of public health and dentistry, intellectual rigor shapes our inquiries. Our research is led by a belief that skin color, zip code, and financial circumstances shouldn’t dictate health.
Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.
Compensation Range:
$66,000.00 - $96,000.00
This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being.
NOTE: This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or “apps” job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Hematology and Oncology
- 51072
- 1 Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, Massachusetts
- Full Time
Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department: Hematology and Oncology
Location: Boston, MA
Schedule: 40 hours per week, On-site
Position Summary:
The Dries Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to build novel computational methods for spatial omics and help drive the development of spatial data analysis software, specifically within Giotto Suite. This is a dynamic role designed for a researcher with a strong capacity for multi-tasking and project management. You will be working in an environment that integrates both wet and dry lab approaches. The successful candidate will play a critical part in pushing collaborative projects across the finish line while actively helping in supervising and mentoring trainees in the lab.
Positioned at the cutting edge of computational biology, this role involves designing robust analytical pipelines, interpreting complex and large-scale spatial datasets, and contributing to high-impact scientific publications. While project execution is key there are ample opportunities to explore and develop your own innovative research ideas.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Data Analysis: Performs advanced analyses of large-scale and 3D spatial datasets to evaluate research questions and generate biological insights.
- Software & Method Development: Contributes to the design, implementation, and expansion of spatial data analysis software (focusing on the Giotto Suite). Develops and troubleshoots novel computational methodologies and analytical pipelines.
- Project Management: Manages and executes collaborative projects and ensures that research objectives, data analyses and publication milestones are met efficiently.
- Mentorship & Leadership: Actively supervises, guides, and advises students and junior lab members on method development, coding best practices, and data interpretation.
- Scientific Communication: Writes and prepares manuscripts in conjunction with the principal investigator and collaborators. Presents research findings at local and international scientific meetings.
- Continuous Innovation & Independent Research: Conducts independent literature and technology searches to identify and integrate new techniques (e.g., image analysis, new omics platforms) into the lab's analytical repertoire, while actively exploring your own scientific questions.
- Performs other tasks as needed.
The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required.
Job Requirements
Education
- Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications (Considered a Strong Plus)
- Expertise in spatial multi-omics data analysis and technologies.
- Advanced experience with image analysis techniques.
- Familiarity or hands-on experience with generative AI and its application to biological datasets.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Strong programming and software engineering skills required (e.g., R, Rust, Python, SQL, and/or C++).
- Demonstrated publication record with evidence of successfully completing projects and publishing impactful scientific papers required.
- Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to multi-task, prioritize workflows, and drive collaborative projects to completion.
- Excellent communication skills and a strong desire to mentor junior researchers.
- We highly value a collaborative spirit, and the ideal candidate must be a strong team player and a great fit for our multidisciplinary group.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and BU schools of public health and dentistry, intellectual rigor shapes our inquiries. Our research is led by a belief that skin color, zip code, and financial circumstances shouldn’t dictate health.
Boston Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Talentacquisition@bmc.org or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.
Compensation Range:
$66,000.00 - $96,000.00
This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being.
NOTE: This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or “apps” job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.
See all 47+ STEM OPT Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT extension depends on the Classification of Instructional Programs code tied to your degree, not just your major title. Cross-check your I-20's CIP code against USCIS's list of STEM-designated programs before targeting postdoc openings in a specific field.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Universities and national labs almost always participate in E-Verify, but private research institutes sometimes don't. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by institution name to confirm enrollment before your DSO submits your STEM OPT extension application.
Build your I-983 training plan around research deliverables
Your I-983 must name specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree field. For postdocs, map each objective to a defined research milestone, such as a published paper or lab method, so your training plan survives a SEVIS audit.
Target labs with recurring postdoc pipelines
PIs who have supervised postdocs before understand the E-Verify and I-983 requirements and won't be surprised by them. Search DOL LCA disclosure data by job title and institution to find labs with a consistent pattern of sponsoring postdoctoral roles on work authorization.
Search Migrate Mate to find E-Verify enrolled research employers
Postdoc openings at non-E-Verify employers disqualify you for STEM OPT before an offer is even made. Migrate Mate filters postdoctoral positions to show only employers enrolled in E-Verify, so you don't waste applications on institutions that can't authorize your extension.
Start your extension application 90 days before OPT ends
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed before your initial OPT EAD expires. A timely filing triggers a 180-day cap-gap that keeps you authorized while USCIS adjudicates, but the clock starts only if you file on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Postdoctoral Research Fellow role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree field matches the CIP code on your I-20 and the postdoc involves work directly related to that field. Most postdoc appointments at universities and research institutions satisfy the STEM OPT requirement because the research directly applies knowledge from your STEM degree. Your DSO confirms eligibility when recommending the extension in SEVIS.
Does my postdoctoral employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT employers. Without it, your employer can't legally employ you on the extension regardless of the role's research content. Most universities and federal research labs are already enrolled, but confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before accepting any offer, not after.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a postdoc position?
The I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree field, the supervision structure, and how the employer will evaluate your progress. For postdocs, frame each objective around a concrete research deliverable, such as completing a set of experiments or co-authoring a publication, and have your PI sign off before your DSO submits the recommendation.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my postdoc appointment ends early?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new qualifying employer, change status, or depart the U.S. If you start a new postdoc, your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and a new or amended I-983 is required. Your DSO must be notified within five business days of any material change in your training plan.
How do I find Postdoctoral Research Fellow openings at E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate filters postdoc listings to show only employers enrolled in E-Verify, which is the threshold requirement for STEM OPT eligibility. You can also cross-reference DOL LCA disclosure data to see which research institutions have a track record of hiring on work authorization for postdoctoral job titles before you invest time in an application.