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 JobsHow to Apply
Interested applicants, please submit as one PDF document: (1) a letter of interest; (2) personal statement regarding research interests, career goals, and experience; (3) a curriculum vitae; (4) a writing sample (for example, a published peer-reviewed manuscript or manuscript in preparation for peer review); and (5) contact information for two or three references who can supply a letter of recommendation.
Additional materials and questions about the position can be sent to the PI (Dr. Kristina Smiley) at [email protected].
Job Summary
The Smiley Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a motivated and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join our laboratory, starting August 2026 (start date flexible). Our lab investigates the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying parental behavior, with a particular focus on how the hormones associated with parenting modulate sensory processing of offspring vocal cues. This position offers a unique opportunity to not only conduct cutting-edge in vivo electrophysiology experiments, but also to play a central role in establishing this technique from the ground up in a new lab environment. Postdocs in the lab will be encouraged to apply for independent funding to support their career development. The PI and other lab members are committed to providing mentorship in neuroendocrinology, behavioral paradigms, technical training, and grant/fellowship writing, with guidance tailored to the postdoc's long-term career goals and a strong emphasis on supporting their transition to the next career stage.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include:
- Lead the execution of one of our NIH funded projects: testing whether hormones are required for neural responses to offspring begging calls in zebra finches, using pharmacological manipulations and in vivo extracellular electrophysiology.
- Establish, optimize, and maintain an in vivo electrophysiology system (including ordering and configuring equipment, troubleshooting hardware/software, and piloting experimental protocols).
- Design, conduct, and analyze electrophysiological experiments in awake, behaving animals.
- Supervise and mentor junior trainees, including graduate and undergraduate students, in technical methods and experimental design.
- Present research findings at lab meetings, conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.
- Develop independent research directions and contribute to future grant proposals that build upon and extend the labs' core areas of expertise.
- Contribute to the collaborative, supportive environment of a new and growing lab.
Required Qualifications
The fellow is expected to have:
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, or a related field by the start date.
- Hands-on experience with in vivo electrophysiology (single-unit, multi-unit, or related approaches) in animal models.
- Strong technical skills in setting up and troubleshooting complex experimental systems.
- Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, conduct, and analyze experiments.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Applicants are expected to have met all doctoral requirements before the start of the fellowship.
Desired Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- Previous experience with neuroendocrinology, hormone manipulation, or sensory neurobiology.
- Experience with custom hardware/electrode building (e.g., microdrives, tetrodes, cannulation systems).
- Experience working with avian animal model systems.
- A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for contributing to a new laboratory setup and culture.
- Interest in mentoring and training students in experimental neuroscience.
- Strong motivation to develop independent research directions and pursue external funding opportunities that prepare for a future independent career.
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
Location:
The University of Michigan offers an extraordinary intellectual environment, with world-class neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical research communities, extensive core facilities, and a vibrant culture of collaboration across disciplines. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan a city consistently ranked among the best places to live in the you'll enjoy a dynamic, culturally rich community with excellent restaurants, music and arts, easy access to nature, and a welcoming, progressive atmosphere. Postdocs will join a vibrant community of like-minded scientists in the Brain & Behavior area of the UM Psychology Department, as well as gain additional support through the Michigan Neuroscience Institute.
The salary range is $63,480 - $71,748. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, however, the start date is flexible.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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. This job may be removed from the posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will begin to be reviewed one week after the posting opens and will remain open until the position is filled.
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
279101
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position in Behavioral
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 Of Lsa
Department
LSA Psychology
Posting Begin/End Date
6/19/2026 - 8/02/2026
Salary
$63,480.00 - $71,748.00
Career Interest
Research Fellows
How to Apply
Interested applicants, please submit as one PDF document: (1) a letter of interest; (2) personal statement regarding research interests, career goals, and experience; (3) a curriculum vitae; (4) a writing sample (for example, a published peer-reviewed manuscript or manuscript in preparation for peer review); and (5) contact information for two or three references who can supply a letter of recommendation.
Additional materials and questions about the position can be sent to the PI (Dr. Kristina Smiley) at [email protected].
Job Summary
The Smiley Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a motivated and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join our laboratory, starting August 2026 (start date flexible). Our lab investigates the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying parental behavior, with a particular focus on how the hormones associated with parenting modulate sensory processing of offspring vocal cues. This position offers a unique opportunity to not only conduct cutting-edge in vivo electrophysiology experiments, but also to play a central role in establishing this technique from the ground up in a new lab environment. Postdocs in the lab will be encouraged to apply for independent funding to support their career development. The PI and other lab members are committed to providing mentorship in neuroendocrinology, behavioral paradigms, technical training, and grant/fellowship writing, with guidance tailored to the postdoc's long-term career goals and a strong emphasis on supporting their transition to the next career stage.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include:
- Lead the execution of one of our NIH funded projects: testing whether hormones are required for neural responses to offspring begging calls in zebra finches, using pharmacological manipulations and in vivo extracellular electrophysiology.
- Establish, optimize, and maintain an in vivo electrophysiology system (including ordering and configuring equipment, troubleshooting hardware/software, and piloting experimental protocols).
- Design, conduct, and analyze electrophysiological experiments in awake, behaving animals.
- Supervise and mentor junior trainees, including graduate and undergraduate students, in technical methods and experimental design.
- Present research findings at lab meetings, conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.
- Develop independent research directions and contribute to future grant proposals that build upon and extend the labs' core areas of expertise.
- Contribute to the collaborative, supportive environment of a new and growing lab.
Required Qualifications
The fellow is expected to have:
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, or a related field by the start date.
- Hands-on experience with in vivo electrophysiology (single-unit, multi-unit, or related approaches) in animal models.
- Strong technical skills in setting up and troubleshooting complex experimental systems.
- Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, conduct, and analyze experiments.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Applicants are expected to have met all doctoral requirements before the start of the fellowship.
Desired Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- Previous experience with neuroendocrinology, hormone manipulation, or sensory neurobiology.
- Experience with custom hardware/electrode building (e.g., microdrives, tetrodes, cannulation systems).
- Experience working with avian animal model systems.
- A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for contributing to a new laboratory setup and culture.
- Interest in mentoring and training students in experimental neuroscience.
- Strong motivation to develop independent research directions and pursue external funding opportunities that prepare for a future independent career.
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
Location:
The University of Michigan offers an extraordinary intellectual environment, with world-class neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical research communities, extensive core facilities, and a vibrant culture of collaboration across disciplines. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan a city consistently ranked among the best places to live in the you'll enjoy a dynamic, culturally rich community with excellent restaurants, music and arts, easy access to nature, and a welcoming, progressive atmosphere. Postdocs will join a vibrant community of like-minded scientists in the Brain & Behavior area of the UM Psychology Department, as well as gain additional support through the Michigan Neuroscience Institute.
The salary range is $63,480 - $71,748. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, however, the start date is flexible.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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. This job may be removed from the posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will begin to be reviewed one week after the posting opens and will remain open until the position is filled.
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
279101
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position in Behavioral
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 Of Lsa
Department
LSA Psychology
Posting Begin/End Date
6/19/2026 - 8/02/2026
Salary
$63,480.00 - $71,748.00
Career Interest
Research Fellows
See all 209+ 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.