STEM OPT Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs
Postdoctoral Researcher roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, giving graduates with qualifying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics degrees up to 24 additional months of work authorization beyond their initial OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, which most universities and research institutions already are.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at the University of Utah invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in the Brain Network Lab. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team that includes faculty from radiology, psychology, biomedical engineering, and related disciplines. The Brain Network Lab is dedicated to understanding structural and functional brain changes across the lifespan. This position will contribute to the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences’ growing research initiative focused on identifying the etiology and biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders. Research projects will leverage unique longitudinal neuroimaging datasets available through the University of Utah and its collaborative research programs.
Responsibilities
Current projects focus on healthy aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurodevelopmental conditions, including developmental disabilities. The postdoctoral fellow will lead and contribute to the development and application of advanced neuroimaging analysis pipelines, including:
- Longitudinal structural MRI analysis
- Resting-state functional MRI connectivity and network analysis
- Individualized brain parcellation and precision neuroimaging approaches
- Multimodal image processing, registration, and quantitative analysis
- Biomarker discovery using large-scale longitudinal datasets
Training and Career Development
This position offers outstanding opportunities for multidisciplinary mentorship, scientific collaboration, and professional development. The fellow will work closely with investigators across multiple departments and will have access to extensive longitudinal imaging resources and computational infrastructure. Training will emphasize the development of independent research skills, grant writing, manuscript preparation, and career advancement toward academic, industry, or clinical research careers. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and consistent with current NIH postdoctoral stipend guidelines.
Minimum Qualifications
Required
- PhD (completed or anticipated before the start date) in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Computer Science, Medical Physics, or a related field
- Evidence of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
Preferred
- Experience with neuroimaging analysis methods and software (e.g., FreeSurfer, FSL, AFNI, ANTs, Connectome Workbench)
- Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, R, or related languages
- Experience with image processing, registration, machine learning, or computational neuroscience methods
- Interest in aging, neurodegenerative disease, developmental disabilities, or lifespan neuroscience
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
If you are interested in the position, please contact:
Dr. Molly Prigge: molly.prigge@hsc.utah.edu
Dr. Jace King: jace.king@hsc.utah.edu
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
-
- Do you meet the minimum qualifications of the position as specified in the job posting?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of References
Optional Documents
Open Date 08/04/2026
Requisition Number PRN45834B
Job Title Post Doc Res Assoc
Working Title Post Doc Res Assoc
Career Progression Track A00
Track Level
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
Typically M-F 8-5
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00879 - Radiology Research
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $63,480
Close Date 11/03/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
The Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at the University of Utah invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in the Brain Network Lab. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team that includes faculty from radiology, psychology, biomedical engineering, and related disciplines. The Brain Network Lab is dedicated to understanding structural and functional brain changes across the lifespan. This position will contribute to the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences’ growing research initiative focused on identifying the etiology and biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders. Research projects will leverage unique longitudinal neuroimaging datasets available through the University of Utah and its collaborative research programs.
Responsibilities
Current projects focus on healthy aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurodevelopmental conditions, including developmental disabilities. The postdoctoral fellow will lead and contribute to the development and application of advanced neuroimaging analysis pipelines, including:
- Longitudinal structural MRI analysis
- Resting-state functional MRI connectivity and network analysis
- Individualized brain parcellation and precision neuroimaging approaches
- Multimodal image processing, registration, and quantitative analysis
- Biomarker discovery using large-scale longitudinal datasets
Training and Career Development
This position offers outstanding opportunities for multidisciplinary mentorship, scientific collaboration, and professional development. The fellow will work closely with investigators across multiple departments and will have access to extensive longitudinal imaging resources and computational infrastructure. Training will emphasize the development of independent research skills, grant writing, manuscript preparation, and career advancement toward academic, industry, or clinical research careers. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and consistent with current NIH postdoctoral stipend guidelines.
Minimum Qualifications
Required
- PhD (completed or anticipated before the start date) in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Computer Science, Medical Physics, or a related field
- Evidence of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
Preferred
- Experience with neuroimaging analysis methods and software (e.g., FreeSurfer, FSL, AFNI, ANTs, Connectome Workbench)
- Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, R, or related languages
- Experience with image processing, registration, machine learning, or computational neuroscience methods
- Interest in aging, neurodegenerative disease, developmental disabilities, or lifespan neuroscience
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
If you are interested in the position, please contact:
Dr. Molly Prigge: molly.prigge@hsc.utah.edu
Dr. Jace King: jace.king@hsc.utah.edu
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
-
- Do you meet the minimum qualifications of the position as specified in the job posting?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of References
Optional Documents
Open Date 08/04/2026
Requisition Number PRN45834B
Job Title Post Doc Res Assoc
Working Title Post Doc Res Assoc
Career Progression Track A00
Track Level
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
Typically M-F 8-5
VP Area U of U Health - Academics
Department 00879 - Radiology Research
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $63,480
Close Date 11/03/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
See all 416+ STEM OPT Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Postdoctoral Researcher
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT extension depends on your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appearing on USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List. Check your I-20 and confirm your DSO has the correct CIP code before submitting your extension application.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Universities and national labs almost universally maintain E-Verify enrollment, but private research institutes sometimes don't. Ask HR for the employer's E-Verify Company ID or look up the organization directly in the E-Verify database before signing an offer.
Target labs with existing I-983 infrastructure
Postdoc positions require a completed I-983 Training Plan connecting your research duties to your STEM degree. Principal investigators who have sponsored STEM OPT students before already know this process, which cuts your onboarding timeline significantly.
Use Migrate Mate to filter postdoc employers
Many postdoc listings don't specify E-Verify status or prior STEM OPT experience. Migrate Mate filters employers by verified E-Verify enrollment so you can focus your applications on institutions already equipped to hire you.
File your extension 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS allows STEM OPT extension applications starting 90 days before your current EAD end date. Filing early triggers cap-gap protection if your status bridges into an H-1B visa cycle, keeping your work authorization continuous without a gap.
Negotiate your offer letter before the I-983 is drafted
The I-983 must accurately reflect your actual duties, supervision structure, and how the work relates to your degree field. Nail down your title, department, and primary research responsibilities in the offer letter first so the training plan matches without revision requests from your DSO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Postdoctoral Researcher role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, postdoctoral research positions qualify if your underlying degree appears on USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List and the work is directly related to that field. Most postdoc roles in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering satisfy this requirement. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
Are universities and research institutions enrolled in E-Verify?
Most universities and federally funded research institutions are enrolled in E-Verify, but enrollment isn't universal for every campus unit or affiliated research center. Always ask HR for confirmation of the employer's E-Verify Company ID before you accept an offer. Private institutes and nonprofits vary. Migrate Mate shows verified E-Verify enrollment status so you can screen employers before applying.
What goes into the I-983 Training Plan for a postdoc position?
The I-983 requires your employer to describe how your postdoctoral research duties connect to your STEM degree field, identify your supervising faculty member or PI, and outline learning objectives and evaluation timelines. Your DSO must sign off on the plan before your extension is approved. Any significant change in your research scope or supervisor requires a revised I-983 within five days.
Can I stay in status while transitioning between postdoc positions on STEM OPT?
You have a 10-day grace period between OPT-authorized positions, but you must maintain authorization continuously. If you're leaving one postdoc and starting another, coordinate the end date of the first position and start date of the second carefully. Report employer changes to your DSO immediately, as STEM OPT requires timely updates to SEVIS whenever your employment changes.
How does cap-gap protection work if my postdoc employer files an H-1B petition for me?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue your postdoctoral research uninterrupted during this period. Your DSO issues an updated I-20 confirming cap-gap status, which serves as your employment authorization evidence.