Government F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Arizona
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Arizona's government and public sector are concentrated in Phoenix, Tucson, and the East Valley, where agencies and federally contracted organizations hire data scientists, engineers, and IT analysts. Arizona's defense corridors, state technology offices, and research-driven public institutions create steady demand for STEM-designated roles that support F-1 OPT extensions.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation
Downtown Phoenix Campus
Open Date
Apr 01, 2026
Description
This postdoctoral scholar position is located at Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus and is a full time, benefits eligible, 12-month fiscal year appointment. The initial term is one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on satisfactory progress as outlined in the scholar’s Individual Development Plan (IDP).
The Computational Neuropsychology & Simulation (CNS) Lab and Dr. Thomas D. Parsons, PhD invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar focused on research in human computer interaction, computer science, virtual humans, health technologies, simulation science, and immersive technologies. The Postdoctoral Researcher will design, organize, and conduct specialized and advanced research projects in simulation science and learning technologies. The CNS Lab’s ongoing projects focus on virtual humans and advancing simulation science-based theories and concepts in social and clinical education. Interests in extended reality (virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality), wearable sensors (EDA, ECG, EEG, fNIRS) as well as psychological science are highly valued for this position. Established immersive technologies will be used along with scientific protocols and procedures. Responsibilities will include (joining a team of computer scientists and psychologists) designing/developing new platforms, protocols, summarizing findings, publishing results in research journals; and applying for internal and external funding opportunities. The CNS lab has funded projects using virtual humans (e.g., conversational agents, virtual standardized patients) and virtual reality environments. The lab was recently awarded (Parsons is PI) a $5.2 million dollar grant “Virtual Insomnia Patients (VIPs) to Automate and Accelerate Dissemination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).”
The CNS lab is an interdisciplinary lab at Arizona State University (ASU) that includes ASU Health; the School of Arts, Media and Engineering; and Human Systems Engineering. The CNS lab is part of a vibrant and varied research, education, and practice community at ASU, which was named this year by U.S. News and World Report for the eleventh year in a row as #1 in Innovation among all universities in the United States. The CNS lab offers a rich interprofessional research, mentoring, and teaching environment with unique and growing transdisciplinary programs and several centers that encompass education in social science, health equity; health promotion and disease prevention; mindfulness, compassion, and resilience; and healthy and resilient aging. The CNS lab is housed in Edson College where faculty collaborate across professions, other colleges, and universities and have current or recent funding from NIH, PCORI, the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, HRSA, Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration, the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, and several other local, regional, and national organizations. The CNS lab also collaborates with a wide-ranging group of community and healthcare organizations to improve the economic, social, and cultural health and vitality of shared local, state, national, and global communities. Examples of these organizations include Mayo Clinic (satellite CNS Lab), Phoenix Children's Hospital, Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, and the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
About Arizona State University
ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the "New American University," one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society's greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.
Essential Duties
- Design and implement digital platforms and research protocols for simulation and immersive technology (i.e., virtual humans; virtual reality; augmented reality; mixed reality) projects, with a focus on evaluation and assessment of current and proposed education programs.
- Collect, prepare, and analyze research data; maintain a computer database of research data; tabulate and display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation; use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data.
- There is a strong emphasis upon journal publications and grant proposals.
- Actively participate in ongoing interdisciplinary projects in the Computational Neuropsychology & Simulation (CNS) Lab.
- Collaborate with Grace Center Professor for Innovation in Clinical Education, Simulation Science, & Immersive Technology Professor (Dr. Thomas Parsons) and other interprofessional scholars on efforts for clinical science research; participate in the training of colleagues and students as needed.
- Identify, execute, and submit novel technology-related proposals for internal and external funding.
- Search and review pertinent scientific literature as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctorate in Psychology or Computing/Information Science (e.g., Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, AI) or related disciplines, or an equivalent qualification, and must have no more than five years of post-qualification experience at the time of application;
- Demonstrate a solid research trajectory and domain knowledge relevant to at least one or more of the following areas including natural language processing (NLP), generative AI (GenAI), conversational AI/dialogue systems, human-computer interaction (HCI), affective computing/emotion AI, experimental design with creative technology, user-centered design and interaction;
- Have a proven track record of research excellence, demonstrated by an outstanding publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals or top-tier conferences;
- Have strong analytical, programming, or experimental research capabilities aligned with the thematic focus above;
Desired Qualifications
- Have an excellent command of both written and spoken English;
- Have demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary research settings;
- Experience with a statistical software package (e.g., SAS; Statistica; R; SPSS; Matlab).
- Evidence of effective communication skills through teaching or professional presentation experience and/or professional publications.
- Prior extended reality (e.g., virtual reality; augmented reality) research experience through involvement in research projects.
- Prior game engine (e.g., Unreal; Unity) experience.
- Prior Natural Language Processing experience.
- Prior psychophysiology (e.g., EDA, ECG, EEG) research experience through involvement in research projects.
- Experience with quantitative methods and data analysis.
Application Instructions
Application materials should include a curriculum vitae; a letter of interest regarding the CNS Lab and describing how you meet the qualifications noted above; and contact information for 3 references including email addresses. Application deadline is May 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.
Inquiries can be directed to the Director of the CNS Lab—Thomas D. Parsons, PhD (Thomas.Parsons@ASU.edu), Grace Center Professor for Innovation in Clinical Education, Simulation Science, & Immersive Technology.
Application Process
This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
A background check is required for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.
Location
Downtown Phoenix Campus
Open Date
Apr 01, 2026
Description
This postdoctoral scholar position is located at Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus and is a full time, benefits eligible, 12-month fiscal year appointment. The initial term is one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on satisfactory progress as outlined in the scholar’s Individual Development Plan (IDP).
The Computational Neuropsychology & Simulation (CNS) Lab and Dr. Thomas D. Parsons, PhD invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar focused on research in human computer interaction, computer science, virtual humans, health technologies, simulation science, and immersive technologies. The Postdoctoral Researcher will design, organize, and conduct specialized and advanced research projects in simulation science and learning technologies. The CNS Lab’s ongoing projects focus on virtual humans and advancing simulation science-based theories and concepts in social and clinical education. Interests in extended reality (virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality), wearable sensors (EDA, ECG, EEG, fNIRS) as well as psychological science are highly valued for this position. Established immersive technologies will be used along with scientific protocols and procedures. Responsibilities will include (joining a team of computer scientists and psychologists) designing/developing new platforms, protocols, summarizing findings, publishing results in research journals; and applying for internal and external funding opportunities. The CNS lab has funded projects using virtual humans (e.g., conversational agents, virtual standardized patients) and virtual reality environments. The lab was recently awarded (Parsons is PI) a $5.2 million dollar grant “Virtual Insomnia Patients (VIPs) to Automate and Accelerate Dissemination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).”
The CNS lab is an interdisciplinary lab at Arizona State University (ASU) that includes ASU Health; the School of Arts, Media and Engineering; and Human Systems Engineering. The CNS lab is part of a vibrant and varied research, education, and practice community at ASU, which was named this year by U.S. News and World Report for the eleventh year in a row as #1 in Innovation among all universities in the United States. The CNS lab offers a rich interprofessional research, mentoring, and teaching environment with unique and growing transdisciplinary programs and several centers that encompass education in social science, health equity; health promotion and disease prevention; mindfulness, compassion, and resilience; and healthy and resilient aging. The CNS lab is housed in Edson College where faculty collaborate across professions, other colleges, and universities and have current or recent funding from NIH, PCORI, the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, HRSA, Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration, the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, and several other local, regional, and national organizations. The CNS lab also collaborates with a wide-ranging group of community and healthcare organizations to improve the economic, social, and cultural health and vitality of shared local, state, national, and global communities. Examples of these organizations include Mayo Clinic (satellite CNS Lab), Phoenix Children's Hospital, Banner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, and the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
About Arizona State University
ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the "New American University," one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society's greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.
Essential Duties
- Design and implement digital platforms and research protocols for simulation and immersive technology (i.e., virtual humans; virtual reality; augmented reality; mixed reality) projects, with a focus on evaluation and assessment of current and proposed education programs.
- Collect, prepare, and analyze research data; maintain a computer database of research data; tabulate and display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation; use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data.
- There is a strong emphasis upon journal publications and grant proposals.
- Actively participate in ongoing interdisciplinary projects in the Computational Neuropsychology & Simulation (CNS) Lab.
- Collaborate with Grace Center Professor for Innovation in Clinical Education, Simulation Science, & Immersive Technology Professor (Dr. Thomas Parsons) and other interprofessional scholars on efforts for clinical science research; participate in the training of colleagues and students as needed.
- Identify, execute, and submit novel technology-related proposals for internal and external funding.
- Search and review pertinent scientific literature as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctorate in Psychology or Computing/Information Science (e.g., Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, AI) or related disciplines, or an equivalent qualification, and must have no more than five years of post-qualification experience at the time of application;
- Demonstrate a solid research trajectory and domain knowledge relevant to at least one or more of the following areas including natural language processing (NLP), generative AI (GenAI), conversational AI/dialogue systems, human-computer interaction (HCI), affective computing/emotion AI, experimental design with creative technology, user-centered design and interaction;
- Have a proven track record of research excellence, demonstrated by an outstanding publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals or top-tier conferences;
- Have strong analytical, programming, or experimental research capabilities aligned with the thematic focus above;
Desired Qualifications
- Have an excellent command of both written and spoken English;
- Have demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary research settings;
- Experience with a statistical software package (e.g., SAS; Statistica; R; SPSS; Matlab).
- Evidence of effective communication skills through teaching or professional presentation experience and/or professional publications.
- Prior extended reality (e.g., virtual reality; augmented reality) research experience through involvement in research projects.
- Prior game engine (e.g., Unreal; Unity) experience.
- Prior Natural Language Processing experience.
- Prior psychophysiology (e.g., EDA, ECG, EEG) research experience through involvement in research projects.
- Experience with quantitative methods and data analysis.
Application Instructions
Application materials should include a curriculum vitae; a letter of interest regarding the CNS Lab and describing how you meet the qualifications noted above; and contact information for 3 references including email addresses. Application deadline is May 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.
Inquiries can be directed to the Director of the CNS Lab—Thomas D. Parsons, PhD (Thomas.Parsons@ASU.edu), Grace Center Professor for Innovation in Clinical Education, Simulation Science, & Immersive Technology.
Application Process
This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
A background check is required for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.
Government Job Roles in Arizona
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Search Government Jobs in ArizonaGovernment Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Arizona sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Federal agencies with a significant Arizona presence, including defense and aerospace contractors working alongside Luke Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, regularly hire STEM-designated roles compatible with F-1 STEM OPT. State agencies under Arizona Department of Administration and municipal technology departments in Phoenix and Tucson also participate in STEM OPT hiring, though sponsorship practices vary by department and fiscal year.
Which cities in Arizona have the most government F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Phoenix concentrates the highest volume of government STEM OPT roles, driven by state agency headquarters, federal offices, and defense contractors clustered around the West Valley military installations. Tucson follows closely, supported by University of Arizona research partnerships and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base activities. Tempe and Chandler also see demand from government-adjacent technology firms holding public sector contracts.
What types of government roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles must appear on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list and involve practical application of STEM knowledge. In Arizona's government sector, qualifying positions commonly include data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, software engineers, geospatial analysts, environmental scientists, and systems engineers. The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the role must align with the student's degree field as confirmed by a formal training plan.
How do I find government F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Arizona?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa type and industry, making it straightforward to surface government and public sector roles in Arizona that are open to F-1 STEM OPT candidates. You can search by location and role type to identify employers with active STEM OPT hiring. Supplementing your search with OFLC Labor Condition Application disclosure data can also help confirm which Arizona government contractors have sponsored STEM workers previously.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Arizona government jobs?
Arizona's public sector employment sometimes involves security clearance requirements, particularly for roles tied to defense installations or federal contracts, which can affect F-1 students who are not yet permanent residents or citizens. Additionally, some state government positions are restricted to U.S. citizens by statute. Confirming eligibility requirements directly with each agency before applying is important, as STEM OPT authorization alone does not satisfy citizenship-based position restrictions.