Education F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
F-1 STEM OPT education jobs in Iowa are concentrated at research universities and edtech organizations, with the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and ACT Inc. among the employers with documented OPT hiring history. Des Moines and Iowa City see the most activity. Roles in instructional technology, data analytics, and curriculum development align with STEM OPT's 24-month extension eligibility.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate – Virology and RNA Biology
Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The postdoctoral researcher will design and conduct virological and RNA-based experiments to define cis-acting RNA requirements and characterize the single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) assembly architecture that governs genome assortment in mammalian orthoreovirus.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in microbiology, molecular biology technical experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience working with RNA, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatic analysis of sequencing pipelines.
- Experience with intracellular pathogens (e.g., bacteria and viruses).
- Strong wet lab skills, including viral assays, tissue culture techniques, and immunological assays (e.g., Western blot, immunofluorescence).
Department/Program & College Description:
VMPM’s mission is to create an environment that promotes excellence in teaching, research and service through innovation and discovery. The department imparts knowledge and skills in infectious diseases, encourages lifelong learning, conducts basic and applied research focused on animal and human health, participates in professional and community service, and partners with stakeholders to address societal needs.
Department Unit/Website:
Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine - Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date: June 17, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
Time Type: Part time
Pay Grade: Post Docs
Original Posting Date: May 11, 2026
Posting Close Date: May 18, 2026
Job Requisition Number: R19186
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate – Virology and RNA Biology
Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The postdoctoral researcher will design and conduct virological and RNA-based experiments to define cis-acting RNA requirements and characterize the single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) assembly architecture that governs genome assortment in mammalian orthoreovirus.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in microbiology, molecular biology technical experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience working with RNA, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatic analysis of sequencing pipelines.
- Experience with intracellular pathogens (e.g., bacteria and viruses).
- Strong wet lab skills, including viral assays, tissue culture techniques, and immunological assays (e.g., Western blot, immunofluorescence).
Department/Program & College Description:
VMPM’s mission is to create an environment that promotes excellence in teaching, research and service through innovation and discovery. The department imparts knowledge and skills in infectious diseases, encourages lifelong learning, conducts basic and applied research focused on animal and human health, participates in professional and community service, and partners with stakeholders to address societal needs.
Department Unit/Website:
Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine - Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date: June 17, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
Time Type: Part time
Pay Grade: Post Docs
Original Posting Date: May 11, 2026
Posting Close Date: May 18, 2026
Job Requisition Number: R19186
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Education Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Education Jobs in IowaEducation Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which education companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Iowa?
Employers with documented F-1 OPT hiring in Iowa's education sector include the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and ACT Inc. in Iowa City. These organizations regularly hire for data, technology, and research roles that qualify under STEM OPT's eligible occupation requirements. Sponsorship practices vary by department and role, so verifying active Labor Condition Application filings for specific positions is advisable.
Which cities in Iowa have the most education F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Iowa City and Ames account for the largest share of education STEM OPT roles in the state, driven by the University of Iowa and Iowa State University respectively. Des Moines adds a secondary concentration through private edtech companies, workforce development organizations, and community college systems. Cedar Rapids also sees activity from education technology vendors and regional training providers that hire for technical and data-focused positions.
What types of education roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that typically qualify are those classified under STEM-designated Standard Occupational Classification codes. In education, this includes instructional design technologists, educational data analysts, learning management system administrators, research scientists, and software developers working within academic or edtech settings. General teaching positions and purely administrative roles usually do not fall under eligible SOC codes. Checking the role's SOC classification against the STEM OPT designated degree list via USCIS is the definitive verification step.
How do I find education F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate filters education job listings in Iowa by F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, showing employers with verified Labor Condition Application filing history so you can identify which organizations have actively sponsored international candidates. Searching by the Education industry tag and selecting Iowa narrows results to relevant employers in Iowa City, Ames, and Des Moines. Confirming that the posted role carries a STEM-designated SOC code before applying saves significant time in the screening process.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Iowa's education sector?
Iowa requires STEM OPT employers to be enrolled in E-Verify, a federal requirement that applies nationally but is worth confirming with smaller Iowa-based edtech firms and community colleges, which may not always participate. Public university positions in Iowa are subject to state procurement and hiring timelines that can extend onboarding, so coordinating OPT start dates with offer letters requires careful planning. Iowa's education sector also relies on grant-funded research roles, where sponsorship capacity may depend on the funding cycle of individual grants rather than institutional policy.