Education STEM OPT Jobs in Kansas
Education F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Kansas span edtech, data analytics in K-12 districts, and research roles at the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Wichita, Lawrence, and Manhattan concentrate most opportunities. Employers in this sector actively file Labor Condition Applications for STEM-designated positions in instructional technology, data science, and educational research.
Find Education JobsOverview
Showing 2 of 5+ Education STEM OPT Jobs in Kansas
See all Education STEM OPT Jobs in Kansas
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Education STEM OPT Jobs in Kansas.
Get Access To All JobsPosition Overview
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral researcher position in computational and theoretical condensed matter physics. The postdoc will be co-supervised by Dr. Qunfei Zhou at the University of Kansas (KU) and Dr. Kirill Belashchenko at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).
Starting Date: Spring 2026, or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled (also negotiable).
Length of Appointment: The initial appointment would be for one year with the possibility of renewal annually for three subsequent years subject to review and to continued funding availability.
GENERAL DUTIES: The successful candidate will study exotic magnetic and topological states in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials by applying and developing advanced computational and theoretical approaches. The postdoc will work within a collaborated team of experimental and computational experts from KU and UNL.
Job Description
Job Duties:
- Conduct the computational and theoretical research on magnetic and topological properties in van der Waals materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, tight-binding and machine learning methods.
- Provide theoretical predictions to guide experiments, and atomic-scale physical understanding to experimental observations.
- Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presenting work at local and national/international scientific conferences.
Specific Job Duties (percentage of time)
- 90% – computational and theoretical research. Provide theory support to experiments. Documentation, presentation and publication of research results.
- 10% – Assist the faculty in guiding the group's graduate and undergraduate students.
Required Qualifications
Evaluation of the required qualifications and preferred qualifications will be made through (1) records of accomplishments entered in CV, (2) description of research and education experience provided in the application materials, (3) references, (4) publications as appropriate, and (5) the interview process.
- A Ph.D. in physics, materials science or a related field by date of appointment.
- Research experience in density functional theory (DFT) or tight-binding modeling of materials, as demonstrated in application materials.
NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6 months.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in DFT or tight-binding modeling of materials, as evidenced in application materials.
- Previous work experience that required Python programming skills, as evidenced in application materials.
- Previous experience that required good communication skills, as evidenced in cover letter and other application materials.
Additional Candidate Instructions
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (including publications list)
- At least two letters of recommendation
Application review begins Saturday, November 1, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Qunfei Zhou (qunfei.zhou@ku.edu)
Advertised Salary Range
$58,656 commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
Saturday November 1, 2025
Anticipated Start Date
Thursday January 1, 2026
Posting Information
- Posting ID: 31506BR
- Department: Physics and Astronomy
- Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
- Assignment: On-Site
- Reg/Temp: Regular
- Employee Class: U-Unclassified Professional Staff
- Review Begins: 01-Nov-2025
Position Overview
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral researcher position in computational and theoretical condensed matter physics. The postdoc will be co-supervised by Dr. Qunfei Zhou at the University of Kansas (KU) and Dr. Kirill Belashchenko at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).
Starting Date: Spring 2026, or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled (also negotiable).
Length of Appointment: The initial appointment would be for one year with the possibility of renewal annually for three subsequent years subject to review and to continued funding availability.
GENERAL DUTIES: The successful candidate will study exotic magnetic and topological states in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials by applying and developing advanced computational and theoretical approaches. The postdoc will work within a collaborated team of experimental and computational experts from KU and UNL.
Job Description
Job Duties:
- Conduct the computational and theoretical research on magnetic and topological properties in van der Waals materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, tight-binding and machine learning methods.
- Provide theoretical predictions to guide experiments, and atomic-scale physical understanding to experimental observations.
- Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presenting work at local and national/international scientific conferences.
Specific Job Duties (percentage of time)
- 90% – computational and theoretical research. Provide theory support to experiments. Documentation, presentation and publication of research results.
- 10% – Assist the faculty in guiding the group's graduate and undergraduate students.
Required Qualifications
Evaluation of the required qualifications and preferred qualifications will be made through (1) records of accomplishments entered in CV, (2) description of research and education experience provided in the application materials, (3) references, (4) publications as appropriate, and (5) the interview process.
- A Ph.D. in physics, materials science or a related field by date of appointment.
- Research experience in density functional theory (DFT) or tight-binding modeling of materials, as demonstrated in application materials.
NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6 months.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in DFT or tight-binding modeling of materials, as evidenced in application materials.
- Previous work experience that required Python programming skills, as evidenced in application materials.
- Previous experience that required good communication skills, as evidenced in cover letter and other application materials.
Additional Candidate Instructions
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (including publications list)
- At least two letters of recommendation
Application review begins Saturday, November 1, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Qunfei Zhou (qunfei.zhou@ku.edu)
Advertised Salary Range
$58,656 commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
Saturday November 1, 2025
Anticipated Start Date
Thursday January 1, 2026
Posting Information
- Posting ID: 31506BR
- Department: Physics and Astronomy
- Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
- Assignment: On-Site
- Reg/Temp: Regular
- Employee Class: U-Unclassified Professional Staff
- Review Begins: 01-Nov-2025
STEM OPT Education Job Roles in Kansas
See all Education STEM OPT Jobs in Kansas
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Education Jobs in KansasEducation STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Kansas: Frequently Asked Questions
Which education companies and institutions sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Kansas?
Kansas's largest education employers with F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history include the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, and Wichita Public Schools. Research centers and edtech firms operating within these institutions also file Labor Condition Applications for STEM-designated roles. Sponsorship is most consistent for positions in data analytics, instructional technology, and institutional research rather than general teaching roles.
Which cities in Kansas have the most education F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Lawrence and Manhattan host the highest concentration of education STEM OPT sponsorship jobs, anchored by the University of Kansas and Kansas State University respectively. Wichita adds volume through Wichita State University and the city's large K-12 district infrastructure. Manhattan's Aggieville corridor and KSU's research park also attract edtech and educational data roles that qualify for STEM OPT designation.
What types of education roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Kansas?
Roles that commonly qualify include data analyst positions within institutional research offices, instructional design specialists, learning management system administrators, educational software engineers, and curriculum technology coordinators. These positions must carry a STEM degree classification classified as STEM-eligible under SEVP guidelines. Traditional classroom teaching positions generally do not qualify, but roles combining pedagogy with data systems or technology development often do.
How do I find education F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Kansas?
Migrate Mate filters education jobs in Kansas specifically for employers with verified F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history, using DOL Labor Condition Application data. You can search by STEM-designated STEM degree classifications and narrow results to Kansas cities like Lawrence, Manhattan, and Wichita. This saves significant time compared to manually checking employer LCA filing records through OFLC Wage Search to verify each institution's sponsorship track record.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Kansas?
Kansas education employers must enroll in E-Verify to sponsor STEM OPT extensions, which universities generally maintain but smaller edtech firms may not. Kansas's public university system is subject to state procurement and hiring processes that can extend onboarding timelines. STEM OPT candidates should confirm their role's STEM degree classification qualifies under SEVP's designated STEM occupations list and ensure their DSO updates their I-20 before the 90-day unemployment clock creates complications.