Stanford Medicine — Postdoctoral Research
Stanford, California · Research Fellowship
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
Stanford Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) administers postdoctoral training across all Stanford schools and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. ~2,000 postdocs at any time. MD/MBBS graduates pursuing US clinical/translational research apply DIRECTLY to faculty principal investigators — not via a central application. OPA's role is post-hire: benefits administration, J1 (research scholar) or H1B sponsorship, professional development programs, mentoring resources, and policy oversight. Stipends generally follow NIH NRSA scale ($65k-75k+ depending on years of experience). Appointments are typically 1-3 years. Path to USCE: cold-email Stanford faculty whose research aligns; if accepted, the lab/department initiates the OPA appointment + visa process. Note: this is the postdoctoral RESEARCH track — for visiting medical student clerkships see Stanford SOM Visiting Clerkships (med.stanford.edu/visiting-clerkships), and for short-term graduate observerships see Stanford Tri-Valley Visiting Observer Program (separate listing).
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Verified direct sourceAudited URL — no platform middleman, no scraped data
- Stipend-payingReceives a paid stipend (rare for IMG observerships)
- Multi-specialty (5+)Placement available across multiple clinical departments
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 1-3 years of structured clinical experience
- Placement in your chosen specialty across 5 departments
- Direct supervision by attending faculty
- Rounds, case discussions, and bedside teaching participation
How to apply
- Identify a faculty host or coordinator at the program.Many IMG observerships require a faculty sponsor BEFORE you can apply. Use the contact email in the sidebar.
- Submit your application packet directly to the program.Typical packet: CV, USMLE scores or ECFMG certificate, letter of intent, proof of funding, immunizations, and (for INTL) translated medical license.
- Pay any required application or program fee.Many programs charge a non-refundable application fee + per-rotation program fee. See the cost tile above for this program's specific amounts.
- Complete pre-arrival paperwork and visa coordination.Most IMG observerships do not sponsor educational visas — applicants travel on B-1/B-2 visitor status. Confirm before booking travel.
Available specialties
Eligibility requirements
MD/MBBS or PhD, strong research background, computational skills valued | Visa: J1, H1B
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