UCSF — Postdoctoral Research
San Francisco, California · Research Fellowship
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
UCSF Office for Postdoctoral Scholars (OPS) — located in San Francisco's Mission Bay campus — administers postdoctoral training across UCSF's four schools (Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing) and the Graduate Division. Approximately 1,400 postdocs are at UCSF at any given time, one of the largest postdoctoral communities in US academic medicine. MD/MBBS graduates pursuing clinical/translational/health-services research apply DIRECTLY to faculty principal investigators — UCSF does not run a central postdoc application; OPS's role is post-hire: benefits administration, J1 (research scholar) or H1B sponsorship, professional development programming, mentoring committees, and UC system policy compliance. Stipends follow UC postdoc scale (~$60-75k base + step increases by years of experience + full UC system benefits). Appointments are typically 1-5 years (UC system policy caps at 5 years total postdoc time). Path to USCE for IMGs: identify UCSF faculty whose research aligns; cold-email with CV + research statement + cover letter; if PI is interested, the lab/department initiates the OPS appointment + visa process. Note: this is the postdoctoral RESEARCH track. For visiting medical student clerkships see UCSF Visiting Student Program (meded.ucsf.edu/visiting-student-program) — that is the next 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
- 1-5 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, research background | Visa: J1
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