Research Jobs at Old Dominion University with Visa Sponsorship
Research jobs at Old Dominion University span science, engineering, social sciences, and defense-related programs, drawing candidates who need employer-sponsored work authorization. ODU has an established process for sponsoring international researchers across multiple visa categories, making it a realistic target for candidates on OPT, H-1B visa, or TN visa status.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Title: RESEARCH VESSEL CAPTAIN SUPV
Agency: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Location: Norfolk, VA
FLSA: Exempt
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Job Description:
Manages all floating and shipyard operations of the R/V Fay Slover for OES. Responsible for supervision of assigned crew, vessel maintenance, repair, berthing, and operational safety. Consults with vessel scheduler and user parties on operating schedules and scientific mission logistics. Ensures vessel compliance with all federal, state, and University policies and regulations, including vessel inspections with US Coast Guard. Shipboard coordinator for all federal, Commonwealth, and University policies, including but not limited to EEO, non-discrimination, and anti-harassment policies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Considerable knowledge of various types of marine vessels and equipment; vessel operation, navigation and maintenance; and shipyard facilities and operations.
- Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of diesel and gas engines, pumps, compressors, generators, hydraulics, and electronic communication/navigation equipment common to marine vessels.
- Working knowledge of personnel management and administrative policies and procedures.
- Some knowledge of the operation and purpose of applicable marine research equipment.
- Effective communication skills with university personnel, government/legislative officials and their appointed agents, private entities and the general public.
- Proficiency with use of personal computers, including Microsoft Office software and e-mail applications.
- Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds on a daily basis and move throughout the vessel, able to enter voids and tanks.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
INTRODUCTION
Title: RESEARCH VESSEL CAPTAIN SUPV
Agency: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Location: Norfolk, VA
FLSA: Exempt
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Job Description:
Manages all floating and shipyard operations of the R/V Fay Slover for OES. Responsible for supervision of assigned crew, vessel maintenance, repair, berthing, and operational safety. Consults with vessel scheduler and user parties on operating schedules and scientific mission logistics. Ensures vessel compliance with all federal, state, and University policies and regulations, including vessel inspections with US Coast Guard. Shipboard coordinator for all federal, Commonwealth, and University policies, including but not limited to EEO, non-discrimination, and anti-harassment policies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Considerable knowledge of various types of marine vessels and equipment; vessel operation, navigation and maintenance; and shipyard facilities and operations.
- Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of diesel and gas engines, pumps, compressors, generators, hydraulics, and electronic communication/navigation equipment common to marine vessels.
- Working knowledge of personnel management and administrative policies and procedures.
- Some knowledge of the operation and purpose of applicable marine research equipment.
- Effective communication skills with university personnel, government/legislative officials and their appointed agents, private entities and the general public.
- Proficiency with use of personal computers, including Microsoft Office software and e-mail applications.
- Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds on a daily basis and move throughout the vessel, able to enter voids and tanks.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Jobs at Old Dominion University
Align your credentials with ODU's research focus areas
ODU's sponsored research heavily involves STEM disciplines, coastal and maritime science, cybersecurity, and modeling and simulation. Tailor your CV to highlight research outputs, grant involvement, or lab experience that maps directly to these institutional priorities before applying.
Target roles tied to external grant funding
Research positions funded by federal grants at universities are often easier to move through H-1B sponsorship because funding is already earmarked for the role. Ask during interviews whether the position is grant-funded or supported by a specific sponsored project.
Confirm OPT STEM extension eligibility early
If you're on F-1 OPT, verify ODU is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer. STEM OPT extensions require the employer to be E-Verify registered, and your I-983 training plan must be signed before your standard OPT expires.
Understand H-1B cap-exempt status for university roles
ODU, as a nonprofit university, qualifies as a cap-exempt H-1B employer. This means you can file an H-1B petition year-round without entering the annual lottery, which removes one of the biggest timing barriers for international research candidates.
Use Migrate Mate to identify open Research roles at ODU
Research positions at universities are often posted across multiple internal and external channels and can close quickly. Use Migrate Mate to filter for ODU research roles that explicitly offer visa sponsorship, so you're targeting openings before they fill.
Prepare for PERM if a Green Card pathway is part of your plan
University research roles frequently support EB-2 or EB-3 Green Card petitions through PERM labor certification filed with the DOL. Start that conversation with HR during the offer stage, not after you've been in the role for a year, since PERM timelines at universities can run 18 months or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Old Dominion University sponsor H-1B visas for Research roles?
Yes. Old Dominion University sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying research positions. As a nonprofit university, ODU is cap-exempt under USCIS rules, meaning it can file H-1B petitions at any point in the year without waiting for the annual April lottery. This makes ODU a particularly accessible employer for international researchers who missed the cap-subject lottery or need to start quickly.
How do I apply for Research jobs at Old Dominion University?
Research positions at ODU are posted through its official HR portal and often through departmental or grant-specific announcements. Applications typically require a CV, cover letter, and research statement. For international candidates, it's worth confirming visa sponsorship availability in your application materials or at the initial interview stage. Migrate Mate aggregates ODU research openings that include visa sponsorship, which can simplify the search.
Which visa types does Old Dominion University commonly use for Research positions?
ODU sponsors H-1B visas most commonly for research staff and postdoctoral researchers. F-1 OPT and STEM OPT extensions are used by recent graduates transitioning into research roles. TN status is available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying research classifications. For longer-term appointments, ODU also supports EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card petitions through PERM labor certification filed with the DOL.
What qualifications does ODU typically expect for sponsored Research roles?
Most sponsored research positions at ODU require a graduate degree, often a master's or doctorate, in a relevant STEM or social science field. Postdoctoral roles typically require a completed PhD and a publication record. For research scientist or specialist roles, prior grant-funded project experience and familiarity with federal research compliance standards, such as IRB or export control requirements, strengthens an application significantly.
How do I handle visa timing when transitioning into a Research role at ODU?
If you're moving from OPT, confirm your OPT expiration date and STEM extension eligibility before your start date. For H-1B transfers from another employer, ODU can file a cap-exempt transfer petition, and you're authorized to begin work as soon as USCIS receives the petition, not after approval. Build in at least eight to twelve weeks for LCA certification through the DOL and petition preparation before your desired start date.