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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Muscle contraction is required for vital bodily functions such as breathing, heart contractility, and movement. It is based on the interaction between two filamentous systems: the thick (myosin) and the thin (actin) filaments. This interaction is regulated by Ca2+ and myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C). We use state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy and computational approaches to study the regulation of thin filaments by Ca2+ and cMyBP-C in order to reveal molecular mechanisms that underlie heart diseases. Our studies pave the way for new therapeutic approaches and drug discovery. We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who either has experience working with muscle proteins or has training in high-resolution cryo-EM.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Image analysis of cryo-EM images of thin filaments, their complexes with cMyBP-C, or pathogenic variants.
- Purification of thin filaments, preparation of samples for cryo-EM
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Education and/or training: PhD
- Level and type of experience: experience working with muscle proteins or training in high-resolution cryo-EM
- Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of the structure of cardiac muscle and its components, experience in biochemistry or biophysical approaches to muscle proteins; and/or experience in cryo-EM, RELION, Cryo-SPARC, PHENIX, Chimera
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Other: knowledge of modeling and MDS is a plus
This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
To apply: click Job Browsing; and follow the link for position #26-046. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.
As part of our commitment to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws, the Research Foundation includes a good-faith salary range in all job postings. These ranges represent the expected hiring range for the position, not the full compensation band.
Final salary offers may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and budget availability. The anticipated salary range for this position is: $60,000.00 to $70,000.00
INTRODUCTION
Muscle contraction is required for vital bodily functions such as breathing, heart contractility, and movement. It is based on the interaction between two filamentous systems: the thick (myosin) and the thin (actin) filaments. This interaction is regulated by Ca2+ and myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C). We use state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy and computational approaches to study the regulation of thin filaments by Ca2+ and cMyBP-C in order to reveal molecular mechanisms that underlie heart diseases. Our studies pave the way for new therapeutic approaches and drug discovery. We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who either has experience working with muscle proteins or has training in high-resolution cryo-EM.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Image analysis of cryo-EM images of thin filaments, their complexes with cMyBP-C, or pathogenic variants.
- Purification of thin filaments, preparation of samples for cryo-EM
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Education and/or training: PhD
- Level and type of experience: experience working with muscle proteins or training in high-resolution cryo-EM
- Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of the structure of cardiac muscle and its components, experience in biochemistry or biophysical approaches to muscle proteins; and/or experience in cryo-EM, RELION, Cryo-SPARC, PHENIX, Chimera
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Other: knowledge of modeling and MDS is a plus
This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
To apply: click Job Browsing; and follow the link for position #26-046. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.
As part of our commitment to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws, the Research Foundation includes a good-faith salary range in all job postings. These ranges represent the expected hiring range for the position, not the full compensation band.
Final salary offers may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and budget availability. The anticipated salary range for this position is: $60,000.00 to $70,000.00
Tips 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.